Hi, I'm curious about the difference in how these preamps actually go about changing the tone. I understand pretty much how the filters work, its in the name, but how exactly does the cut/boost preamp actually go about cutting or boosting the signal? Does the boost/cut just mean that the volume for those particular frequencies is adjusted, or does it go and add or remove frequencies that are present when the eq is set flat? I don't expect a full scientific answer, I just want to know how this works in layman's terms. Also, I tried search and couldn't really find anything like this, maybe I missed it. Thanks in advance.
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Filter vs Cut/Boost preamps
- Thread starter eARTHLING
- Start date
bongomania
Commercial User
I posted a reply a second ago but then realized I had misread part of your post. The main thing is that EQ just adjusts the volume of various frequency ranges. There are EQ's called "notch filters" which can be said to "remove" certain frequencies, but they are very uncommon on bass amps.
A filter is an EQ is a filter. The difference with the so-called filter-based preamps is they have control over the resonance of selected frequencies. Resonance is an acoustic property that basically means a certain frequency has a tendency to amplify itself in a reactive, gradual way (as opposed to just turning up the volume of that frequency with a fixed EQ setting).
A filter is an EQ is a filter. The difference with the so-called filter-based preamps is they have control over the resonance of selected frequencies. Resonance is an acoustic property that basically means a certain frequency has a tendency to amplify itself in a reactive, gradual way (as opposed to just turning up the volume of that frequency with a fixed EQ setting).
EQs do not ADD frequencies, the EQUALIZE them, a fancy word for adjustment. if the frequencies that you want to boost are not present in the original signal at least a little, there is nothing to boost.
It is not much difference than turning your amp volume up and down, except that they are limited to a particular range of frequencies.
Graphic equalizers are the same - just with many more small frequency bands instead of 2 or 3 wide bands.
It takes active electronics to provide boost - that is why passive basses are cut only.
It is not much difference than turning your amp volume up and down, except that they are limited to a particular range of frequencies.
Graphic equalizers are the same - just with many more small frequency bands instead of 2 or 3 wide bands.
It takes active electronics to provide boost - that is why passive basses are cut only.
