Questions about parametric EQing

[Vince]

Right. I don't understand parametric EQing.

I've been told that, if I don't want to use a Feedback buster on my ABG (or of said Feedback buster is uhm... a bust) then I can always get a parametric EQ, find the frequency that's feedbacking and roll that off. Easy. Apparently.

What I don't understand is this:

a) Why are current parametric EQ pedals so hard to find? You can mostly find them on eBay but the affordable ones (about US$150) are often discontinued items from the 80s/90s. Do they just not work as pedals?

b) If I roll off a whole band of sound, won't things sound crap?

c) what's a reasonable price for a parametric EQ, regardless of whether it's pedal or rack?

d) could I not run the bass through a laptop or something instead?

[aliasceiza]

No idea about the cost of pedals, or why they wouldn't be very popular, I'd guess that graphic EQ is probably more functional in pedal form, however, depending on the Q of the parametric, rolling off a band won't hurt your over all sound too much, you might only need to roll off a little bit, if it's feedback you're trying to get rid of!

You could try a rack mount 31 band EQ, might be cheaper than a fancy old out of production parametric EQ, or try one of the graphic eq pedals instead!

The cool thing about the parametric, is that it's easy to find the freq that's playing up by cranking the band gain right up, and then sweeping the freq up and down until it squeals, then you've found it!

[capt abaham]

no matter the problem, someone will have a box that can fix it.

[Vince]

...or try one of the graphic eq pedals instead!

I get the feeling that the problem with graphic EQ pedals is that you've just got the bands that are on there, so if your feedback frequency is not one of those bands, you're out of luck. But like I said, it's just a feeling, I don't know if that's true or not.

[Timi]

You could try a rack mount 31 band EQ, might be cheaper than a fancy old out of production parametric EQ, or try one of the graphic eq pedals instead!

Don't know if it would actually be a problem, but they're made to be run at line level.

[aliasceiza]

...or try one of the graphic eq pedals instead!

I get the feeling that the problem with graphic EQ pedals is that you've just got the bands that are on there, so if your feedback frequency is not one of those bands, you're out of luck. But like I said, it's just a feeling, I don't know if that's true or not.

Yeah, but you can get a 10 band pedal, probably more somewhere, so one of them bands shouldn't be too far off, but parametric is probably a better idea...I wonder why they aren't more popular, especially amongst bass players!

[aliasceiza]

You could try a rack mount 31 band EQ, might be cheaper than a fancy old out of production parametric EQ, or try one of the graphic eq pedals instead!

Don't know if it would actually be a problem, but they're made to be run at line level.

Shouldn't make too much difference in the fx loop of an amp, and they don't cost much second hand!

[dayl]

Yeah, you can eq it out.... I remember something along the lines of the frequency you need to dial out being dependant on the setup of the amp,speakers and mic as well as the space of the room, maybe some one could clarify or second this.

What this would mean, is that if subtractive EQ is your only option, an EQ with the more bands would be best considering not only all the different adjustments you potentially need to make, but if you only had 10 bands to play with, you could probably end up taking a chunk of your tone out of the mix as well, more than is needed.

In any case, you should be able to control the feedback without scooping too much out of your tone... similar to how you usually only need to lower the level a little (hopefully) to remove the feedback too.

tuning by ear should be straight forward enough. I would personally prefer a graphic eq. Something with an adjustable notch filter would be better.... maybe digital.

Anyways.. dont take my word for bond... I think I'm pretty much there... but it has been a while... maybe you just need a new guitar

[Vince]

maybe you just need a new guitar

LOL this IS about my new guitar.

[dayl]

Haha oops

[crowbgood1]

What is an ABG? I have one of these forsale

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Boss-PQ-4-Param ... 20ca829dcb

[Vince]

What is an ABG? I have one of these forsale

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Boss-PQ-4-Param ... 20ca829dcb

ABG = Acoustic Bass Guitar.

Really? How much? Or is that the one you're selling?

[crowbgood1]

100 plus postage. It not in good nick like that one. will do picks if your interested.

Do you run your bass through amp, mic, desk or DI to desk?

Just got it out. Condition is good (lightly worn) all works fine. No box. These are a bit rare as only made for one year.
Controls are High.. with sweep from 500 to 8k Mid.. with sweep 100 1.6k. It also has a low and presence and a level.
Not sure what the q factor is on the sweep. I will look on the net.

[Vince]

100 plus postage. It not in good nick like that one. will do picks if your interested.

Do you run your bass through amp, mic, desk or DI to desk?

Yeah, ok, definitely interested. Not terribly fussed about pics, I guess.

At the moment I am running the bass through an amp.

[crowbgood1]

It may do the job. I have no idea what the q factor is but because it is fixed I would guess it is a 'bell curve" i would guess you would need something you could notch filter with. Maybe the good Captain could give you some advise on this.

Here is a thread that tries to explain parametric eq.
http://www.musictoyzforums.com/showthre ... -4%29-work