ParaEq user manual
Introduction The Empress ParaEq is designed to be a tool for sweetening the tone of any instrument. We’ve noticed that the EQ sections of many instrument amplifiers offer a very limited range of control. We’ve designed the Empress ParaEq to give musicians a powerful, musical, high quality EQ in a conveniently small package. The signal path of the ParaEq is comprised of the highest quality components chosen for their transparency, powerful tone shaping capabilities, and low operating noise.
Sample Applications General Sweetening: Say you really like the tone of your guitar but find it could be a little brighter with a more high end detail. With the ParaEq, adding a small boost in the range of 3 kHz to 5 kHz with a wide Q will add a bit more detail, while still retaining the sound of your instrument. In a similar manner, adding a wide Q boost to the low frequency range will warm up your instrument’s sound.
Feedback Zapping: With a DI’ed acoustic instrument, playing live at stage volumes can sometimes be a nightmare. Feedback through monitors can quickly ruin a great performance. By using the ParaEq’s mid and hi frequency bands and narrow width Q settings you’ll be able to cut the frequencies causing the feedback while retaining much of your instruments sonic signature.
Q Controls The Q is a measurement of how much the EQ band affects a range of frequencies. Tight or Narrow Q ( ): This setting is best for attacking problems. For example, if you have an acoustic instrument feeding back, a tight Q will allow you to cut the offending frequency without affecting the frequencies around it. Medium Q ( ): This setting is great for general tone shaping. Most equalizers in instrument amplifiers are medium Q.
Controls a low q, mid q, hi q: the q switches determine the range of frequencies affected by the equalizer on each band. Wide q ( ) will affect a wide range of frequencies around the selected frequency. q ≈ 1 affects about 1.5 octaves - 9V Power: + tip 2.1mm jack. 85m Medium q ( ) will affect some frequencies around the selected frequency. This is a good place to start for general tone shaping. q ≈ 2.
at a Glance V - 18V DC negative mA or greater Input Pad: lowers the level at the input of the pedal. Start with this switch at 0 dB (no reduction in input level) to maximize the signal-to-noise ratio of the unit. If you hear distortion when using the pedal try lowering the input signal level by moving the input pad switch to the -6 dB or -12 dB setting. Boost: controls the output level.
Frequency Region Descriptions Here’s a rundown of different frequencies that should be helpful when using the ParaEq to achieve a specific end result. Electric Guitar 80Hz – 150Hz: Boosting can add a subtle warmth and bigness to the sound. Cutting can bring down any rumble you’re experiencing. 150Hz – 400Hz: Cutting in this region can remove a bit of mud, and boosting will bring out the warmth. 400Hz – 800Hz: Cutting in this region can make the sound more pristine.
Bass Guitar 30Hz – 80Hz: The sub-bass region. Be careful when boosting in this range; your speakers might not be happy if you boost too much. 80Hz – 150Hz: The bass region. Boost and cut in this region to change the amount of bass in your sound. 150Hz – 500Hz: If your bass sounds too muddy, try cutting in this region. If it needs a little warmth, try boosting in this region. 500Hz – 900Hz: Boosting in this region can add mid-range growl to your tone.
DI’d Acoustic Guitar 35Hz – 100Hz: Cutting in this region can help reduce rumble. 100Hz – 200Hz: This range is primarily responsible for the boominess of your acoustic guitar. Cutting or boosting here can help with low end projection. 400Hz – 500Hz: Boosting in this range can bring out warmth. Cutting in this range can help remove mud in your sound. 500Hz – 4kHz: This broad slice of the sonic spectrum is where most of your acoustic signal lives.
Advanced Configuration Entering the advanced configuration: Unplug the power from the ParaEq. Plug the power back in while holding down both the tap and bypass stomp switches. The LEDs should flash momentarily to confirm that you are in the advanced configuration. Modifying the advanced configuration: To toggle between true bypass and buffered bypass use the bypass stomp. The bypass led will display which mode you are in: LED off = true bypass(default), LED on = buffered bypass.
Specifications Input Impedance: Output Impedance: Frequency Response (-3dB): Distortion: Noise: Input Voltage: Required Current: Power Input Connector: Height (enclosure only): Height (including controls): Length: Width: Weight: 1MΩ 510Ω 5Hz – 40kHz 0.0063% -107dB 9VDC-18VDC 85mA 2.1mm Barrel Connector 1.5” 2” 3.5” 4.5” 1lbs www.empresseffects.
