Yep, the EQ voicing is different, but I found it instantly useful. I haven't played around with it that much, but I find the choice of different frequencies within the same buttons provide a better 3 band EQ than a fixed frequency 3 band EQ.
The bass control's negative side at 80Hz is efficient for taking out critical frequencies otherwise booming in the room acoustic response, while on the positive side it gives that extra thump around 100Hz, giving more punch and less rumble than EQing those lower frequencies.
I haven't played around with the mid much, but found that it worked best with my basses and cabs a bit on the positive side.
The Treble control is quite different, depending on which way you go from the 12 oclock position: Going negative, it takes out those harsh, shouty frequencies that kan be quite annoying in the border between upper mid and lower treble at 1800Hz. But on the positive side, it accentuates 5000Hz instead, which is pure treble, adding that high frequency sting and definition, but without adding to the shouty upper midrange. This takes some getting used to, though, since it is so radically different, depending on which way you go. But I think this is a stroke of genious, as it turns into a quite useful control in its entire range.
For those who haven't read the specs:
Bass: 80Hz @ Gain: -24 to 0dB; 100Hz @ Gain 0 to +15dB
Mid: 500Hz @ Gain: -24 to 0dB; 800Hz @ Gain 0 to +15dB & 0 to -12 dB
Treble: 1800Hz @ Gain: -24 to 0dB; 5000Hz @ Gain 0 to +15dB
