The Master Effects EQFH, short for "EQ From Hell," is a true three-band parametric EQ pedal. Each band gives you independent cut/boost, a sweepable center frequency and an adjustable Q (bandwidth) control, plus an overall volume control that can push the output up to 30dB1. It is built in the spirit of the vintage Furman PQ3 parametric EQ, the rack unit known to players from the 1980s metal scene1.
Unlike a graphic EQ with fixed frequencies, a parametric EQ lets you choose exactly which frequency each band acts on and how wide or narrow the boost or cut is. That makes the EQFH useful both for surgical fixes, like taming a harsh spot in a cab, and for shaping overall tone.
Where it came from
The Master Effects EQFH is a 3-band parametric EQ and preamp pedal with ±12 dB of boost/cut, a sweepable frequency and adjustable Q (bandwidth) on each band, and a maximum 30dB of output31. The Volume control sets the amount of output boost, up to 30dB1. The pedal sells for $229US plus shipping, which is $20US within Canada and the US and $60US to the UK, Western Europe, Australia, and Japan31. The revised Master Effects EQFH Professional is described as a modern re-creation of the original Furman PQ3 greenface2.
Controls and frequency ranges
Each of the three bands has the same control set: ±12 dB of cut/boost, a sweepable frequency, and an adjustable Q (bandwidth)1. The Volume control sets the amount of output boost, up to 30dB1.
| Band | Frequency range | Controls |
|---|---|---|
| Low | 33 to 330 Hz | ±12 dB cut/boost, frequency, Q1 |
| Mid | 250 to 2,500 Hz | ±12 dB cut/boost, frequency, Q1 |
| High | 1.1 to 11.0 kHz | ±12 dB cut/boost, frequency, Q1 |
The bands overlap in the middle of the audio range, so the low and mid bands can both act in the same region and the mid and high bands can both act in the same region. With adjustable Q, a narrow setting on one band can notch out a specific problem frequency while a wide setting on another reshapes a whole region.
The maker notes the EQFH has no high shelf filter; it is a straight three-band parametric with an overall volume control2.
Bypass and switching
The EQFH uses a soft touch relay true bypass stomp switch1. When the pedal is bypassed, the EQ circuit drops out of the signal path entirely. The Professional version adds a separate EQ bypass switch that lets you run only its preamp section with the EQ portion switched out3, a feature the standard EQFH does not have.
Power
The pedal runs on a standard boss-style 9V power supply with a 2.1mm center negative plug1. The maker's product page specifies a minimum 130mA current supply1, and its support article says to use a minimum of 150mA for the EQFH2. Using a power supply greater than 9V may void your warranty1.
The EQFH draws enough current that a small daisy-chain output may not be enough. The maker's support article groups the EQFH with pedals that "need a bit more current (200mA minimum)"4, so give it its own 9V output or a supply with headroom to spare.
Build and price
The EQFH is assembled by hand in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, on a professionally assembled FR4 PCB in a powder coated enclosure with UV printed artwork1. The price is $229 US plus shipping: $20 US within Canada and the US, and $60 US to the UK, Western Europe, Australia and Japan1.
For comparison, the Master Effects EQFH Professional offers wider frequency ranges on the low and mid bands (25 to 500 Hz and 150 to 2,500 Hz), up to +20dB of cut/boost per band, and the preamp-only EQ bypass mode3. Players looking for other EQ options can browse equalization pedals more broadly.
Videos
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Questions
What is the Master Effects EQFH based on?
It is a three-band parametric EQ built in the spirit of the vintage Furman PQ3 rack parametric EQ. Master Effects set out in 2021 to capture that circuit's character in a pedal format, which resulted in the original EQFH.
Is the Master Effects EQFH true bypass?
Yes. The EQFH uses a soft touch relay true bypass stomp switch, so when the pedal is off the signal passes through without the EQ circuit in the path.
What frequency ranges do the three bands cover?
The low band sweeps 33 to 330 Hz, the mid band 250 to 2,500 Hz, and the high band 1.1 to 11.0 kHz. Each band has its own cut/boost, frequency and Q controls.
What power supply does the Master Effects EQFH need?
A standard boss-style 9V DC supply with a 2.1mm center negative plug. The maker's product page specifies a minimum 130mA supply, while its support article says to use at least 150mA, so a supply at 150mA or more covers both figures. Using more than 9V may void the warranty.
Where is the Master Effects EQFH made?
It is assembled by hand in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, in a powder coated enclosure with UV printed artwork on a professionally assembled FR4 PCB.
Sources (4)
- EQFH | Parametric EQ From Hell | Master Effects, Master Effects
- Master Effects Pedals, Master Effects
- EQFH Professional, mastereffectspedals.com
- Master Effects Pedals, Master Effects Pedals
