The AER Pocket Tools Dual Para EQ is a parametric EQ processor from AER's Pocket Tools range, which the German amp maker describes as "a new range of easily portable compact processors that each offer different useful elements of AER's technology" for acoustic players1. It is a pedal-sized floor unit, the size of a large stompbox, built to sit firmly on the floor and give an acoustic player precise control over tone before the signal reaches an amp or PA. It belongs to the wider family of equalization pedals and acoustic pedals.
The controls and jacks
The front panel carries a gain knob with a clip LED, which shows when the input signal is running too hot1. Input is via a single standard jack, and the output is a single standard jack as well, so it slots into a signal chain the same way any stompbox does1.
The body is a solid black anodised aluminum enclosure with ergonomic rubber-coated knobs, built for the floor rather than a pedalboard1.
Using it alone or with other Pocket Tools
The Dual Para EQ is designed to either be used on its own or with the AER Colourizer or Dual Mix, to provide gain control and a two-band parametric EQ alongside those units1. Used alone, the two parametric sections in series give what MusicRadar's reviewer Trevor Curwen called "serious tone-shaping capability that will surgically take out any problem frequencies, or transform the sound with targeted boosts and cuts"1.
"A compact and effective solution for sorting out your onstage tonal problems."
Power and what's in the box
The Dual Para EQ is a pedal-sized floor unit, the size of a large stompbox, with a solid black anodised aluminum body and ergonomic rubber-coated knobs1. Note that it is not powered by a standard pedalboard supply, so plan your rig's power accordingly. In the UK, a Dual Para EQ combined with a Dual Mix was listed at £6001.
The 24V DC requirement means the Dual Para EQ will not run from a typical pedalboard power supply or daisy chain. Use the supplied adaptor.
The adaptor ships in its own identical zippered carrying case, and the cable run is generous: a little over four meters of cabling, enough to reach across the stage or studio floor1. The unit itself comes in a smart zippered carrying case1.
What reviewers said
MusicRadar's review praised the solid build quality, quiet operation and precision EQ, with Trevor Curwen's overall verdict being "a compact and effective solution for sorting out your onstage tonal problems"1. On price, the review noted a combined UK figure of £600 for a Dual Para EQ paired with a Dual Mix1.
Questions
Can the Pocket Tools Dual Para EQ be used on its own?
Yes. MusicRadar's review describes it as designed to either be used on its own or alongside the AER Colourizer or Dual Mix, where it adds gain control and a two-band parametric EQ to those units. On its own, the two parametric sections in series give you surgical cuts of problem frequencies or targeted boosts and cuts that reshape the sound.
What power supply does the Dual Para EQ use?
It runs from an in-line 24V DC adaptor, which is included and comes in its own matching zippered carrying case. The adaptor has a little over four metres of cabling, enough to reach across a stage or studio floor. This is not a standard 9V pedal supply, so a regular pedalboard power outlet will not run it.
Does it work with the AER Colourizer and Dual Mix?
Yes. The Dual Para EQ is designed to be used either on its own or with the Colourizer or Dual Mix, providing gain control and a two-band parametric EQ alongside those units. MusicRadar's review notes a combined price of £600 for a Dual Para EQ paired with a Dual Mix in the UK.
What does the clip LED show?
The gain knob is paired with a clip LED, which shows when the input signal is clipping. Watching it as you set the gain tells you whether your signal is hitting the unit too hot, which matters when feeding an amp or PA from an acoustic pickup.
Sources (1)
- AER Pocket Tools Dual Para Eq review, MusicRadar, 2011-04-27