EQ pedals are nothing new to guitar or bass players, but Source Audio’s new pedal allows for storable presets, while still maintaining a simple interface in a small package.
It’s very compact – about the size of an MXR Phase 90. An LED display shows the EQ bands, left and right cursors allow the user to scroll back and forth through the bandwidths easily, and the large knob in the center controls the amount of boost or cut. A save button allows you to store a preset EQ and the select button toggles through the four presets. The only other knob is the output knob that is backlit by a blue LED. A true bypass switch turns it on or off, while holding down the switch enables the user to scroll through the presets without having to reach down and use the smaller select button.
There is also the ability to dial in an additional 62 Hz frequency band under an “Octave Extend Function.” This additional frequency is excellent for instruments like bass guitar. There is a MIDI input, as well, which you can use to recall presets, or engage/bypass remotely via a MIDI controller.
Sound-wise it’s great (no added noise or hiss when engaged), but like on any EQ, maxing out settings can bring some hiss into the mix, depending on the frequencies. Dialing in various EQ settings gives the desired effect, from a deep “V” midrange scoop, to boosting specific frequencies to add more “presence” in a live setting. With the ability to save settings, using it to match outputs for different guitars is a great application of this device, as well. Getting a humbucker-equipped guitar to have the same volume output as a single coil guitar was no problem at all.
There are a lot of practical applications of an EQ pedal, and the ability to switch between settings at any point makes this a very powerful tool.
PRICE: $149
PROS: Small size. Easy to use. Many applications.
CONS: No included power supply.
SPECS:
- +/- 18dB range over seven frequency bands
- Four independent programmable user presets
- Octave Extend Function: optimizes the EQ for bass with an additional freq band at 62 Hz
- 12dB of clean boost
- Hardwire “True” Bypass
- MIDI input
- State-of-the-art DSP
- Runs on a 9V battery (included) or power supply (not included)