|
Post by langford on Aug 5, 2021 10:49:47 GMT -5
Do you have a preference? Do you prefer one over the other in specific applications? I'm interested in buying an EQ pedal and curious to tap the collective wisdom of Moe's.
Here my situation: I've been poking around with my Mesa Engineering 5:25 amp, looking for ways to deal with a slightly boxy sound. I'm starting to think that it's some lower mid frequencies are what's bugging me. So, I'm interested in experimenting with an EQ pedal to see what that does. A graphic EQ will obviously let me notch some specific frequencies, but I wondering if I'll get a more nuanced response with a paramentric EQ. Or or those less "notchable?"
PS. In spite of the above, I'm mostly convinced that my issue with the amp lives entirely in my head. On one day, I'll plug in, tweak the settings and think "there's the sweet spot." The next day, I can't imagine what I was hearing the day before. My second piece of evidence that I'm the problem: I've never owned an amp that didn't frustrate me in one way or another.
|
|
|
Post by reverendrob on Aug 5, 2021 14:04:53 GMT -5
The notch on a para is typically set by the Q in addition to the frequency - how wide it is will matter. I generally prefer a para myself - something with two bands there is ideal (and why I use a pair of old vintage analog Boss rackmount preamps for the dual paras on one channel, and footswitchable to a single on the other, each with distinct overall EQ settings).
If I'm using something else though, I go with a Pultec (or clone) out of preference - I love how the things work as channel strips or feeding into amps. It WON'T fix a boxy amp, though - it requires headroom to shine there.
I haven't ever really found a use for graphic EQ outside of "Hi, I'm in Metallica" metal.
Boxy isn't usually EQ - I'd run the amp out to a different speaker cab and see if that solves the issue (or shows that it's the speaker/cab/room combo).
|
|
|
Post by langford on Aug 5, 2021 14:16:34 GMT -5
Thanks, Rob. I've been hoping to avoid auditioning a bunch of speakers... but if that's what it comes down to, then that's what it is.
|
|
|
Post by reverendrob on Aug 5, 2021 15:30:53 GMT -5
I'd check another cab if you have an option - sometimes on combos it's the box itself
|
|
|
Post by langford on Aug 5, 2021 18:59:58 GMT -5
You gave me an idea, Rob. I live a couple of blocks from the store where I bought the amp. I'm sure the guys would let me try it out with some of the cabs they have. They're pretty easygoing. Thanks for the suggestion!
|
|
|
Post by Leftee on Aug 7, 2021 7:49:03 GMT -5
I’ve got a Mesa Recto-Verb 25 head and it sounds amazing through a 2x12. I second Rob’s recommendation.
The specific cab I’m taking about is a Marshall MX212AR refitted with a pair of Jensen Nighthawks. I know, that should be considered sacrilege, but that cab kills with those speakers.
|
|
sirWheat
Wholenote
For a better future, play Stevie Wonder for your children.
Posts: 314
|
Post by sirWheat on Aug 7, 2021 20:49:25 GMT -5
I use the Tone Job by Earthquaker Devices. I like it a lot. Simple as they come and you can boost the signal if you like. It does a nice job of warming things up when needed.
|
|
|
Post by langford on Aug 8, 2021 20:06:22 GMT -5
sirWheat... I'll check that out. I like Earthquaker.
|
|
|
Post by Stinger22 on Aug 13, 2021 21:31:05 GMT -5
Do you have a preference? Do you prefer one over the other in specific applications? I'm interested in buying an EQ pedal and curious to tap the collective wisdom of Moe's. Here my situation: I've been poking around with my Mesa Engineering 5:25 amp, looking for ways to deal with a slightly boxy sound. I'm starting to think that it's some lower mid frequencies are what's bugging me. So, I'm interested in experimenting with an EQ pedal to see what that does. A graphic EQ will obviously let me notch some specific frequencies, but I wondering if I'll get a more nuanced response with a paramentric EQ. Or or those less "notchable?" PS. In spite of the above, I'm mostly convinced that my issue with the amp lives entirely in my head. On one day, I'll plug in, tweak the settings and think "there's the sweet spot." The next day, I can't imagine what I was hearing the day before. My second piece of evidence that I'm the problem: I've never owned an amp that didn't frustrate me in one way or another. You must have the original 5:25 Express. I have the plus with the graphic equalizer. It also has the option to use the original Contour knob and in fact that is what I use instead of the equalizer on my cleans. When I gigged it it was easier to use that when switching from a single to a hummie and keep the overall tone I had going. The 5:25+ was voiced a little different too more blackface I believe. Hope you find the way to go. They are sweet amps people seem to seek out now.
|
|
|
Post by Peegoo 🏁 on Aug 14, 2021 19:26:04 GMT -5
I think you mean "parametric," because instead of a control the boosts or cuts a fixed-frequency band, e.g., a graphic EQ, the parametric allows you to sweep the boost/cut very discretely within the band it affects. You set the EQ parameter and then you boost or cut. Some better parametrics can get really surgical into a really narrow band. Parametrics are great for handling problems like feedback, because you can tune it to the resonant peak(s) of any room or space. They are also really good for enhancing a resonant peak if you use feedback as a musical device. Frank Zappa had a Q control like this in several of his guitars and would tune the Q to get feedback once the room filled with people.
Graphic EQs are great for tuning the overall sound of a guitar or PA. A graphic EQ pedal also works really well as a boost in front of an amp.
|
|
|
Post by Leftee on Aug 14, 2021 19:34:25 GMT -5
|
|
|
Post by jaxjaxon on Aug 31, 2021 23:09:55 GMT -5
I like graphic EQ. It works just like Peegoo said you can adjust you tone to boost or cut and works well as a clean, treble or any sound you want boost. In fact I use one after my tube OD for shapeing the tone, or cut/boost.
|
|
|
Post by LeftyMeister on Sept 20, 2021 8:11:42 GMT -5
I find a graphic EQ works better for live situations because the frequencies are not as interactive. With a parametric EQ, it seems the controls are more interactive and are not as easy to adjust on-the-fly.
|
|
|
Post by Taildragger on Sept 20, 2021 11:03:01 GMT -5
An MXR 10-band graphic resides on my bass pedal board. I'm a technological simpleton, so graphic is better/more user friendly for me, probably for the reason stated by LeftyMeister above. When I've tried using parametric, it has seemed as if the tone for which I'm searching becomes a moving target. More nuanced results may be achievable with it, but being a bit obsessive/compulsive, I can easily get sucked into excessive knob twiddling.
I think we sometimes obsess about minute sonic details that are lost on the average music consumer.
|
|
|
Post by Leftee on Sept 20, 2021 11:05:30 GMT -5
I like a parametric when looking for a certain voice.
|
|
|
Post by LeftyMeister on Sept 20, 2021 11:27:12 GMT -5
I think we sometimes obsess about minute sonic details that are lost on the average music consumer. I disagree. Love, Eric Johnson
|
|
|
Post by Taildragger on Sept 20, 2021 13:07:39 GMT -5
If you look at the "rig rundown" I posted of Brent Mason's gear recently, at one point he talks about how he always has to restrain himself from reaching down to tweak knobs on his pedals mid-song. He says that watching footage of himself playing drives him nuts because he sees how many times he looks down at his pedal board while playing because he wants to adjust something.
|
|
|
Post by reverendrob on Sept 20, 2021 15:24:25 GMT -5
An MXR 10-band graphic resides on my bass pedal board. I'm a technological simpleton, so graphic is better/more user friendly for me, probably for the reason stated by LeftyMeister above. When I've tried using parametric, it has seemed as if the tone for which I'm searching becomes a moving target. More nuanced results may be achievable with it, but being a bit obsessive/compulsive, I can easily get sucked into excessive knob twiddling.
I think we sometimes obsess about minute sonic details that are lost on the average music consumer.
I make music for exceptional weirdos and know it, so I'm safe there.
|
|