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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 that super-deep reggae or Motown sound, boost the Bass EQ moderately while
attenuating the Treble EQ.
• To remove boxiness and make your instrument sound more “hi-fi,” try attenuating the
Mid EQ control.
• For a twangy, cutting sound, try boosting the Treble EQ. (Putting new roundwound
strings on your bass will help a lot also!)
• Whenever you get a really good EQ setting for a particular instrument or song, write
it down (you’d be amazed how easy it is to forget these things!). Use the blank setting
templates on page 18-19 of this manual.
As you experiment with the EQ controls of the Hydrive Combos, 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.
Using Equalization