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EQ and distortion

1 Let’s explore the relationship between pre- and post-distortion EQ. Load BassGuitLoop.wav on an audio track in a new 110bpm project. We’re using Live as our host, but you can follow the principles in any DAW. Insert Graffio CM, turn off the Exciter and Bit Reducer modules, then crank the Saturator’s Gain knob to 25dB, and pull the output Level knob back to -11.5dB. We can improve this fuzzy effect with a combination of pre- and post-EQ.

2 Load an instance of Live’s EQ Eight device, being sure to place it before Graffio CM in the chain. On the EQ’s analyser, we can see that the majority of the loop’s energy is focused around the low and low-mid regions. It figures that it’s these frequencies that are pushing hardest into the distortion.

3 Highlight both EQ Eight and Graffio CM in the chain, then hit Ctrl/Cmd-G to group them into an Audio Effect Rack. Let’s set up the EQ so it will pull down these heavy low frequencies: activate EQ Eight’s first band, leave it set to a low shelf, then set the band’s Frequency to 120Hz and Q to 0.5.

4 By assigning the level of our low shelf cut to a single macro knob, we’ll be able to control other parameters with the same macro. Right-click band 1’s Gain knob and select Map To Macro 1, then head into the Rack’s Macro Mapping editor and set this parameter’s Minimum to 0dB and its Maximum to -9dB.

5 Now the EQ’s low shelf band is pulled down when we turn up Macro 1 – and we can use this same macro to apply an opposing low-shelf boost after the distortion plugin. Duplicate the EQ Eight instance and place this copy after Graffio CM in the chain (within the Rack), then open the Macro Mapping Editor and set this EQ’s Minimum to 0dB and Maximum to 9dB.

6 Now, turning up Macro 1 will simultaneously pull down a low shelf cut pre-distortion, and boost the same frequencies post-distortion. This tames the heavy low frequencies entering the distortion stage and boosts them back again after, retaining their weight and smoothing out the effect. To finish, head into Graffio CM and adjust settings to taste to tailor the response to your liking.