Using Equalization - Hartke HD15 Mode D'emploi

Using Equalization

The Hartke HD15 Bass Amplifier gives you control over shaping the sound of your
bass, using a process called equalization. To understand how this works, it's important
to know that every naturally occurring sound consists of a broad range of pitches, or
frequencies, combined together in a unique way. This blend is what gives every sound
its distinctive tonal color. The HD15 EQ controls allow you to alter a sound by boosting
or attenuating specific frequency areas - they operate much like the bass and treble
controls on your hi-fi amp, but with much greater precision.
The HD15 offer three bands of equalization. Each EQ knob, labeled Bass, Mid, and
Treble, affects a different frequency area of the audio. We carefully selected these
frequency areas because they have maximum impact on bass guitar signals. The Bass
and Treble controls are shelving EQs, which provide boost when the control is moved
clockwise from the center or cut when the control is moved counterclockwise from the
center. The Mid EQ control is a passive, cut-only, circuit designed to provide a response
that is flat to a mid-scoop.
In many instances, the best way to deal with equalization is to think in terms of which
frequency areas you need to attenuate, as opposed to which ones you need to boost. Be
aware that boosting a frequency area also has the effect of boosting the overall signal;
specifically, too much Low EQ boost can actually cause overload distortion or even harm
the connected speaker.
The specific EQ you will apply to your bass signal is very much dependent upon your
particular instrument and personal taste and playing style.
However, here are a few general suggestions:
For reggae or Motown sound, boost the Bass EQ slightly while attenuating the Treble EQ.
To remove boxiness and make your instrument sound more "hi-fi," attenuate the Mid EQ
control.
For a twangy sound that cuts, try boosting the Treble and slighting rolling off the Bass
EQ control.
As you experiment with the EQ controls of the HD15, don't forget that your bass also
provides significant EQ control in the form of its pickup and tonal settings—this can be
particularly effective in instruments that have active circuitry.
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