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EQ2 Programmable EQ
User manual
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Source Audio EQ2 Programmable EQ User manual

SA270 EQ2 User Guide
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EQ2 Programmable EQ User Guide

Welcome

The EQ2 is our first pedal to support two-way mobile Neuro communication via the USB Mini port. It also includes a Control Input port, and 5-pin MIDI DIN In and Out/Through ports for full MIDI integration. The pedal features true stereo operation, including a Split Mode which allows you to create a separate EQ curve for each output.
Coupled with the EQ2 is its own sound editor in the Neuro App and Desktop Editor, making custom equalization easy and intuitive to create and share with other users. EQ2’s sound editor features deep editing controls such as complex routing, channel volumes, and an optional noise gate and limiter. Visit the Quick Start guide for basic operation or move on to the following sections for more in-depth information about the EQ2. Enjoy!
—The Source Audio Team
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Contents

Welcome ................................................................................................................................................... 1
Contents ................................................................................................................................................... 2
Feature Overview ..................................................................................................................................... 3
Connecting the Pedal ............................................................................................................................... 4
Connections .............................................................................................................................................. 5
Basic Operation ........................................................................................................................................ 8
The Options Menu .................................................................................................................................... 9
Navigating the Options Menu .................................................................................................................. 9
Controls .................................................................................................................................................. 11
Common EQ Configurations ................................................................................................................... 13
Stereo Operation & Signal Routing ........................................................................................................ 15
Preset Storage and Recall ....................................................................................................................... 18
Additional Features ................................................................................................................................ 19
External Control ...................................................................................................................................... 21
Expression Control .................................................................................................................................. 22
Neuro Desktop and Mobile Editors ........................................................................................................ 23
The Neuro Desktop Editor ...................................................................................................................... 23
The Neuro Mobile App — with New Direct MIDI-USB Support ............................................................. 31
Neuro Hub .............................................................................................................................................. 32
MIDI ........................................................................................................................................................ 33
USB.......................................................................................................................................................... 33
Specifications .......................................................................................................................................... 34
Troubleshooting ..................................................................................................................................... 35
Frequently Asked Questions................................................................................................................... 35
Rubber Feet ............................................................................................................................................ 37
Waste Disposal Notes ............................................................................................................................. 37
Warranty ................................................................................................................................................. 37
Version History ....................................................................................................................................... 39
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Feature Overview

10 Adjustable Frequency Bands – Adjust each of the 10 bands to be set at any point on the audio frequency spectrum between 20Hz and 20,000Hz (20kHz).
Additional +12dB of Clean Boost – Each preset has a configurable “Output” control with up to +12dB
of clean boost on tap.
Universal Bypass – Select between true bypass or analog buffered bypass. The EQ2 features high­quality signal relays for true bypass and transparent buffers for analog bypass.
Flexible Stereo Routing – EQ2 is equally at home in a mono or stereo rig. The EQ2 Auto-Detects the Inputs and Outputs that are being used and accordingly routes each channel in Mono-to-Mono, Mono-to-Stereo, or Stereo-to-Stereo modes. Additional complex routing options are available in the Neuro Editors.
Split Mode – By default, the same equalizer settings are applied to both Channel 1 and Channel 2. Using Split mode allows for entirely independent settings of level, frequency, Q factor, etc. per signal channel.
Compact Design – The extruded anodized aluminum housing, with its slim profile and small footprint, is built for the rigors of the road.
Onboard Tuner – EQ2 comes with an onboard chromatic tuner that can be accessed in multiple different ways using the pedal’s footswitch.
Presets – Save your favorite sounds with the touch of a button. Save total of 128 presets recallable on the pedal itself or with an external MIDI controller.
Neuro Mobile App – The Neuro App is a free download for iOS and Android mobile devices. The App offers a powerful extension to the basic pedal functionality with the options of preset saving and publishing. Edit your presets and download them directly to your pedal, save them in your private library, or publish and share them with the rest of the Neuro Community.
Two-Way Mobile Communication – For the first time, EQ2 will provide two-way Neuro communication with your mobile device through the USB port on the pedal.
The Neuro Desktop Editor – Connect your EQ2 to the USB port on your Mac or Windows PC to create and save advanced presets with the Neuro Desktop’s sleek editing interface. The Neuro software is a free download for Mac or Windows based PCs. Two-way communication between the pedal and your computer also allows the Desktop Editor to see the parameter settings of every preset stored in your EQ2.
Neuro Hub Ready – The Source Audio Neuro Hub connects up to five compatible Source Audio pedals and stores the settings of multi-pedal “Scenes.” Up to 128 Scenes can be saved and recalled using the Neuro Hub alongside a standard MIDI controller. This option combines the power of a multi-effects system with the ease and flexibility of a traditional pedal board.
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Full MIDI Implementation – EQ2’s parameters can be accessed and controlled using MIDI messages via its 5-pin DIN Input, a Neuro Hub connection, or USB port. Use MIDI messages to engage/disengage the pedal, change presets, move parameters with a MIDI expression controller, and more. Class-compliant USB-MIDI allows the EQ2 to work as a plug-and-play device with recording software running on Mac and Windows.
External Control – Easily configure the EQ2 to work with a variety of expression pedals and footswitches for flexible external control options
Full Frequency Range – Since the human ear can detect between 20Hz and 20kHz (20,000Hz), each of the 10 bands can be set anywhere between 20Hz and 20kHz for ultimate sonic customization.

Connecting the Pedal

Power

To power the unit, connect the included 9V DC negative-tipped power supply to the jack labeled DC 9V on the back panel.
Warning: Using a non-Source Audio supply, especially an unregulated supply, could damage the unit.
A power supply with insufficient current levels may also cause noise or other unpredictable behavior. Please be very cautious when using 3rd-party power supplies and refer to the power supply requirements in the Specifications section of this guide.
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Connections

Guitar/Audio Connections

Using standard ¼” mono (TS) cables, connect your guitar, bass, or other instrument to the INPUT 1 jack and your amp (or the next audio device in the signal chain) to the OUTPUT 1 jack. If you have a second amp, connect it to OUTPUT 2.
When the power and audio connections have been made, EQ2 is ready for use.

Input Side Connections

INPUT 1

INPUT 1 is the primary input for guitar, bass, or other instruments. It can also accept line-level inputs and will work in your amp’s effect loop. Connect it to your instrument or other audio source using a mono (TS) 1/4” cable. Details about the appropriate signal levels are available in the Specifications section.

INPUT 2

Use the secondary audio input for stereo sources or as the data connection to your mobile device when using the Neuro App.
• INPUT 2 as an Audio Input: The tip contact on INPUT 2 acts as a secondary input for guitar, bass,
or other instruments. Connect your instrument (or the previous effect in the signal chain) using a mono (TS) ¼” cable. The EQ2 will automatically configure itself for stereo audio input. Other routing options are available using the Neuro App. For more information about stereo routing, refer to the Stereo Operation section.
• INPUT 2 as a Neuro App Data Input: The ring contact on INPUT 2 acts as a data connection for the
Neuro Mobile App. The Neuro App sends data to the pedal using your mobile device’s headphone jack. Connect it to your mobile device using the included stereo (TRS) 1/8” to 1/4” cable. It can also accept daisy-chained Neuro data from another Neuro-compatible pedal in the chain, provided that a TRS cable is used. The audio signal (if applicable) will be on the tip contact
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of the plug, and the Neuro App data will be on the ring contact. This allows audio and Neuro data to flow on the same cable.

MIDI IN

This is a standard 5-pin DIN connector that accepts MIDI control messages from external devices, including program change (PC) and continuous controller (CC) messages.

Output Side Connections

OUTPUT 1

This is the primary audio output. Connect it to your amplifier, recording interface, or the next device in your effects signal chain using a mono (TS) ¼” cable.

OUTPUT 2

OUTPUT 2 can act either as an audio output or a daisy-chain data connection for the Neuro App.
• OUTPUT 2 as an Audio Output: The tip contact on OUTPUT 2 acts as the secondary audio output.
It carries an audio signal when the EQ2 is configured with a signal routing that uses stereo outputs. Connect it to your amplifier, recording interface, or the next device in your effects signal chain using a mono (TS) ¼” cable.
• OUTPUT 2 as a Neuro App Data Daisy-Chain Output: The ring contact on OUTPUT 2 acts as a data
connection for the Neuro App, passing data from the EQ2 to the next Source Audio effect in your signal chain. You can daisy-chain the Neuro App data regardless of whether OUTPUT 2 is configured to output audio or not. Connect OUTPUT 2 to the next device’s Neuro App Data input (usually INPUT 2) using a stereo (TRS) 1/4” cable. The audio signal (if applicable) will be on the tip contact of the plug, and the Neuro App data will be on the ring contact. This allows audio and Neuro data to flow on the same cable.
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MIDI THRU

This is a standard 5-pin DIN connector that echoes MIDI messages from the MIDI IN jack and sends them to other devices. The EQ2 does not generate any of its own MIDI data.

Power and Control Connections

DC 9V (Power)

Connect to the included 9 Volt DC power supply. If you would like to use a 3rd-party supply, the power supply must be regulated at 9 Volts DC (direct current), able to source at least 180 mA (milliamps) of current, and the plug should have a tip-negative, barrel-positive polarity.
USB
Connect to your computer or mobile device (Windows or Mac) to the EQ2’s USB port (denoted by the icon) using a standard USB mini B cable. The EQ2 is a class compliant USB device, meaning that it does not require any custom drivers. For more information about the EQ2’s USB capabilities, refer to the USB Section of the User’s Guide.

CONTROL INPUT

The 3.5 mm CONTROL INPUT port connects to external control devices such as the Source Audio Tap Tempo Switch, Source Audio Dual Expression Pedal, Neuro Hub, and Hot Hand Motion Controller. For more information, refer to the Expression Pedal Input and Neuro Hub sections of the User’s Guide.
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Basic Operation

The EQ2 defaults to each band in the flat position, Q value of 1.0, and set to the standard graphic-EQ frequency values (the value written on the face of the pedal under each band) of 31, 62, 125, 250, 500, 1k, 2k, 4k, 8k, and 16k Hertz. No presets are saved from the factory, Split mode is set to OFF, and Preset Extension mode is set to OFF. For more details on Preset Extension mode, see the Preset
Storage and Recall section.

Selecting a Band to Adjust

To select a frequency band, hold the ENCODER KNOB down while rotating it right or left. If Split mode is enabled, continuing to rotate the encoder past the rightmost value will display the values for the Channel 2 equalizer. The display will flash briefly to “CH 2” to indicate the change. You can navigate back to Channel 1 equalizer by rotating the encoder past the leftmost value.

Adjusting a Band

To adjust a frequency band, rotate the ENCODER KNOB clockwise or counterclockwise without pushing it down. Rotating the ENCODER KNOB clockwise will boost the frequency selected, while rotating it counterclockwise will cut the frequency. Each “click” of the encoder will adjust the frequency band up or down in 1dB increments. Note that finer adjustment increments of 0.2dB are available in the Neuro Desktop and Mobile Apps.

Set to Flat

If you’ve made changes to your EQ that you would not like to keep, simply double tap the ENCODER KNOB to “start over” and bring each band back to its default (flat) position. Note that this will NOT reset adjustments made to the Frequency or Q Factor settings for any band.

Adjusting the Frequency of a Band

The human ear can detect frequencies from about 20Hz at the lowest, to about 20,000Hz (20kHz). Since this is such a broad spectrum, and we only could fit 10 bands to work with on the pedal, we armed each band with the ability to be set to anywhere between 20Hz and 20kHz.
Each of the 10 frequency bands is fully adjustable over the audio spectrum of 20Hz to 20,000Hz (20kHz). Additionally, the filter frequencies used on Channel 1 can be completely different than those used on Channel 2. All of these filter adjustments are saved per preset.
To adjust a band frequency, say you want to control a band at 5kHz, but you don’t see this frequency option on the face of the pedal. You can select any band (though the band closest to your desired frequency might make the most sense) and change the frequency value to 5kHz. To do this, select a frequency, then press + hold the ENCODER KNOB. This brings up the Options menu. “Freq” is the first option. Click once on the encoder. The screen will now read out the current frequency value of the
band you’ve selected. Rotate the encoder to adjust the frequency. Each band contains the entire pedal’s range of frequencies, for total sonic customization.
Note that we had to limit the number of frequencies available when editing directly using the encoder to a smaller subset of the full range from 20Hz to 20kHz. If you need to make single Hz adjustments to the frequencies, this can be done using the Neuro Desktop or Mobile Apps.
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Adjusting the Q Factor (Width) of a Band

Let’s say you’re used to your DAW equalizer software, and you’re used to being able to make a particular EQ band more wide or narrow. This can be done on the EQ2! To do this, select a band, then press + hold the ENCODER KNOB. This brings up the Options menu. “Q factor” is the second option. Click once on the encoder to edit the Q factor. The screen will now readout the current Q factor value of the band you’ve selected. Rotate the encoder to adjust the Q up or down. The available range of value is 0.5 to 10.0. The lowest value (0.5) gives you a very wide filter range while the highest value (10.0) makes the filter band very narrow.

Setting the Master Output

The small, blue LED-lit knob labeled “OUTPUT” is a master output volume control, integral for matching, raising, or lowering your signal’s output depending on your rig’s needs. The brightness of
the LED corresponds with the position of the knob, giving you an indicator of how your output level is set. Note that the OUTPUT control will scale the volume of both channels simultaneously.
Unity gain, or 0dB, is set to be the mid-point of the OUTPUT knob range. When adjusting the knob, the blue LED and Activity LED will flash twice to indicate when “unity” has been reached.

The Options Menu

For ultimate tone-shaping power and flexibility, we’ve included more parameters in an easy-access Options page. To access the Options menu, press + hold the ENCODER KNOB. Below “Navigating the
Options Menu” is the list of menu items and what they entail. Please note that the “SHELF” option
will only appear when adjusting bands 1 and 10.

Navigating the Options Menu

1. To enter the Options Menu, press + hold the ENCODER KNOB.
2. From here, you will see the first menu option, FREQ.
3. Rotate the ENCODER KNOB to cycle though the Options choices. Your position within the list of
options is denoted by the vertical strip of LEDs on the left side of the screen.
4. Once you’ve arrived at the option or parameter you’d like to toggle or adjust, press the
ENCODER KNOB.
5. Now, rotate the ENCODER KNOB to toggle between the options, or to adjust a parameter’s
value. You will see the readout on the screen change, such as in the form of “on/off” or by a numeric parametric value, depending on which option you’ve selected.
6. Press the ENCODER KNOB once more to exit the Options menu and return to your EQ screen.

FREQ

Sets the frequency of the selected band between 20Hz and 20kHz. More precise numbers can be selected in the Neuro Mobile App and Neuro Desktop Editor.

Q FACT

Sets the Q factor of each filter, measured in octaves. The default setting is 1.0.
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GAIN

Sets the gain per channel. Each channel has its own gain control from -18dB to +18dB. Useful for matching the Channel 1 and Channel 2 levels when Split mode is used, similar to a line selector pedal. Note that these channel gain values are separate from the master output volume control.

SPLIT

By default, all of the controls for Channel 2 will match the Channel 1 settings. If Split Mode is turned ON, the Channel 2 controls can be set to different values. Turning Split OFF will make Channel 2 match Channel 1 again. When Split is enabled, push and turn the encoder to scroll all the way to the right to view and edit Channel 2. Scroll back to the left to view and edit Channel 1.

LIMITER

Enable or disable the clipping limiter to prevent digital clipping. By default the limiter uses a lookahead delay, but this can be turned off in the Neuro Mobile App and Neuro Desktop Editor.

GATE

Enable or disable the EQ2’s internal noise gate.

THRESHOLD

Adjust the noise gate threshold from -100dB to -60dB. -60dB would be the most aggressive gating for very noisy signals.

HP FREQ

Each channel has an independent input high pass filter that is adjustable from 10Hz to 80Hz. Note that the filter is always active. Setting to 10Hz effectively removes the filter from the signal.

SHELF (Bands 1 and 10 Only)

The lowest and highest filter bands can be changed from a normal “peaking” filter to a “shelving” type with this control. A low shelf (Band 1) boosts/cuts all frequencies lower (to the left of) the frequency selected. A high shelf (Band 10) boosts/cuts all frequencies higher (to the right of) the selected frequency. The frequency and Q settings for these bands will apply to both peaking and shelving modes.

CONFIG

Toggles between parallel filters (default option) and cascading (series) filters. Most EQ devices use parallel filters, but some parametric equalizers use filters in series for a more dramatic effect.

MIDI CH

Sets the global MIDI Channel on your EQ2 from Ch. 1 to Ch. 16.

FS Option

Select the main global footswitch operation mode. There are eight possible configurations, including enabling the tuner by double tapping or holding the footswitch. For more information on the footswitch operation options, visit the Hardware Options section of this guide.

CNTRL OPTION

Sets the global Control Input mode: 1-Neuro Hub/Expression, 2-External Switch, 3­Increment/Decrement Preset, 4-Tuner. For more information, see External Switch Options.
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Controls

Rotary Encoder Knob

This is the key to the whole operation. Push + rotate the Encoder Knob to select a frequency band. Turn the Encoder Knob clockwise or counterclockwise to boost or cut the selected band. Double tap the Encoder Knob to “start over” and set the bands back to flat. Push + hold the Encoder Knob to enter the Options screen.

OUTPUT Knob

Think of this knob as a master volume control. Rotate this knob to boost your signal +12 dB or cut your signal down to -∞ dB (zero volume). The OUTPUT Knob is lit with a bright blue LED, which will glow brighter the higher the knob is turned up. When adjusting the knob, the blue LED and Activity
LED will flash twice to indicate when “unity” has been reached. Unity gain, or 0dB, is set to be the
mid-point of the OUTPUT knob range.

Footswitch

By Default, click the footswitch to engage or bypass the pedal. Hold the footswitch down while the pedal is bypassed to scroll through presets. Release when you’ve reached your desired preset. The press + hold actions in both engaged and bypassed states, as well as double-tap actions can be changed in the Hardware Options.
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Control Input Button

This small button located at the top of the pedal is used to enable or disable external control. See the External Control section for more details.

ON/OFF LED

The ON/OFF LED indicates whether the effect is bypassed or engaged. In Tuner Mode, when your note is too sharp or too flat, the LED becomes orange. When your note is at pitch, the LED becomes green.

Preset SELECT/SAVE Button & Preset LEDs

Push the SELECT/SAVE Button to cycle forward through preset slots. Hold the button to save your current settings as a preset. The Preset LEDs will indicate which preset slot you are currently working in.
Presets can also be saved to different locations other than the currently selected slot. To do this, once a preset has been edited, press and hold the SELECT/SAVE button until the preset LED begins to blink rapidly, then release the button. Next, do a quick press and release of the SELECT/SAVE button to select a different preset slot. Finally, press and hold the SELECT/SAVE button.

Display Screen

The luminous, multi-purpose display screen lets you view and edit your EQ curve in real time and transforms into a navigable “Options” menu when you hold down on the Encoder Knob. The main display contains the Control/Activity LED, the Band Select LEDs, and the Level Indicators for each band.

Control/Activity LED

The LED located in the top center is the Control/Activity LED, mapped to the CONTROL INPUT Button.

Frequency Band LED

The LED underneath the frequency values indicates which band you are currently editing. It will move with the Encoder when you push + rotate the knob. In Split Mode, rotating the Encoder beyond 16k will bring you to your EQ settings for the “right” channel

Level Indicators

The LED indicator LEDs display the current boost or cut settings for all 10 bands. The center position is 0dB or “flat”. The maximum boost/cut levels are +/-18dB. In Options mode, the LEDs are rearranged to display the menu text. In Tuner mode, the LEDs are rearranged to form the note closest to the frequency you are playing as well as arrows on either side indicating whether to tune up or down.
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