8,720
edits
Changes
m
→Pre-EQ
== Pre-EQ ==
The simplest way to experience the different types of distortion mentioned above is to take a relatively balanced sounding distortion from a tube pre-amp that has a bit of all the aspects described above, then use a parametric or graphic EQ in front the amp to boost a hump in the frequency spectrum. Sweep the center frequency of the boost - as you sweep from low to high, you'll hear the distortion turn from fuzzy to crunchy to metallic. Pre-EQ can be used to crudely change the overall nature of the distortion as such.
I find EQ gives you more control, though. Rather than aim for a general distortion type, I like to use EQ to fine-tune the distortion tone, focusing in not only the sweet spot of the spectrum but also trimming frequencies here and there to avoid any nastiness. For a metal tone, I will find the exact spot in the low end where the bass gets farty and dial it back just enough to clean it up. If there's some raspy noisiness in the high end, I'll trim or dial it back so it blends into the rest of the tone. I may dial down some mids to make the tone more djenty and less percussive, or the opposite to sweeten it up.
This chart sums up how the tone will likely sound if the given frequency is the peak (loudest) part of the signal before distortion, as well as what will happen if those frequencies are overly deficient. Generally, you want all the frequencies to be balanced, but emphasize a peak for the tone you want. Your peak can span several of these zones, however. Or your signal could be relatively flat for a more even distortion.
{|class="wikitable"
|-
! Freq (HZ) !! Peak !! Lacking
|-
| 0-150 || Muddy || Thin
|-
| 150-250 || Fuzzy || Thin
|-
| 250-500 || Creamy || Cold
|-
| 500-1000 || Flat* || Tinny
|-
| 1000-2000 || Djenty || Buzzy
|-
| 2000-4000 || Crispy || Sterile
|-
| 4000+ || Gritty || Smooth
|}
== Boosts ==