Pre/Post EQ: Dialing in Your FOH Sound

April 26, 2016

Bass Guitar

Many of today's bass amplifiers, including Carvin Audio's B Series, come with the added flexibility of a PRE/POST EQ option. While often overlooked, this simple switch can make a notable difference in how your bass rig sounds onstage.

The PRE/POST EQ switch does not have a direct effect on your bass sound the way your amp’s standard four band or graphic EQ does. This switch is used specifically in live settings where the sound man or front of house engineer takes a direct signal from your bass amp and sends it to the mixing board to adjust for equalization and volume in the band mix. If you set the switch to PRE, the direct signal is before the amplifier’s equalization section. When set to POST, the direct signal comes after the equalization.

What this means is that amps with this switch lets you control how much of your sound is available to be adjusted by the engineer. If you have a setting you absolutely love, you can set the switch to POST, so that the sound man receives your tone as-is and can make adjustments using those settings as a starting point. Setting the switch to PRE bypasses your amp’s EQ section, giving him an uncolored palette to work with. This is ideal in situations where you've worked with the soundman or venue numerous times and trust them to help you make your bass sound the best it can.

Of course, having a versatile EQ section is essential, whether you choose PRE or POST. The Carvin Audio B2000 has a boutique flat response for a clean sonic sculpting palette. However, it offers tremendous flexibility with EQ points at 40Hz, 100Hz, 400Hz, 800Hz, 2kHz, and 6kHz. This lets you really dial it in!

Also in Guitar / Bass Amplifier Info & Education

WG6 Wireless Guitar/Bass System Demo Video

October 02, 2025

Discover the features and performance that the WG6 Wireless Guitar/Bass System has to offer. The WG6 Wireless Guitar/Bass System is designed to give you the wireless freedom you have been looking for and the simplicity to make your life as a working musician easier. Advanced wireless technology, multiple channel capability, premium audio processors make the WG6 the leader in compact wireless instrument systems. Defined and detailed low frequency response makes this system especially useful for bass players. The WG6 works with both active and passive instruments and is perfect for both electric and acoustic guitar/bass.

Basic Tools You Should Bring to Every Gig

March 28, 2025

At any time at any gig, something is bound to go wrong and you may need a tool to get you back up and running. Here are a few basic tools you should bring to every gig.

Should You Gig With Your Most Valuable Instrument?

January 09, 2025

I once asked blues legend Walter Trout why he still plays his well-worn vintage Strat. The technology exists to digitally scan the guitar and make very accurate replicas. His response was he could leave it at home, but then it will never be played. Plus, someone could steal it from his home. At least the guitar is with him and he has the pleasure of playing it. But this may not be the same for everyone.