The Master Effects EQFH Professional is a three-band parametric EQ and preamp pedal, described by the maker as a modern re-creation of the vintage Furman PQ3 parametric EQ/preamp, specifically the original PQ3 greenface, rebuilt as a pedal1. Each band gives you cut/boost, a sweepable frequency control and an adjustable Q, so you can find a problem frequency and cut it or boost it precisely rather than working with fixed shelves.
Where it came from
Master Effects set out in 2021 to capture the spirit of the fabled Furman PQ3 and put it into a pedal, which produced the original EQFH1. The Professional version came later: the maker got hold of a vintage PQ3 greenface, took a peek under the hood, and made some changes to the circuit2. The result is what the maker calls a modern replica of the vintage Furman PQ3 parametric EQ1.
Controls and frequency bands
Each of the three bands carries the same set of controls: Cut/Boost of up to +20dB, a sweepable frequency control, and adjustable Q (Bandwidth)1. Overall the pedal offers "minus infinity" to +20 dB of cut/boost1.
| Band | Frequency range |
|---|---|
| Low | 25 - 500Hz |
| Mid | 150 - 2,500 Hz |
| High | 600 Hz - 10.0 kHz |
The Volume control is a pre-EQ boost, and the maximum amount of boost available with the volume and EQ section combined is +86dB, with a maximum 86dB output in the midrange1. A signal overload circuit lets you know when your signal is starting to clip, which matters on a pedal that can add this much level1.
The maker warns that using a power supply greater than 9V may void your warranty1. Stick to a 9V supply with at least 200mA of current, and given the draw, a daisy chain shared with other pedals is not the plan.
Where it goes in your signal
The maker describes the EQFH Professional as working well in two places: in front of your amp as a boost to hit the front end of the amp hard and get rid of unwanted mud or trouble frequencies, or in the FX loop after gain stages to sculpt and refine your sound1. Both uses lean on the same feature set: the sweepable bands for hunting down problem frequencies, and the pre-EQ volume for pushing the amp.
It sits alongside other EQ approaches in the Master Effects range, including the EQ4H Professional and the Puppet Master EQ, and more broadly with other equalization pedals and preamp pedals.
Build, price and ordering
The pedal comes in a powder coated enclosure with UV printed artwork1. Each unit is proudly assembled and tested, one at a time, by hand in Calgary, Alberta, Canada1.
- List price: $369US + shipping1
- Shipping: $20US within Canada and the US; approximately $60US to the UK, Western Europe, Australia, and Japan1
- Lead time: orders typically ship within 2-4 weeks1
- Customs: customers outside Canada are responsible for any customs/import/VAT charges their country levies on the pedal1
Videos
Pete Thorn
LambChopper678
Michael Nielsen - Big Hairy Guitars
Questions
What is the Master Effects EQFH Professional based on?
It is a modern re-creation of the vintage Furman PQ3 parametric EQ/preamp, the greenface version. Master Effects first built the original EQFH in 2021 to capture the spirit of the PQ3, then examined a vintage PQ3 greenface unit, took a look under the hood, and made changes that produced the EQFH Professional.
How much current does the EQFH Professional need?
It runs on a standard Boss-style 9V power supply with a 2.1mm center negative plug and needs a minimum of 200mA. The maker warns that using a power supply greater than 9V may void your warranty, so a dedicated supply rated for the current draw is the safe choice.
What does the signal overload light do?
The EQFH Professional has a signal overload circuit that lets you know when your signal is starting to clip. With up to +20dB of cut or boost per band and a pre-EQ volume boost on top, it is easy to push levels high, and the light shows you when you are at the edge.
Is the EQFH Professional true bypass?
Yes. It uses a soft touch relay true bypass stomp switch, so when the pedal is off your signal passes without the EQ circuit loading it.
How long does an EQFH Professional order take to ship?
Master Effects states that orders typically ship within 2 to 4 weeks. The pedals are assembled and tested one at a time by hand in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, which is consistent with that lead time.
Sources (2)
- EQFH Professional, mastereffectspedals.com
- Master Effects Pedals, Master Effects
