Parametric EQ after amp, or in loop?

[The Magic Hoof]

Would it be safe or ideal to run a parametric EQ from the speaker output on a dual rec to a parametric EQ, then from there to the cab? Or is in the loop the better option?

What are the pros and cons of each?

 

[ryjan]

I'd use the loop.
Pros? It will sound better and not blow your amp and EQ the F@#$ up.
Seriously.

Cons?
No Youtube, hold-my-beer-and-watch-this, video.

 

[Shemham]

I'm pretty certain that placing a parametric EQ between an amp and a speaker will toast something.

If you wanna place the EQ after the power section of the amp, you have to first reduce the signal back down to line level and then use another power amp to feed it to the speaker.

Whether this would be ideal depends on your setup. There are advantages to this method if you crank your amp's master volume up as the effects will be distorted and squashed up by the power section. By turning the signal back to line level it would be an ideal place for time based effects e.g. reverb or delay. It would also allow some extra control over the tone. Naturally this requires some investments. You need to have a decent loadbox with line out feature and an extra power amp. Your signal chain would then turn out like this:

Guitar --> Recto --> Loadbox --> *Whatever effects/filters you wish to add* --> Another power amp --> Speaker

I believe most players get a sufficient control by placing an EQ into the effects loop of their amplifier. If cranked MV Recto is essential to your tone, you utilize time based effects and have extra cash, then I could recommend this route.

 

[Heritage Softail]

Loop for sure.

 

[Blaklynx]

I would not place a pedal of any sort between power amp and speaker..... unless you want to pay for damaged gear.

The speaker is a large resistor, that's why they have Ohms written on them. The power amp needs to see a resistor, ie. the speaker or a resistive load. A pedal is far from a resistor.

Shove the EQ in the loop.... or out front. Can't go wrong.

 

[LesPaul70]

Yes.
Listen to these guys. Putting any line level device between your power amp and the speaker is a seriously bad idea.

Just don't do it!

Shove the EQ in the loop.... or out front. Can't go wrong.

I'm wondering if the original poster actually meant this (even though they said differently)...before the amp or in the loop.

Both of these two would be entirely valid use scenarios, just for different purposes. It all depends on what you are trying to achieve with your parametric EQ.

1. Reshape the tonal structure of your final sound? Or maybe use the pedal as volume/mid boost for solos?
If yes, put the EQ in your loop.

2. Add an extra boost to certain frequencies and make the preamp distortion behave differently?
If yes, put the EQ before your amp. Boosting (or cutting) certain frequencies before they hit the preamp can drastically change the character of your preamp distortion.

If you answered "yes" to both questions, you are going to need two EQ pedals. :lol:

 

[KiwiJoe]

Honestly, in all my years this is the first time I've ever heard anybody even consider putting an EQ between the amp and the speaker. WTF? :?

The guy posed the same question over at TGP. It has already been answered correctly by every single person who's answered, so I'm not sure of how much of a consensus he's seeking.

 

[Blaklynx]

Honestly, in all my years this is the first time I've ever heard anybody even consider putting an EQ between the amp and the speaker. WTF? :?

The guy posed the same question over at TGP. It has already been answered correctly by every single person who's answered, so I'm not sure of how much of a consensus he's seeking.

Saw it at TGP, too. If he doesn't want to take the advise given, it'll be an expensive lesson to learn.