Multiple EQ pedals and order of pedals. Does it matter?

[jacoby75]

Hey guys,

Question for you. If I'm running preamps and EQ pedals in a chain, and even a LPF/HPF, does the order I run them in impact the end result of the signal or not? For example, in this scenario I recently got a Barber Linden EQ. I want to run it with a Trickfish Minnow preamp. (I could just try it and answer my own question, I know, but the way my pedalboard is set up it would be difficult to try it before the Minnow, so bear with me here. I'm speaking theoretically). The Linden after the Minnow sounds really good, but the Minnow is a bit hot and clips the Linden. I'm wondering if the Linden would sound the same before the Minnow as it does after the Minnow. Or if the EQ curves of the Linden would impact how the EQ curves of the Minnow react differently, depending on where it is, and vice versa.

For example, let's say the Linden boosts bass at 40Hz (the manual does not specify the frequency points), and the Minnow boosts at 80Hz. If I boost 40Hz first and then boost 80Hz, would it sound the same as if I boosted 80Hz first and then boosted 40Hz after? (If that makes sense).

I know with the HPF/LPF, putting it at the front or end of a chain can impact how other pedals react, because you're cutting off certain frequencies above and below the cutoff(s). But if you have two different EQ pedals running simultaneously, does it matter what order you run them in?

Thanks

 

[gh0st42]

I'd guess it will be pretty subtle, but you'll probably get some slight differences depending on order of you're EQs, and where in the chain the boost is occuring.

Majority of that will likely be difference in the eq of the signal driving your gain stages. IE More boost at 40Hz from the Linden driving the input of the Trickfish will sound a little different than less boosted at 40hz driving the Minnow.

 

[jacoby75]

I also wonder how what kind of eq it is impacts the end result. Like, if one is a shelving eq, and the other is “the other kind” (I don’t know the technical term for the other kind. Band pass?), how might that make a difference in their order impacting the end result, if at all?

EG, the bass eq of the Minnow is a shelving eq at 80Hz. Let’s say the bass eq of the Linden is a band pass at 40Hz. So if you boost 40Hz and some frequencies around it with the Linden, boosting the Minnow would then take all of that which is already boosted from 80Hz and below, and raise it even more, equally across the spectrum, thereby elevating the whole bass curve. Vs using the Minnow first to boost everything 80Hz and lower, and then using the Linden to boost the 40Hz range of what is already boosted even further? I dunno. This is making my head hurt. It’s starting to sound too much like math.