The CNZ Audio BEQ-5 is a compact 5-band equalizer pedal built for bass. Its five sliders are set at 62.5Hz, 125Hz, 500Hz, 1kHz and 4kHz, covering a primary series of bass frequencies, and each band can be cut or boosted by up to 18 dB. A volume knob sets the overall level, and the pedal is true bypass when off. It sits in the wider family of equalization pedals alongside other bass pedals.1
Controls
The BEQ-5 keeps its control layout simple: five sliders for the EQ bands and one knob for level1.
| Control | What it does |
|---|---|
| Five thin sliders | 5-band EQ adjustment at 62.5Hz, 125Hz, 500Hz, 1kHz and 4kHz, each adjusting from 0 to +18 dB and -18 dB |
| Volume knob | Adjusts level, with a green LED showing status |
| Foot switch | Firm foot switch for engaging and bypassing the pedal |
CNZ Audio describes the pedal as focusing "on a primary series of bass frequencies with 5-band adjustments set from 62.5Hz to 4 kHz."1
Power and connections
The BEQ-5 runs on a 9V DC input with the negative on center and the positive on the outside, drawing 8 mA. Input and output are both 1/4 inch mono connectors, with a 470K ohm input impedance and a 1K ohm output impedance.1
The 9V DC center-negative requirement means the BEQ-5 should be powered from a standard pedalboard supply or adapter of that polarity, not from a battery connection of a different polarity.1
Build and size
The pedal is housed in solid aluminum with a firm foot switch. CNZ Audio lists its dimensions as 3.75 L x 1.77 W x 1.9 H inches and its weight as .54 lbs including the box.1
Questions
Is the CNZ Audio BEQ-5 true bypass?
Yes. CNZ Audio describes the BEQ-5 as true bypass, which it says provides a transparent tone when the pedal is off. With the pedal engaged, the signal passes through the five EQ sliders and the volume knob; with it disengaged, the pedal is removed from the signal path.
What frequencies does the BEQ-5 control?
The BEQ-5 is a 5-band equalizer focused on a primary series of bass frequencies. Its five slider bands are set at 62.5Hz, 125Hz, 500Hz, 1kHz and 4kHz, covering the low end through the upper midrange and treble of a bass signal.
How much boost and cut does the BEQ-5 give?
According to CNZ Audio, the sliders adjust from 0 to +18 dB and -18 dB, so each of the five bands can be cut or boosted by up to 18 dB. A separate volume knob adjusts the overall level.
What power does the BEQ-5 need?
The BEQ-5 runs on a 9V DC input with the negative on center and the positive on the outside, drawing 8 mA. That low draw is well within what a standard pedalboard power supply provides.
Can the BEQ-5 be used with guitar?
CNZ Audio lists the BEQ-5 as a Bass EQ Pedal, and its five bands are set from 62.5Hz to 4kHz with a focus on bass frequencies. A guitarist could use it as a general equalizer, but the band choices are aimed at shaping a bass signal.
Sources (1)
- BEQ-5 | Bass EQ Pedal | CNZ Audio, CNZ Audio