Boosting with graphic EQ

[troublehead]

I'm planning on picking up an MXR 10-band to help fatten up the mids coming from my guitar. I'm wondering if it would also work well as a boost since it has gain/volume sliders. If so, I could eliminate the SD-1 I'm using. I like to keep things simple, so the less pedals the better.

Just wondering what your thoughts are on the MXR playing double roles (eq/clean boost) as opposed to EQ + SD-1.

 

[mctallica1]

I know some use EQ's as boosts with success, but I have tried using my MXR 10 band as a boost on several different amps and after some initial happiness with the tone, it never ended up feeling quite right to me.


I much prefer a real boost pedal.

 

[RaceU4her]

i dont have an mxr but ive tried the frown shape with my ge7 and didnt really like it. eq's are way better in the loop

 

[troublehead]

I know some use EQ's as boosts with success, but I have tried using my MXR 10 band as a boost on several different amps and after some initial happiness with the tone, it never ended up feeling quite right to me.


I much prefer a real boost pedal.

I see. Maybe I would be better off getting an OD with fatter mids...........something like an OD808 instead of the SD-1.

 

[mctallica1]

I am all over the place with boost pedals, but the one that is always with me is my HBE Power Screamer. So versatile and has a good deal of boost available.

 

[D-Rock]

I use a different boost for each amp.
Currently have 3 on my board, all TB so no TS.

 

[JakeAC5253]

I know some use EQ's as boosts with success, but I have tried using my MXR 10 band as a boost on several different amps and after some initial happiness with the tone, it never ended up feeling quite right to me.


I much prefer a real boost pedal.

I see. Maybe I would be better off getting an OD with fatter mids...........something like an OD808 instead of the SD-1.

I have used the MXR 10 band as a boost before. If you need an EQ buy an EQ, if you need a boost buy a boost. My opinion. If you don't NEED an EQ pedal, then the Maxon OD808 is what you want.

It's not that the MXR pedal is bad, it's just that it may not be what you are looking for. The volume boost on the MXR is unclipped a.k.a. clean boost, but if a Tubescreamer style boost (soft clipping boost) is what you desire, then it won't achieve that tone. It works lovely as an EQ pedal though, so if you needed an EQ I would still recommend it.

 

[mctallica1]

I know some use EQ's as boosts with success, but I have tried using my MXR 10 band as a boost on several different amps and after some initial happiness with the tone, it never ended up feeling quite right to me.


I much prefer a real boost pedal.

I see. Maybe I would be better off getting an OD with fatter mids...........something like an OD808 instead of the SD-1.

I have used the MXR 10 band as a boost before. If you need an EQ buy an EQ, if you need a boost buy a boost. My opinion. If you don't NEED an EQ pedal, then the Maxon OD808 is what you want.

It's not that the MXR pedal is bad, it's just that it may not be what you are looking for. The volume boost on the MXR is unclipped a.k.a. clean boost, but if a Tubescreamer style boost (soft clipping boost) is what you desire, then it won't achieve that tone. It works lovely as an EQ pedal though, so if you needed an EQ I would still recommend it.

For the record, I LOVE my MXR 10 band as an EQ.

 

[JamesPeters]

Graphic EQ pedals work well as boosts. You set it for a mid boost (mids to upper mids, maybe a bit more treble), then up the level slider a bit if you want too.

Don't boost with a "frown" setting. That'll make things too bassy for the amp's input.

 

[Jordon]

I use the MXR 10 band as a boost all the time. I think it's great when you don't really want a gain pedal, and want to be able to pick which frequencies you're specifically boosting. It's great for cutting the fat and bees out of a Recto.

 

[mctallica1]

Graphic EQ pedals work well as boosts. You set it for a mid boost (mids to upper mids, maybe a bit more treble), then up the level slider a bit if you want too.

Don't boost with a "frown" setting. That'll make things too bassy for the amp's input.

This is exactly what I do when using my EQ.


Sounds nice....doesn't feel right.

 

[Marshall Law]

boosting with a EQ can F#@KIN rock I do it every now again that reminds me time to get the EQ out and do it again

 

[fek]

I use my MXR 10 band as a boost and tone shaper out front with my Tweaker. When I want 80's or 90's tones from it, I cut the low, low mids, and the highs just a bit. Then I push the gain slider up a couple notches. I still use other boosts for lead tones but the EQ does the trick for me. I haven't found the need to use it with my RM100 or VTM60.

 

[9ball]

I'm planning on picking up an MXR 10-band to help fatten up the mids coming from my guitar. I'm wondering if it would also work well as a boost since it has gain/volume sliders. If so, I could eliminate the SD-1 I'm using. I like to keep things simple, so the less pedals the better.

Just wondering what your thoughts are on the MXR playing double roles (eq/clean boost) as opposed to EQ + SD-1.

i have one and i pretty much just set it to the "mid boost" setting suggestion that comes with it on the manual - it has a few different setting suggestions- and it sounds better to me as an overdrive that the TS9 did that i had. i just like it better. it really makes the neck p/u on my RG sound creamy and gainy.
you can also control the volume and gain boost with it with the volume and gain sliders.
i'd say go ahead and get one and try it. all i know is i like it with my amp and don't think i need a boost pedal. i use it in front of the amp.

 

[Mr. Willy]

If you're not gonna use the eq as a boost, I've got to mention the Danelectro Fish and Chips. I didn't like using it as a clean boost, but I'm loving being able to fine tune my frequencies. For $20 bucks new, it's pretty cool. I'm sure the MXR is a better pedal, but for the money and the little space it takes on my board I really dig it.