Author Topic: Q switch with PE-1 Activators? (Read 253 times)

shae · « **on:** October 22, 2007, 05:31:58 AM »

I recently installed PE-1 activators with volume and filter module in a p-bass. What would a q-switch do, and can it even be added with the PE-1?

adriaan · « **Reply #1 on:** October 22, 2007, 05:44:50 AM »

The filter module probably has a permanent Q, which is a boost of 8dB at the cut-off frequency where you set the filter. If you sustain a note, and turn the filter at least a quarter turn open-and-shut, you get a bit of a wah effect.

The standard Q switch allows you to eliminate the 8dB boost, although there is always a very small natural boost. Without the boost, the wah effect is barely noticeable.

In any case, if you leave the filter where it is, the Q has effect only on the attack of the note.

lbpesq · « **Reply #2 on:** October 22, 2007, 07:08:31 AM »

Adriaan:

I think you have it backwards. A filter with no Q has no boost at the cut-off frequency. Flipping on the Q switch adds boost at the cut-off frequency.

Bill, tgo

adriaan · « **Reply #3 on:** October 22, 2007, 07:20:48 AM »

Bill, nope - if you have an Alembic with a filter but no Q switch, then the standard setup is for the Q boost to be engaged all the time, with no way of turning it off. This is true for the Essence package, and for the Activator packages that include a filter.

Adding a Q switch allows you to turn off the boost, although you still get a little bump at the cut-off frequency which is typical for a LPF.

keith_h · « **Reply #4 on:** October 22, 2007, 07:23:37 AM »

For the Essence electronics that came in my Orion it is as Adriaan describes. The 8db boost is always on. Adding the Q switch allowed me to turn the boost off. I do not know if the same is true for the Activators.

Keith

lbpesq · « **Reply #5 on:** October 22, 2007, 07:29:45 AM »

See below.

(Message edited by lbpesq on October 22, 2007)

lbpesq · « **Reply #6 on:** October 22, 2007, 07:30:36 AM »

Both my Alembic Tele and Strat sets came with filters only. I added Q switches. When the Q is engaged, it adds, not subtracts, boost. On my old Electrum, my '76 Series I guitar, and my '77 Series I 12 string, the Q adds, not subtracts boost. All of the postings dealing with Q speak of the switch adding boost. Your's is the first posting I've seen that contends the Q switch subtracts boost. Maybe the basses are different from the guitars?

Bill, tgo

811952 · « **Reply #7 on:** October 22, 2007, 07:32:51 AM »

Bill is correct.

The Q-switch adds a peak at whatever frequency the filter is set to.

Without a Q-switch, the filter is a low-pass without a peak.

John

adriaan · « **Reply #8 on:** October 22, 2007, 07:43:44 AM »

Hey guys, opinions galore here, where facts are needed.

Fact is that the standard Essence bass does not have a Q switch, and it has the 8 dB boost engaged all the time. The same applies to the (discontinued) Persuader basses, which were the showcase model for the Activator packages.

shae · « **Reply #9 on:** October 22, 2007, 08:40:16 AM »

Okay let's see if this helps...The filter does make the little Wah effect as Adriaan described. So if I add the q switch it would simply act as a cut for the boost when in the off position. Does anybody recommend actually adding one and does it add that much versitility?

keith_h · « **Reply #10 on:** October 22, 2007, 10:06:20 AM »

What I said was the Essence package the 8db boost hardwired on. This is what my Orion came with. Since the boost can be a bit too much I added a Q switch after the fact. By adding the Q switch I can now turn the boost off or if you prefer if there is no boost I can turn it on. :-)

Shae,
In my opinion it was worthwhile adding the Q switch to my Orion. I play most of the time with no boost and only turning it on when needed. At least for my bass it was a fairly inexpensive way to increase flexibility.

Keith

lbpesq · « **Reply #11 on:** October 22, 2007, 12:50:44 PM »

How about anyone else on this? Has anyone else had the experience of a Q switch subtracting boost? Am I nuts? Are my 3-way Q switches subtracting even more? It certainly sounds like they are adding, not subtracting.

Bill, tgo

cozmik_cowboy · « **Reply #12 on:** October 22, 2007, 01:23:12 PM »

I don't think there's really a disagreement here. Bill, your axes all have Q switches - which means in one position there's no boost, in the other(s) there is boost. On instruments with a filter but no Q switch, the boost is always on, so adding it gives you the option of turning it off. Thus, when you add the switch, it has the same function as one that came as factory equipment: you can turn the boost on & off. Stand it on its head, Bill - the stock Essence is, in effect, your guitar with the Q on. So if you add the switch, it is, in fact, subtracting - just as you subtract Q when you turn it off. Same function, but with a different starting reference.

Peter

adriaan · « **Reply #13 on:** October 22, 2007, 01:25:31 PM »

Bill - there is no subtraction of the boost, you just get an on/off switch for the boost. The standard packages without the Q switch (e.g. Essence) are internally wired so that there is always an 8 dB boost at the cut-off frequency - this is the 'signature' Alembic sound.

Shae - I definitely recommend adding a Q switch. Personally, I find the default 8 dB is too much, and had my Spoiler electronics modified with a three-way 0/3/6 dB Q switch. The 3 dB increments are subtle but noticeable.

keith_h · « **Reply #14 on:** October 22, 2007, 02:06:38 PM »

Bill,
Nobody is saying subtract we are saying the boost is either on or off. When the 2 position Q switches on my basses are down the boost is on. This is adding the 8db boost to the cutoff frequency. When the switch is up there is no boost at the cutoff frequency( i.e. it is off). For a 3 position switch it would be off, boost a small amount at cutoff and boost more at the cutoff.

For the Essence electronics the Q switch is an upgrade. Instead of a switch the basic Essence electronics are hardwired to always have boost at the cutoff frequency. As has been said the Alembic sound. When you add the Q switch you now have choice to have a boost at the cutoff frequency (on) or to not have a boost at the cutoff frequency (off).

Keith