Using Equalization and Shape

The specific EQ (and/or Shape) 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 Low EQ slightly while attenuating the High EQ. If you’re using a B60, B90 or B120, set the Shape control to approximately 850 Hz.

SHAPE

BASS

 

 

MID

 

 

HIGH

215

320

-3

0

 

-3

0

 

-3

0

450

+3

 

+3

 

+3

145

770

-6

 

+6

-6

+6

-6

 

+6

115

850

-9

 

+9

-9

+9

-9

 

+9

100

900

-12

 

+12

-12

+12

-12

 

+12

90

1K

-15

+15

 

-15

+15

 

-15

+15

ENGLISH

To remove boxiness and make your instrument sound more “hi-fi,” try attenuating the Mid EQ control. If you’re using a B60, B90 or B120, set the Shape control to approximately 320 Hz.

SHAPE

BASS

 

 

MID

 

 

HIGH

215

320

-3

0

 

-3

0

 

-3

0

450

+3

 

+3

 

+3

145

770

-6

 

+6

-6

+6

-6

 

+6

115

850

-9

 

+9

-9

+9

-9

 

+9

100

900

-12

 

+12

-12

+12

-12

 

+12

90

1K

-15

+15

 

-15

+15

 

-15

+15

For a twangy, cutting sound, try boosting the High EQ. (putting new roundwound strings on your bass will help a lot also!). If you’re using a B60, B90 or B120, set the Shape control to approximately 145 Hz.

SHAPE

BASS

 

 

MID

 

 

HIGH

215

320

-3

0

 

-3

0

 

-3

0

450

+3

 

+3

 

+3

145

770

-6

 

+6

-6

+6

-6

 

+6

115

850

-9

 

+9

-9

+9

-9

 

+9

100

900

-12

 

+12

-12

+12

-12

 

+12

90

1K

-15

+15

 

-15

+15

 

-15

+15

Whenever you get a really good EQ (and/or Shape) setting for a particular instrument or song, write it down (you’d be amazed how easy it is to forget these things!).

As you experiment with the EQ and Shape controls of the B Series, 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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Samson B90 owner manual Shape Bass MID High