EQ2 Programmable EQ User Guide Welcome Thank you for purchasing the Source Audio EQ2 Programmable EQ! The EQ2 is the pedal for the working musician; the tone-chaser. With 10 fully customizable bands of graphic or parametric equalization, adjustable Q controls, full stereo capabilities, and complex routing options, this EQ pedal will fit in virtually any setup.
Contents Welcome................................................................................................................................................... 1 Contents ................................................................................................................................................... 2 Feature Overview ..................................................................................................................................... 3 Connecting the Pedal .............
Feature Overview 10 Adjustable Frequency Bands – Adjust each of the 10 bands to be set at any point on the audio frequency spectrum between 20Hz and 20,000Hz (20kHz). Additional +12dB of Clean Boost – Each preset has a configurable “Output” control with up to +12dB of clean boost on tap. Universal Bypass – Select between true bypass or analog buffered bypass. The EQ2 features highquality signal relays for true bypass and transparent buffers for analog bypass.
Full MIDI Implementation – EQ2’s parameters can be accessed and controlled using MIDI messages via its 5-pin DIN Input, a Neuro Hub connection, or USB port. Use MIDI messages to engage/disengage the pedal, change presets, move parameters with a MIDI expression controller, and more. Class-compliant USB-MIDI allows the EQ2 to work as a plug-and-play device with recording software running on Mac and Windows.
Connections Guitar/Audio Connections Using standard ¼” mono (TS) cables, connect your guitar, bass, or other instrument to the INPUT 1 jack and your amp (or the next audio device in the signal chain) to the OUTPUT 1 jack. If you have a second amp, connect it to OUTPUT 2. When the power and audio connections have been made, EQ2 is ready for use. Input Side Connections INPUT 1 INPUT 1 is the primary input for guitar, bass, or other instruments.
of the plug, and the Neuro App data will be on the ring contact. This allows audio and Neuro data to flow on the same cable. MIDI IN This is a standard 5-pin DIN connector that accepts MIDI control messages from external devices, including program change (PC) and continuous controller (CC) messages. Output Side Connections OUTPUT 1 This is the primary audio output. Connect it to your amplifier, recording interface, or the next device in your effects signal chain using a mono (TS) ¼” cable.
MIDI THRU This is a standard 5-pin DIN connector that echoes MIDI messages from the MIDI IN jack and sends them to other devices. The EQ2 does not generate any of its own MIDI data. Power and Control Connections DC 9V (Power) Connect to the included 9 Volt DC power supply. If you would like to use a 3rd-party supply, the power supply must be regulated at 9 Volts DC (direct current), able to source at least 180 mA (milliamps) of current, and the plug should have a tip-negative, barrel-positive polarity.
Basic Operation The EQ2 defaults to each band in the flat position, Q value of 1.0, and set to the standard graphic-EQ frequency values (the value written on the face of the pedal under each band) of 31, 62, 125, 250, 500, 1k, 2k, 4k, 8k, and 16k Hertz. No presets are saved from the factory, Split mode is set to OFF, and Preset Extension mode is set to OFF. For more details on Preset Extension mode, see the Preset Storage and Recall section.
Adjusting the Q Factor (Width) of a Band Let’s say you’re used to your DAW equalizer software, and you’re used to being able to make a particular EQ band more wide or narrow. This can be done on the EQ2! To do this, select a band, then press + hold the ENCODER KNOB. This brings up the Options menu. “Q factor” is the second option. Click once on the encoder to edit the Q factor. The screen will now readout the current Q factor value of the band you’ve selected. Rotate the encoder to adjust the Q up or down.
GAIN Sets the gain per channel. Each channel has its own gain control from -18dB to +18dB. Useful for matching the Channel 1 and Channel 2 levels when Split mode is used, similar to a line selector pedal. Note that these channel gain values are separate from the master output volume control. SPLIT By default, all of the controls for Channel 2 will match the Channel 1 settings. If Split Mode is turned ON, the Channel 2 controls can be set to different values.
Controls Rotary Encoder Knob This is the key to the whole operation. Push + rotate the Encoder Knob to select a frequency band. Turn the Encoder Knob clockwise or counterclockwise to boost or cut the selected band. Double tap the Encoder Knob to “start over” and set the bands back to flat. Push + hold the Encoder Knob to enter the Options screen. OUTPUT Knob Think of this knob as a master volume control. Rotate this knob to boost your signal +12 dB or cut your signal down to -∞ dB (zero volume).
Control Input Button This small button located at the top of the pedal is used to enable or disable external control. See the External Control section for more details. ON/OFF LED The ON/OFF LED indicates whether the effect is bypassed or engaged. In Tuner Mode, when your note is too sharp or too flat, the LED becomes orange. When your note is at pitch, the LED becomes green. Preset SELECT/SAVE Button & Preset LEDs Push the SELECT/SAVE Button to cycle forward through preset slots.
Common EQ Configurations With 10 customizable bands and +/- 18 dB of boost or cut on tap for each band, there are thousands of configurations possible when equalizing an instrument. The sheer amount of options can be paralyzing for anyone new to EQ or unsure of where to start. Below are a few common EQ curves that can serve as jumping-off points or simply help you dial in some interesting tones.
Drastic Mid Scoop You might have heard the term “mid-scooped” to describe modern metal guitar tones. Since the guitar is already a midrange instrument, cutting those frequencies while boosting the high and low frequencies can give it a big, thick tone. Take in small doses; not enough mid frequencies can make a guitar get “lost” in the mix since its prominent frequencies have been cut. Subtle Mid Scoop Many amplifiers and overdrive pedals have a very pronounced midrange.
Single Coil Sanctuary Barely cutting each frequency while giving a spike to about 5-7kHz can make a humbucker-equipped guitar sound similar to a single coil Strat or Tele. This setting works notably well for darker or warmer-toned guitars, like a Les Paul, and can really liven up a clean tone. Stereo Operation & Signal Routing The EQ2 is flexible for any rig or use case due to its stereo INPUT and OUTPUT jacks.
Mono In, Mono Out This is the most common use case. Plugging the incoming signal into INPUT 1 with OUTPUT 1 connected to an amp (or the next device in the signal chain) produces a standard mono signal. Dual processing effects are also mixed down a single output. Mono In, Stereo Out This is a very common use case that allows you to create some nice stereo imaging from a single mono instrument input or use your EQ2 as a splitter to send your signal to two separate outputs.
Stereo In, Stereo Out This mode should be your default selection for Stereo In, Stereo Out applications. Stereo In, Stereo Out allows you to continue your stereo chain of effects. Stereo In, Mono Out This mode will accept stereo input on jacks INPUT 1 and 2. Inputs 1 and 2 are sent to Channel 1 and 2 equalizers, respectively. The outputs of the Channel 1 and Channel 2 equalizers are mixed together and sent to OUTPUT 1.
Preset Storage and Recall User Presets store all user editable parameters. This includes the knob positions, parameter settings, frequencies, routing options, external control, and the full list of Neuro/MIDI accessible parameters. Included in every preset are settings for either output curve (Channel 1 [Mono] or Channel 2). After a preset is recalled, you can always tweak the Output in a performance situation by turning the knob.
Copying a Preset to a New Location Using the Select/(Hold) Save Button 1. Select the preset you would like to copy by pressing the SELECT Button until the corresponding PRESET LED is lit. 2. Press and hold the SELECT Button for one second until the corresponding PRESET LED begins blinking rapidly. Quickly release the SELECT Button. The PRESET LED should continue to blink rapidly. This indicates that the EQ2 is in copy mode. 3. Tap the SELECT Button to increment the preset.
Limiter Designed to reign in your signal and keep it from peaking or clipping, we’ve implemented an optional limiter if you need to keep your playing dynamics in check. The limiter acts similarly to a compressor in that it catches any “peaks”, or volume spikes, from your input signal and regulates them down to a more uniform level (a configurable “threshold” value). The limiter is accessible through the Options menu, and more parameters are available in the Neuro App and Neuro Desktop Editor.
External Control Plug an expression pedal, an external footswitch, the Source Audio Tap Tempo Switch, or the Source Audio Hot Hand 3 Universal Wireless Controller into the EQ2 Programmable EQ’s CONTROL INPUT jack and access an array of external functionality and expression control. External Switch External switches can be used for several different control options. They provide an easy way to remotely step through presets, toggle between settings, and more.
the Use Control Input for External Switch option in the Hardware Options section of the Neuro Desktop Editor. Source Audio Tap Tempo footswitches can be purchased directly from the Reverb.com Official Source Audio Online Store. Expression Control Use a Source Audio Dual Expression pedal to control up to four different parameters on the EQ2 per preset. Parameters include Band Frequency value, Band Level, Band Q value, Master Volume (Output) Control, Noise Gate Enable, and Limiter Enable.
Neuro Desktop and Mobile Editors Like all pedals in the Source Audio One Series line, the EQ2 Programmable EQ features access to more precise editing parameters, preset sharing, and added functionality via the Neuro Desktop Editor and Mobile App. The Neuro Desktop Editor is available as a free download for Mac or Windows on the Downloads page of the Source Audio website.
Neuro Desktop Editor User Interface The Neuro Desktop’s user interface features three primary sections: Connections, Sound Editor, and Presets. Connections The Connections section is located on the left side of the Neuro Desktop Editor. This field displays all connected One Series pedals. Each connected pedal offers the three options listed below: • Firmware Updates: The arrow icon checks for any recent firmware updates to the connected pedal.
Hardware Options Clicking the gear icon in the EQ2 Programmable EQ’s Connections window opens the Hardware Options menu (see the graphic below). Use the Hardware Options window to choose your pedal’s global hardware settings. The EQ2 Programmable EQ’s Hardware Options include the following: • • • • SA270 Hardware Bypass Mode: Selects between True or Buffered Bypass. MIDI Channel: Selects the pedal’s MIDI channel (1 through 16).
• • • • • • • SA270 Control Input Option: This dropdown menu assigns the control function of the external switch connected to the CONTROL INPUT. External Loop Safe Mode: When using the EQ2 External Loop routing options, we suggest enabling this hardware option to prevent feedback in your external loop when the EQ2 is bypassed. Power Up State: Selects between engaging or bypassing the effect upon the initial power up of the pedal. Default Routing Option: Sets the default I/O signal routing mode.
Sound Editor Upon clicking the wrench icon in the Connections section, the EQ2 Programmable EQ’s Sound Editor interface appears in a tab in the center panel. This is where all of the sound editing work takes place. The Sound Editor is broken into several sub-sections, each containing a unique variation of virtual knobs and dropdown menus. The following is a brief explanation of each Sound Editor sub-section. Equalizer This powerful tool contains most of the key ingredients for sculpting your sound.
• • • • • • Split Mode: Enabling Split Mode will unlock access to Channel 2, which is mapped to Output 2. When Split Mode is activated, Channel 2 setting will be unlinked from Channel 1 and can be set to completely different values. Set to Flat: Click this to “start over” when creating your curve, this button will reset all frequency values to the flat default. Only the levels will be affected.
External Switch Controls for configuring the action of the External Switch. Please note that the hardware options for the Control Input jack must be set to “External Switch (Assignable)” to use these functions. The external switch can be assigned to several functions: • • • • • Disabled – the footswitch will be ignored for this preset Channel Swap – Equalizer settings for Channel 1 and Channel 2 will be “swapped” when the footswitch is pressed.
• • • • • • SA270 Save As Button: After creating a new preset hit the Save As button and you will be prompted to name it and select the preset slot to which it will be saved. Save Button: If you have made edits to a pre-existing preset, use the Save button to update the preset without changing its name or preset position. Export Button: Use the Export button to save a preset on your computer or share it with other musicians. Presets are saved as .
The Neuro Mobile App — with New Direct MIDI-USB Support Like all Source Audio One Series pedals, the EQ2 is fully supported in the Neuro Mobile app. The Neuro Mobile app is available for iOS and Android devices and allows access to all of the preset parameters and hardware options described in the Neuro Desktop editor section above. Connecting to the Neuro Mobile App (USB-MIDI) The EQ2 is the first Source Audio pedal to add two-way communication with the Neuro Mobile app using MIDI over USB.
Connecting to the Neuro Mobile App (headphone jack) The EQ2 also supports one-way communication between a mobile device and the pedal using the included TRS ¼” to 1/8” cable. Connect the cable to the headphone jack of your mobile device and Input 2 of the EQ2. The cable is a TRS (stereo) connector that uses the “Right” channel to send data over audio signals to the pedal.
MIDI Using the MIDI IN jack (5-pin DIN) or a USB connection, the EQ2 can be controlled by generic MIDI Continuous Controller (CC) and Program Change (PC) messages. Many of the EQ2’s parameters (even those that are not assigned to a control knob) are directly accessible via MIDI continuous controller messages. MIDI Channel By default, the EQ2 responds to MIDI Channel 1. The EQ2 ignores all MIDI messages sent to it that are not on its channel.
computer using a USB cable. The computer will automatically recognize the EQ2, which will be identified as “One Series EQ2 Programmable EQ” in the operating system. USB connectivity brings many benefits, such as the ability to connect with the Neuro Desktop Editor for downloading EQ2 firmware updates, accessing an advanced set of effect editing parameters, and downloading user presets. The USB port also provides MIDI connectivity to a DAW.
Troubleshooting Restore Factory Settings In order to revert the EQ2 to its factory settings, clearing all user data, presets, expression mappings, and changes to the MIDI mapping, use either the Neuro Mobile App or Neuro Desktop Editor and choose the Factory Reset option in the Hardware Options menus. It is also possible to perform a factory reset without the Neuro App by following these steps: • • • Press and hold the FOOTSWITCH. Connect the power supply.
When connecting the EQ2 to a recording interface or mixer, should I use a Lo-Z (microphone) or Hi-Z (line / instrument) input? The EQ2’s output will be low impedance when the effect is active or in buffered bypass mode, but it will be high impedance when using true bypass mode and a guitar with passive pickups. Therefore, it is recommended that you use a high impedance (Hi-Z) input on your recording interface or mixer to avoid signal loss.
Rubber Feet The EQ2 comes standard with a flat aluminum bottom, making it easy to apply Velcro and mount to a pedalboard. Additionally, adhesive rubber feet are included in the EQ2 box. Applying the rubber feet to the EQ2 can help prevent it from sliding on flat surfaces such as a hardwood floor. Waste Disposal Notes If possible, dispose of the device at an electronics recycling center. Do not dispose of the device with the household waste.
center. Prior to service or repair under this Limited Warranty, the purchaser must request from Source Audio a return authorization, which is available at: Source Audio LLC 120 Cummings Park, Woburn, MA 01801 (781) 932-8080 or at www.sourceaudio.net Unauthorized service, repair, or modification will void this Limited Warranty. Disclaimer and Limitation of Warranty Do not open the effects pedal under any circumstance. This will void the warranty.
Version History May 9, 2020: Initial release ©Source Audio LLC | 120 Cummings Park, Woburn, MA 01801 | www.sourceaudio.
