Amp Designer EQ in MainStage

Hardware amplifier tone controls vary among models and manufacturers. For example, the treble knobs on two different models may target different frequencies or provide different levels of cut or boost. Some equalizer (EQ) sections amplify the guitar signal more than others, thus affecting the way the amp distorts.

Amp Designer provides multiple EQ types to mirror these variations in hardware amplifiers. All EQ types have identical controls—Bass, Mids, and Treble—but these controls can behave very differently depending on which EQ type you choose.

Selecting an EQ type other than the one traditionally associated with an amplifier usually results in significant tonal changes. As with hardware amplifiers, Amp Designer EQs are calibrated to perform well with particular amplifier models. Choosing other EQ types can sometimes produce a thin or unpleasantly distorted tone.

Despite these less pleasant-sounding possibilities, it is worth experimenting with various amplifier and EQ combinations, because many can sound good together.

Figure. EQ pop-up menu and Bass, Mids, and Treble knobs.

EQ parameters

EQ pop-up menu: Click the word EQ or CUSTOM EQ to choose an EQ type. Each EQ model has unique tonal qualities.
Bass, Mids, and Treble knobs: Adjust the EQ frequency ranges as you would with tone knobs on a hardware guitar amplifier. The behavior and response of these knobs changes when different EQ models are chosen.

Equalizer types

Learn about the properties and tonal qualities of each Amp Designer EQ type.

EQ type				Description
British Bright				Inspired by the EQ of British combo amps of the 1960s, it is loud and aggressive, with stronger highs than the Vintage EQ. This EQ is useful if you want more treble definition without an overly clean sound.
Vintage				Emulates the EQ response of American Tweed-style amps and the vintage British stack amps that used a similar circuit. It is loud and subject to distortion. This EQ is useful if you want a rougher sound.
U.S. Classic				Derived from the EQ circuit of the American Black Panel amps, it has a tone of higher fidelity than the Vintage EQ, with tighter lows and crisper highs. This EQ is useful if you want to brighten your tone and reduce distortion.
Modern				Based on a digital EQ unit popular in the 1980s and 1990s, this EQ is useful for sculpting the aggressive highs, deep lows, and scooped mids associated with rock and metal music styles of the era.
Boutique				Replicating the tone section of a “retro modern” boutique amp, it excels at precise EQ adjustments, though its tone may be too clean when used with vintage amplifiers. This EQ is a good choice if you want a cleaner, brighter sound.

Download the guides:

MainStage User Guide: PDF

MainStage Instruments: PDF

MainStage Effects: PDF

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