Equalizer stomp boxes are perhaps the ugly ducklings of guitar pedals. Not very sexy, often ridiculed and ostracized because many guitar players perceive them as unnecessary. The EQ pedal very often wanders alone through the fall and winter, and suffers from fear, loneliness, and sadness 😉
However an EQ pedal could be one of the most useful pedals on your pedalboard. The pedal can be used to shape the frequency response of your guitar signal, allowing you to adjust the tonal characteristics to suit your preferences or the requirements of a particular playing situation.
Types of EQ pedals
There are various types of EQ (equalizer) guitar pedals available, each with its own unique features and applications. Some EQ pedals incorporate additional features beyond simple tone shaping, such as built-in boost circuits, overdrive/distortion, or even effects like modulation or delay. These pedals offer versatility by combining EQ controls with other effects in a single unit.
Here are some common types
Graphic EQ Pedals feature multiple frequency bands (usually sliders or knobs) that allow you to adjust the level of specific frequencies across the audible spectrum. Graphic EQ pedals are versatile and useful for shaping your overall tone or compensating for room acoustics.
Parametric EQ Pedals offer more precise control over specific frequency bands. They typically allow you to adjust parameters such as frequency, bandwidth (Q), and gain. Parametric EQs are often favored by guitarists looking for precise tone shaping capabilities.
Fixed-frequency EQ Pedals focus on boosting or cutting specific frequency ranges without offering adjustable parameters. These pedals may be tailored for particular purposes, such as emphasizing bass frequencies for a heavier sound or cutting high frequencies to tame harsh tones.
Ultimately, the choice of EQ pedal depends on your specific tone preferences, playing style, and requirements for your setup. Experimenting with different types can help you find the right EQ pedal to achieve your desired sound.
How to use an Equalizer pedal
You can use an EQ pedal for different purposes. Some of the most common purposes are listed here.
Boosting or Cutting Frequencies
Use the sliders/knobs to boost or cut specific frequency bands according to your preference. For example boosting the bass frequencies can add warmth and depth to your tone. Boosting the midrange frequencies can give your guitar more presence and cut through the mix. And finally, boosting the treble frequencies can add sparkle and clarity to your tone.
You can also attenuate certain frequencies. This is useful for problem frequencies. Cutting off certain frequencies can also help reduce unwanted noise. Cutting certain frequencies can help reduce unwanted noise or frequencies that may be causing muddiness or harshness in your tone.
Use as a Tone Shaper
An EQ pedal can also be used as a tone shaping tool to match your guitar’s sound to the specific requirements of a song, venue, or recording environment. You can also use it to mimic a specific amp sound. For example, you might boost the midrange frequencies to help it stand out in a large room, or cut the bass frequencies if your amp is placed on a hollow stage.
Experiment with extreme EQ settings
In addition to the above options, you can also use an EQ to experiment and find the sound you like best. Play around with different settings to find the sound you like best. Start with small adjustments and listen carefully to how each change affects your tone. You can also shape your tone in an extreme way and use an EQ for a cocked wah sound. Cocked wah is the effect of engaging a wah pedal and leaving it in a fixed position. This effect was used by Mark Knopfler on Dire Straits’ “Money for Nothing.”
Place in the effect chain
Decide where in your signal chain you want to place the EQ pedal. Placing it before your distortion or overdrive pedals will alter how they respond to the frequencies you boost or cut. Placing it after these pedals will allow you to shape the tone of the distorted sound.
The placement of an EQ guitar pedal within your effects chain can significantly impact your overall tone. Here are some common placements for an EQ pedal:
Before Distortion/Overdrive
Placing the EQ pedal before your distortion or overdrive pedals allows you to shape the frequency response of your guitar signal before it’s distorted. This can help you tailor the input signal to achieve different overdrive characteristics or to emphasise certain frequencies before they’re saturated by distortion.
After Distortion/Overdrive
Conversely, placing the EQ pedal after your distortion or overdrive pedals allows you to shape the tone of the distorted signal. This can be useful for fine-tuning the tone after applying distortion, boosting or cutting frequencies to better fit the mix, or compensating for any tonal changes introduced by the distortion pedals.
Before Modulation Effects
Placing the EQ pedal before modulation effects such as chorus, flanger, or phaser, as well as time-based effects like delay or reverb, can help shape the input signal before it’s affected by these effects. This allows you to control how the modulated or delayed signals interact with the frequencies of your guitar tone.
After Modulation Effects
Placing the EQ pedal after modulation or time-based effects allows you to shape the affected signal. This can be useful for fine-tuning the tone of the modulated or delayed signals, compensating for any tonal changes introduced by these effects, or adjusting the overall frequency response of the affected signal.
In the Effects Loop of your amp
Many guitar amplifiers feature an effects loop, which allows you to insert effects between the preamp and power amp stages. Placing the EQ pedal in the effects loop can be useful for shaping the tone of the entire signal chain, including both preamp and power amp stages. This can provide more control over the overall tone of your amplifier.
Ultimately, the best placement for your EQ pedal depends on your specific preferences, the characteristics of your other pedals, and the desired outcome for your tone. Experimenting with different placements can help you find the setup that works best for your playing style and musical goals.
Which EQ pedal is for you?
MXR Six Band EQ
Great and simple graphic EQ pedal with 6 bands. The pedal has been upgraded with noise-reduction circuitry, true bypass switching, brighter LEDs for increased visibility, and a lightweight aluminum housing.
GFI System Enieqma
The Enieqma is a multipurpose equalizer that packs a 5-band full parametric EQ and features 7 classic tone stacks (Baxandall, Tilt, Fender, Marshall, and Vox amps tone control, etc.), and a 3-band midrange equalizer that emulates the Pultec Midrange EQ processor. It has presets and it sounds incredible.
Empress ParaEq MKII
The ParaEq MKII is a parametric and transparent EQ and features a low-noise, transparent signal path that is extremely versatile. With three fully parametric bands, you can simultaneously achieve broad tonal shaping and precise fine-tuning to sculpt your perfect sound.
Source Audio EQ2
This is programmable Equalizer and has 10 fully adjustable frequency bands, stereo ins & outs, MIDI In and Thru jacks, presets, and a hidden tuner function. This is a great sounding and very flexible EQ.
Walrus Audio EB-10
The EB-10 is a preamp, EQ and a boost. With this pedal you meticulously create the sound of your guitar, the way you want it to be. It has three switches for low, medium and high frequencies. Each switch can boost or cut up to 12dB boost. There is also a separate boost button for a whopping 10dB boost, great for soloing.
Earthquaker Devices Tone Job V2
This compact pedal from Earthquaker Devices Tone is a boost and EQ device based around the tone-shaping options available in old audiophile-grade stereo preamps. The pedal has a full frequency response and can handle everything you plug into it – guitar, bass, drum machine, synthesizers, steel drums, harpsichord, kazoo, car stereo, and more!
Hamstead Zenith Amplitude Controller
This is a very powerful EQ, Boost, and Compressor pedal delivered in a compact and incredibly flexible package. From subtle tone shaping and compression that is felt and not heard, through to extreme sound sculpting and sustain beyond the natural realm, Zenith’s three circuits cover it all.
J Rockett The Melody Overdrive
This is a signature pedal for Mark Lettieri and combines a smooth overdrive with a 6 band graphic EQ. Each frequency has a max of 18 db cut or boost. The gain range is extremely wide and no matter where you set the gain control the pedal remains musical and feels like a real tube overdrive with sag and thump.
J Rockett The Melody Overdrive
The point of an EQ pedal
Overall, an EQ pedal is a powerful tool that gives guitarists precise control over your tone, and allows you to achieve a wide range of sounds and textures to suit various musical contexts and personal preferences.