How does the Parametric EQ effect work ?

This article describes the Parametric EQ effect shared by the Torpedo Studio and Torpedo Wall of Sound. Inherited from both the former Low Cut and EQ effects of the Torpedo Studio and WoS, this brand new effect is finally the extremely 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. Simple, fast and effective, these modes may still be the quickest way to adjust your tone. All the existing presets that were saved before this update will be loaded in these modes.

In this mode, the Low Cut is, obviously, a low cut filter. The lowest band of the graphical EQ part (120 Hz in Guitar mode, 50 Hz in Bass mode) is a low shelf type. The highest band is a high shelf type. And the 3 band in between are peak types.

To unleash the full potential of the EQ, and go beyond the simple approach of a 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 features 3 parameters. All the bands share a Gain and Freq parameter. The lowest and highest bands have modifiable type, whereas the bands in between are peak types with modifiable width.

Here is an in-depth explanation of these parameters:

• Gain: Sets the gain of the frequency band.
• Type (lowest and highest band only): Sets the type of filter. The Cut type has a steady 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 effet on this type of filter. The Peak type enphasises (or attenuates) only the specified frequency and its surrounding. The width of the peak can't be changed, it's 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 (other bands): Sets the width of the peak. Starting from a very narrow width, useful to reject a particular noise (for example a 50 or 60 Hz hum), and up 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 looking for. 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 frenqucy band.

In the WoS, you can access these parameters by unfolding the full panel with the >> button.

In the Studio, just scroll the bands with the NAVI button. Each band unfolds when ON, and automatically folds when OFF.

Finally, a few pointers on how the EQ may 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 the bass that can lead to an imprecise sound.
• The low frequency band can help control the body of the guitar, 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.
• The famous V-shaped EQ can be obtained by cutting around 800 Hz for the guitar. This effect can be very pleasing, but we recommand 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 go through the mix. Generally speaking, you can get your sound more or less aggressive, especially if it is a clean one.
• Finally, adding trebles, 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.