SA’s Programmable EQ | Yes, an EQ Pedal can be sexy

This will surely be a bit different, certainly shorter in length, than my normal NPD (New Pedal Day) reviews but, no less informative. After a few years of working through the configuration of my board, the project slid into a very comfortable holding pattern this past summer. Besides hosting a few tourboxes, my next purchase was not until 2017 had arrived.

As last year came to an end, I’d occasionally stop by the GearPage.net to see what sort of deals were trending. It was here where I learned about the H9 Max Out discount and, in only being five algorithms from qualifying, I was quick to jump on the opportunity when it went live. Having access to more modulation effects on the H9 freed up some very limited space on my board. The MXR Phase 90, which saw very light usage if any, was replaced by the Source Audio Programmable EQ.

I’ve dabbled with the idea of purchasing an EQ many times before but, for probably the wrong reasons, it never commanded a sense of priority. As much as I have come to appreciate the utility function that a compressor can serve, one might think that I would have given the abilities of a good EQ pedal the same respect. At the end of the day, the idea of having an EQ pedal did not seem as fun or sexy as having some more tangible effect … or so I thought.

Enter the Source Audio Programmable EQ.

In just about one week, I’ve quickly validated what I had suspected but did not want to believe — an EQ Pedal can and is a very impactful tool for one’s tonal foundation. The SA Programmable EQ is placed as the very first pedal in my chain and helps set the base tone before it progresses through the rest of the effects. Specific to my needs, I often switch guitars during and between sets, from a Strat to a Les Paul and, by having the presets, I can easily adjust the frequencies as needed. Thanks to the simplistic setup and operations, I can quickly switch settings mid-song if I want one guitar to sound different between leads and chordal progressions (note: I often use the Ditto X2 to loop the rhythm track live.) I have found that the EQ can give my Strat a bit more ‘oomph’ and warmth (translation: more mids.)

The SA Programmable EQ serves dutifully as a utility pedal, it’s straight-forward in operation is easy to work with while providing a lot of flexibility within the controls, both in how it can help tweak the frequency spectrum but also in how the controls scheme works. One can also use it as a clean boost which can be saved as part of each preset (think: switching to a lead tone: adding a bit of volume and mids.) When using my Les Paul, I have the EQ set so that, when switched on, I drop the mids providing a bit more of an acoustic simulation.

The build quality feels sturdy. The lights are bright but not overpowering. I do not hear any additional noise or artifacts when the pedal is engaged. Not sure what else I can say. For those wanting some more granular control of their tone, perhaps looking for some better compatibility between their guitars and gear, I would highly recommend this pedal. As a Pink Floyd Fan, I will freely admit that knowing Gilmour used two of these pedals as part of his recent Pompeii performances helped seal the deal. If you stop to think about it, part of Gilmour’s fame comes from the fantastic layers of sound he masterly interweaves throughout his performance and, besides the obvious consideration of his skill and passion, I have no doubt that the EQs play an integral role in helping to sculpt his tone.

As with all of my NPD Reviews, I will come back and add & edit over time to update my perspective and experience with the pedal. For those interested in Source Audio’s offering, I did participate in their Tourbox last year. While this pedal was not included, I did thoroughly enjoy the experience and my final review can be found here: Source Audio Tour Box Impressions.

[Update: 16 Months Later …]

Still rocking on my board … just shifted to position to after the dirts and boost but before the modulation and delay effects. With respects to tone and features, I enjoy having this pedal as part of my setup, serving an integral role in establishing a foundation from which the other effects then work with. I’ve calm down in usage, not always having it on but there are times when it is definitely needed.

If there is one critique I could share (perhaps a personal preference), I’m not thrilled with how, when first powered on, the pedal is automatically engaged and has returned to the first preset. Not a deal breaker by any means BUT, it does require that I am most always having to make an adjustment (switch the preset or disengage the pedal) before I start to play. In what should be sort of a set & forget utility role (adjust as needed). One possible work around would be to set your favorite setting in preset 1 and you should be good to go most of the time.