Fractal Audio AX8: Amp Block (GEQ Page) Tutorial#2 [All Parameters On Th...

Graphic EQ Tips, Tricks, & Explanations

This is my first tutorial that features me playing the guitar to highlight and show how adjusting eq and changing types and bands can effect your sound using the GEQ page inside the Fractal AX8 amp block. I'd often shied away from doing this because I wanted to leave it up to my viewers and readers to experiment with their own sounds rather than being influenced by my sounds.

I've kept the preset extremely simple using just two blocks - amp and cabinet. No effects - nothing! In this way you can hear the affect that eq has on shaping the sound without it being clouded with delay and reverb and whatever else. 

The GEQ Page

The GEQ page is located in the amp block just below the Basic page option (see my 'Basic Page' tutorial). The GEQ block contains the following parameters:

Parameter 1: EQ Type

Parameter 2: EQ Location

EQ Type

There are several types of EQ available:

• 3 band console. Mimics the 3 sweep eq knobs on a standard miser
• 3, 4, and 5 band passive. Emulates the old analog eq pedals of the past
• 5 band Mark. Based on the eq section of the Mesa Boogie Mark series of amplifiers
• 5, 7, and 8 band Constant Q. Constant eq type probably based on the Rane series of equalisers
• 5, 7, and 8 band Variable Q. EQ using bandwith that varies in width according to boost/cut levels

The picture below is a wonderful graphic illustration explaining the differences between Constant Q and Variable Q.

EQ Location

Two locations are available:

• Pre P.A
• Post P.A

These locations designate where the EQ encounters the signal - either between the Preamp and Power amp (Pre P.A) or at the Power amp Output (Post P.A)

EQ Jargon

• Flat. Slider is set at 0 (neither boosted nor cut)
• Band. (shortened term for bandwith or the range of frequencies that a given slider controls)
• Q or Q factor. The range of frequencies within a band)
• Boost. Amplitude increase above flat up to +12dB  
• Cut. Amplitude decrease below flat down to -12dB

EQ Tips

• Cut rather than Boost
• Choose passive for an 'old school' eq sound reminiscent of Jimmy Page
• Think of Constant Q as a rifle that allows you to aim at a specific frequency without affecting the surrounding frequencies too much. Good for precision.
• Think of Variable Q as a shotgun that allows you to aim at a specific frequency but with a more pronounced effect on the surrounding frequencies. Great for 'smoother' subtle eq responses

Conclusion

A lot of my information is gathered from many hours of research across various sites but in all honesty the lions share of what I know comes from two sources - practical experimentation with the product itself; and the Fractal Audio Wiki forums. So if you want to dig a little or a lot deeper than my videos or blogs the Wiki forum would be a great place to start...and of course just plug in your AX8 if you have one and go for it! 

Here's a link to my entire Fractal Audio AX8 Tutorials Playlist! Be sure to check it out for great information on working with your Fractal AX8.

Fractal Audio AX8 Tutorials