The PEQ-2 Two Band Parametric EQ

Unlike graphic equalizers, which assign levers to frequency bands, parametric EQs are adjustable. They can be set to any frequency and bandwidth.

Say you want to eliminate noise at a specific frequency. A graphic EQ won't work, but a parametric EQ can be set to the exact frequency required, and narrowed to avoid filtering out sounds you want to keep.

This adjustability makes Reason's PEQ-2 EQ more useful than it might seem at first.

To use the PEQ-2 as a tone control

1.	Insert an EQ by selecting your instrument and choosing Create > PEQ-2 Two Band Parametric EQ (Figure 8.89). Figure 8.89. We'll use the PEQ-2 equalizer (shown here front and back) as a tone control.
2.	With your track playing, increase or decrease the EQ A Gain knob to lower or raise the current EQ setting (Figure 8.90). Figure 8.90. The Gain knob lowers or raises the frequency, as shown in the display.
3.	Move the Freq A knob until it is affecting the frequency you want to cut or boost. Watch the display for the actual frequency value selected (Figure 8.91). Figure 8.91. The display ruler marks frequency values as the Freq A knob moves.
4.	Use the Q knob to widen (left) or narrow (right) the frequency area you want to adjust (Figure 8.92). Figure 8.92. The Q knob narrows and widens the selected band.
5.	Click the Filter B On/Off button to activate a second tone control (Figure 8.93). Figure 8.93. Click the Filter B On/Off button for a second tone control.
6.	Tune the second band using the same controls as in steps 24.

Tip

• When very narrow Q values are used with high gain, the effect is basically that of a resonant filter, where a particular harmonic becomes audible. When very narrow Q values are used with low gain to cut the signal drastically, the result is that of a notch filter.