The Long Life is a parametric EQ and filter pedal from Fairfield Circuitry, described by the maker as a "Parametric EQ w/ Tilt & CV"1. It combines tilt and notch/boost equalization around a 2nd-order (-12dB/octave) state-variable core, a design Fairfield calls "a state-variable filter with wide range and application. Versatile."1 It is currently listed as sold out on the maker's product page1.
What it does
At its heart the Long Life is a one-band parametric EQ and filter. The Freq knob is the main control and sets the corner frequency of the filter, and it can also be driven from an external expression pedal plugged into the EXP jack on the side2. Around that core, the Tilt knob tilts the frequency response around the center frequency: flat at noon, low-pass to the left, high-pass to the right, with various degrees of shelving in between2.
The Q and Gain knobs shape the bandpass section. Q is a resonance control: before noon you get softer equalization, with a more aggressive stance past 12:00, and the fully variable Q can launch the pedal into self-oscillation territory2. Gain chooses negative or positive gain on the bandpass filter section, letting you notch or boost the selected frequency2. Volume is a unity gain control, or an output signal control, with a flat response around 2:002.
| Control | What it does |
|---|---|
| Freq | Sets the corner frequency of the filter; controllable via the EXP jack2 |
| Tilt | Tilts the frequency response around the center frequency, flat at noon, low-pass left, high-pass right2 |
| Q | Resonance control; softer equalization before noon, more aggressive past 12:00, can self-oscillate2 |
| Gain | Negative or positive gain on the bandpass section, for notching or boosting the selected frequency2 |
| Volume | Unity gain or output level control, flat response around 2:002 |
CV and expression control
Two 1/8 inch CV In connections on the top of the case allow external control of the two filter parameters, resonance (Q) and frequency (F), for use with CV from sequencers and keyboards23. The maker also provides CV inputs for resonance (Q) and frequency (F) as a listed feature1.
The EXP jack on the side accepts an external expression pedal to control the Freq knob2. Fairfield's support pages note a difference between the two control paths: "The EXP input on the Long Life is tuned to have a range similar to that of a standard Wah pedal," so it does not control the full range of the Frequency knob, while the frequency CV input can control the full range of the filter4.
If you want the Freq knob's full sweep under external control, use the frequency CV input rather than the EXP jack, which covers a Wah-like range only4.
What reviewers said
Pedal of the Day reviewed the pedal in November 2020 and found it hard to pin down: "The Long Life Parametric EQ is an extremely unique effects pedal, one that's sometimes hard to categorize." The same reviewer added, "We have never reviewed a bad pedal from our friends at [Fairfield Circuitry]"2.
Delicious Audio's Paolo De Gregorio, writing when the pedal was released in July 2021, summed it up this way:
"Deceptively simple, the Fairfield Circuitry Long Life is a device that can wear many hats3."
Paolo De Gregorio, Delicious Audio3
On the CV inputs, De Gregorio observed that "Its CV compatibility betrays its filter nature and the manufacturer's interest in targeting synth lovers (modular-heads in particular)"3. For players crossing over from filter pedals or wah pedals into studio-style tone shaping, or pairing the Long Life with other equalization pedals, that synth-friendly control set is what sets it apart from a conventional EQ pedal.
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Questions
What does the Tilt knob do on the Long Life?
Tilt changes the balance of the frequency response around the center frequency. At noon the response is flat, turning left of noon moves toward low-pass filtering, and turning right moves toward high-pass, with various degrees of shelving along the way. It works alongside the Freq knob, which sets the corner frequency of the filter.
Can the Long Life Parametric EQ self-oscillate?
Yes. Pedal of the Day's reviewer noted that the fully variable Q control will launch the pedal into self-oscillation territory, so pushing the resonance past 12:00 can turn the EQ into an oscillating filter effect rather than a simple tone shaper.
Can I control the Long Life with an expression pedal?
Yes. There is an EXP jack on the side of the pedal for an external expression pedal, which controls the center frequency. Fairfield notes that the EXP input is tuned to have a range similar to a standard Wah pedal, so it does not cover the full range of the Frequency knob; the frequency CV input does cover the full range.
What is the difference between the Q and Gain knobs?
Q is a resonance control for the bandpass section: before noon you get softer equalization, and past 12:00 the response becomes more aggressive, eventually reaching self-oscillation. Gain chooses negative or positive gain on the bandpass filter section, letting you notch or boost the selected frequency.
Does the Long Life work with modular or CV gear?
Yes. It has two 1/8 inch CV inputs on top of the case for resonance (Q) and frequency (F), for use with CV from sequencers and keyboards. Delicious Audio's Paolo De Gregorio wrote that the CV compatibility shows the maker's interest in synth lovers, modular-heads in particular.
Sources (4)
- Long Life, Fairfield Circuitry
- Fairfield Circuitry Long Life Parametric EQ, Pedal of the Day, 2020-11-16
- Fairfield Circuitry Long Life EQ, Delicious Audio, 2021-07-22
- FAQ - Fairfield Circuitry, Fairfield Circuitry
