Author Topic: CVQ knobs (Read 264 times)

2400wattman · « **on:** May 23, 2007, 05:39:01 AM »

I just got an used Series 2 and I'm trying to pinpoint exactly what the CVQ's are doing. Could someone please give me an idea and some settings. At this point I'm not finding much use for them but I know there is some fine tuning going on there, I just can't seem to find it.

terryc · « **Reply #1 on:** May 23, 2007, 05:59:47 AM »

I don't have a series 2 but you dial your filter frequency in then you can use the CVQ to boost/cut the frequency..like a parametric equaliser.

adriaan · « **Reply #2 on:** May 23, 2007, 06:49:33 AM »

The filter is not really an equalizer, in that there is no permanent effect (like with bass boost). The difference is mostly on the attack part of a note.

You can 'tune' your ears to hear effect this way:

(1) Turn the CVQ down. Hit an open string and let it ring, now turn the filter open and shut, open and shut, ... But don't wait too long before turning the filter! You'll hear a hint of 'wah'.

(2) Turn the CVQ wide open. Hit an open string and let it ring, and turn the filter open and shut, ... You should hear quite bit of 'wah' now.

lidon2001 · « **Reply #3 on:** May 23, 2007, 07:22:43 AM »

The CVQ and Q swtiches are boost only. They do not subtract. They start at 0db boost and go up from there.

What do they boost? They boost the cut-off frequency selected at the filter, which is a lo-pass filter. If you turn the filter totally off to cut off as much high as possible, then start boosting with the switch or CVQ, Q will be boosting bottom freq's and it gives a thick dub sound that I love when mixed with the bridge pickup. If the filter is wide open, Q is boosting treble freq's, giving the very hi-fi sound Alembics are known for. If you put the filter more in the middle, Q is boosting mid-range (while filter is decreasing the highs), so I tend to use this only on my bridge pickup when I want a Jaco-like tone that emphasizes the mid's. If I want mid-boost other times I go to my amp's EQ.

There are some good technical explanations of the Q switch, exact freq's, etc., in the FAQ section, and your own experimentation is encouraged.

T

2400wattman · « **Reply #4 on:** May 23, 2007, 07:58:15 AM »

I could'nt find anything in the FAQ's section on this, so I turn to those that know.

crgaston · « **Reply #5 on:** May 23, 2007, 08:14:16 AM »

Adam, there are a few posts in the Must Reads

http://club.alembic.com/Images/16271/16376.html?1107726471

http://club.alembic.com/Images/16271/16350.html?1107707912

Just got a used SII?!?! Is it the walnut one in the swap shop?
Post some pics of that bad boy!

Tom gives a pretty good explanation. The CVQ (and the Q switches on other Alembics) just boost the frequency where the rolloff from the filter occurs.
Charles

2400wattman · « **Reply #6 on:** May 23, 2007, 08:25:21 AM »

Yep, it's that one. Got it to compare it to my S1. Basically wanted to check out those CVQ's to see if there's anything I'm missing. As of now the tones that I desire are easily accomplished on my S1, so I think when I place my order it'll probably be an S1. Besides, I use a pick every long once in a while and I seem to be hitting the master vol. and the neck CVQ. I'm going to have to sell one of them though, just can't afford to keep them both.

olieoliver · « **Reply #7 on:** May 23, 2007, 08:31:39 AM »

Adam the way I understand it is, the Low pass filter determines at what frequency to cut off or allow to pass through. The QVC allows you adjust the boost at the cut off frequency.

Congrats on the S-2 also. I'd love to see some pix.

If you want give me a call and maybe I can be of more help.

lbpesq · « **Reply #8 on:** May 23, 2007, 09:28:59 AM »

Adam:

The CVQs serve the same purpose as the toggles on your Series 1. Think of the volume pot on your amp. You can turn it to any setting from 1-10 (unless, of course, you're in Spinal Tap, in which case you can go to 11). Now imagine replacing the volume pot with a three position toggle switch and the first position is the same as 1 on the pot, the second position is the same as 5 on the pot, while the third position is the same as 10 on the pot. You can still get exactly the same thing at the three positions of the toggle as at the corresponding numbers on the pot. Only with the toggle, you can't get settings between these, with the pot you can. That, as I understand it, is the essential electronic difference between the Series 1 and 2, other than the master volume.

Bill, tgo

terryc · « **Reply #9 on:** May 24, 2007, 05:30:32 AM »

Okay so I explained the cut/boost wrong guys but I said 'like a parametric equaliser' it's a simile.
The threads on the filter/q are great with loads of useful info but sometimes less is more!!!