The Master Effects EQ4H Professional is a 4-band parametric EQ/preamp pedal, built as a modern re-creation of the vintage Furman PQ4 parametric EQ/preamp in a pedal format1. A parametric EQ gives you control over not just how much of a frequency band you cut or boost, but where that band sits and how wide it is, which is what makes this kind of circuit useful for dialing out problem frequencies or pushing an amp in a targeted way.
The controls: four bands, peak or shelf, and volume
Each of the four bands has "minus infinity" to +20 dB of cut/boost, a sweepable frequency control, and adjustable Q (bandwidth) per band1. The low and high bands also have switchable peak or shelf filter modes for added flexibility1. The frequency ranges the maker gives are:
| Band | Frequency range |
|---|---|
| Low | 20 to 400 Hz1 |
| Low-mid | 75 to 1,500 Hz1 |
| High-mid | 250 to 5,000 Hz1 |
| High | 1.2 to 20.0 kHz1 |
The Volume control is a pre-EQ boost, and the maximum amount of boost available with the volume and EQ section combined is over 100 dB1. The maker also lists a maximum 86dB output in the midrange1. As for where it goes in a rig, Master Effects says it works in front of the amp as a boost to hit the front end hard and get rid of unwanted mud or trouble frequencies, or in the FX loop after gain stages to sculpt and refine the sound1.
The enclosure is powder coated with UV printed artwork1.
Power
The EQ4H Professional runs on a standard boss-style 9V power supply with a 2.1mm, center negative connector, and the maker specifies a minimum 250mA current1. The maker's power supply information page repeats that the EQ4H Pro needs a minimum of 250mA2.
At a 250mA minimum draw, the EQ4H Professional needs its own supply output. A battery is not an option here, and a daisy-chain output shared with other pedals is unlikely to keep up.
Price, shipping, and warranty
The price is $469US plus shipping1. Shipping within Canada and the US is $20US, and shipping to the UK, Europe, Australia, and Japan is $60US1. Customers outside Canada are responsible for any customs, import, or VAT charges their country levies on the pedal1. Each pedal comes with a 1 year warranty on parts and labor, which does not cover damage due to an improper power supply or other misuse1.
Where it sits in the Master Effects range
The EQ4H Professional is part of a family of EQ pedals from Master Effects. The maker describes it as a modern re-creation of the original Furman PQ4 4-band parametric EQ in a pedal, and it sits alongside the EQFH Professional and EQFH in the range3. The maker also offers the Puppet Master EQ. For more on the category, see Equalization Pedals.
Videos
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Questions
Is the Master Effects EQ4H Professional true bypass?
Yes. The pedal uses a soft touch relay true bypass stomp switch, according to the maker's product page. That means when the pedal is off, your guitar's signal passes through without the EQ circuit in the way.
Does the EQ4H Professional run on a battery?
The maker specifies a standard boss-style 9V power supply with a 2.1mm center negative connector and a minimum 250mA current. No battery option is offered, and the 250mA minimum current draw is well beyond what a battery or a shared daisy-chain output typically provides, so a dedicated supply output is the practical choice.
What is the difference between the EQ4H Professional and the Furman PQ4?
The Furman PQ4 is the vintage rack-mount 4-band parametric EQ/preamp that the EQ4H Professional is based on. Master Effects describes the EQ4H Professional as a modern re-creation of the original PQ4 circuit, rebuilt as a pedal.
Where is the Master Effects EQ4H Professional made?
Master Effects builds the EQ4H Professional in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. The maker says each pedal is assembled and tested, one at a time, by hand.
What does the EQ4H Professional cost with shipping?
The pedal lists at $469US plus shipping. Shipping is $20US within Canada and the US, and $60US to the UK, Europe, Australia, and Japan. Customers outside Canada are also responsible for any customs, import, or VAT charges their country levies.
What does the warranty on the EQ4H Professional cover?
Each pedal comes with a 1 year warranty on parts and labour. The maker notes the warranty does not cover damage caused by an improper power supply or other misuse, so using the specified 9V center-negative supply matters.
Sources (3)
- EQ4H Professional, mastereffectspedals.com
- Master Effects Pedals, Master Effects Pedals
- EQFH Professional, Master Effects Pedals
