Using Equalization and Shape
ENGLISH
The Hartke Systems B Series Bass Amplifier gives you enormous 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 B Series 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
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The B Series offers three bands of equalization. Each EQ knob (labeled Low, Mid, and High, respectively) affects a different frequency area (100 Hz, 300 Hz, and 5 kHz, respectively) and provides approximately 15 db of boost and attenuation. We carefully selected these frequency areas because they have maximum impact on bass signals. For example, the Low (100 Hz) control affects the very lowest audible frequencies (in fact, most humans cannot hear below 20 Hz), while the High (5 kHz) control affects the “twang” of a bass string.
When an EQ knob is in its center detented position (“0”), it is having no effect. When it is moved right of center, the particular frequency area is being boosted; when it is moved left of center, the frequency area is being attenuated. Turning all EQ controls up the same amount will have virtually the same effect as simply turning up the Volume; conversely, turning them all down the same amount will have virtually the same effect as turning down the Volume. Both approaches are pointless (after all, that’s why we gave you a Volume control!)
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.
In addition, the B60, B90 and B120 models provide a unique Shape control which employs a notch filter to remove specific frequency areas. At the same time, it overlays a special equalization curve that is designed to improve the sound of electric bass instruments. This curve provides boost at certain frequency areas and attenuation at other frequency areas. As the Shape knob is turned clockwise, the notch filter is imposed on higher frequency areas; as it is turned counterclockwise, the filter is imposed on lower frequency areas. At the fully clockwise position, the filter is applied to the 1 kHz frequency area, making for a deep, rich tone; at the fully counterclockwise position, the filter is applied to the 90 Hz frequency area, making for a bright, twangy tone.
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