This article describes the Parametric EQ effect shared by the Torpedo Studio and Torpedo Wall of Sound (WoS). Inherited from both the former Low Cut and EQ effects of the Torpedo Studio and WoS, this brand new effect is the versatile and powerful tool you've been asking for!
The first parameter of the EQ is the Mode, which can be set as Guitar, Bass or Param.
In the Guitar and Bass modes, you'll find the former Low Cut and 5-band graphical EQ you may be familiar with. Just cut any low frequency content you don't want with the Low parameter, and adjust each of the 5 carefully chosen frequency bands to shape your tone. Simple, fast and effective, these modes are perfect for quick adjustments to your tone on the fly. As an added benefit, all the existing presets that were saved prior to this update can be loaded in these modes. In these modes, the Low Cut is a low cut filter; the lowest band of the graphical EQ (120 Hz in Guitar mode, 50 Hz in Bass mode) is a low shelf filter; the highest band is a high shelf filter; the 3 bands in between are peak types filters.
To unleash the full potential of the EQ - and go beyond the simple approach of a traditional graphical EQ - set the EQ to Param mode. In this mode, you have access to 6 bands. Each of them can be individually turned on or off, and feature 3 parameters: all bands share a Gain and Freq parameter, however the lowest and highest bands have a selectable type, whereas the bands in between are fixed to peak filters with modifiable width.
These EQ Parameters in Detail
- Gain: Sets the gain of the frequency band.
- Type (lowest and highest band only): Sets the type of filter. The Cut type has a gradual attenuation slope up to (for the low band) or starting at (for the high band) the specified frequency. The Gain parameter doesn't have any effect on this type of filter. The Peak type emphasises (or attenuates) only the specified frequency and its surrounding frequency content. The width of the peak can't be changed and is set to the common value of 1.42. The Shelf type increases (or lowers) the entire frequency band up to (for the low band) or starting at (for the high band) the specified frequency.
- Width (all other bands): Sets the width of the peak scalable from a very narrow bandwidth - useful to reject a particular noise (for example a 50 or 60 Hz hum) - to a very wide range - at which point the band almost acts as a full volume control. A good starting point is 1.42.
- Freq: Sets the limit or center frequency of the band (depending on the type). Using a high gain setting is usually useful to isolate the particular frequency band you are seeking. Once this frequency is found, you can adjust the gain to the actual value you want. In particular, this is useful if you want to attenuate a specific frequency band.
Accessing these parameters in Wall of Sound and Torpedo Studio
- In WoS, you can access these parameters by unfolding the full panel with the >> button.
- In the Torpedo Studio, simply scroll through the bands with the NAVI button. Each band unfolds when ON, and automatically folds when OFF.
Our Top Tips on how the EQ can be Used
- The Low Cut filter, either in Guitar and Bass modes, or in Param mode when the lowest band is set to Cut, is commonly used to cut off the low frequencies on the guitar track to free up room for the bass and bass drum. You can also use it to remove the extreme low frequencies on bass that can lead to a bass heavy / muddy mix
- The low frequency band can help control the body of the guitar and its presence in the lower range. It is probably the most important control for the bass, when set to around 120 Hz. For the guitar, 360 Hz is suggested frequency.
- The famous V-shaped EQ can be obtained by cutting around 800 Hz for the guitar. This effect can be very pleasing, but we recommend you don't use too much of it - in particular when playing with a full band. On the contrary, boosting this same band will lead to a more vintage type of sound.
- The high mids on a guitar, around 2 kHz for the guitar, is often useful to cut through the mix. Generally speaking, you can tune your tone to be more or less aggressive, especially if it is a clean one.
- Finally, adding treble - around 6 kHz for the guitar or 4 kHz for the bass - brings brilliance and brightness to your sound. By cutting them, you can obtain a darker sound, which is typically useful on a bass.
Having issues?
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