The MotherPara is a two-channel, four-band parametric EQ pedal with high-pass and low-pass filters, made by Sine Effect Electronics. It is the evolution of the "Custom MegaPara", a custom pedal the maker built for one client which was then requested by other players often enough to become a regular product1. All Sine Effect pedals are designed and built by hand in Glasgow, Scotland1.
What it does
A parametric EQ lets you pick a center frequency, cut or boost it, and set how wide or narrow the affected band is, which makes it a precise tool for shaping tone rather than a broad tilt. The MotherPara carries four parametric bands covering these frequency ranges1:
| Band | Frequency range |
|---|---|
| Band 1 | 30-500Hz |
| Band 2 | 120-2,000Hz |
| Band 3 | 500-10,000Hz |
| Band 4 | 1,000-20,000Hz |
On top of the four bands there are sweepable high-pass and low-pass filters, covering 30-400Hz and 1.1-20KHz respectively. All EQ bands and filters are 12dB/octave1. With two channels, the pedal can hold two different EQ settings and switch between them, which is where it differs from the smaller single-channel parametrics in the same range, the MegaPara v4, the microPara and the nanoPara. For more on the effect type generally, see Equalization Pedals.
Power and headroom
The MotherPara runs on a 9-18V DC mains adaptor, which is not included, and the maker recommends 18V. It draws around 90mA, and Sine Effect recommends a power supply rated at 150mA or more1.
At around 90mA, the MotherPara draws more current than many compact pedals. A power supply rated at 150mA or more is recommended by the maker, so check what your supply's outputs are rated for before sharing power on a daisy chain.
Running at 18V gives 10dBu of headroom, rising to around 14dBu if the "Input Gain" is set to -10dB. Noise is specified at <-105dB1.
Buying and support
The MotherPara is priced at £559.00 GBP1. Because the pedals are made completely by hand, there is a build time of 2 to 4 weeks. All orders are shipped on the next working day, immediately if there is ready-built stock, or after completion if there is a build time, and a shipping fee is added at checkout1. Every pedal comes with a 2-year warranty1.
Questions
What is the difference between the MotherPara and the Custom MegaPara?
Sine Effect Electronics describes the MotherPara as the evolution of the Custom MegaPara, a custom pedal built for one client that was then requested by other players often enough to become a product. The MotherPara is the production version of that idea: a two-channel, four-band parametric EQ pedal with high-pass and low-pass filters, built in Glasgow, Scotland.
Is the Sine Effect MotherPara true bypass?
Yes. The maker's product page lists the MotherPara as True Bypass, so the signal passes through untouched when the pedal is switched off.
What power supply does the MotherPara need?
The MotherPara runs on a 9-18V DC mains adaptor, which is not included, and Sine Effect recommends 18V. It draws around 90mA, and the maker recommends a power supply rated at 150mA or more. At 18V the pedal has 10dBu of headroom, rising to around 14dBu if the Input Gain is set to -10dB.
What are the filter slopes on the MotherPara?
All EQ bands and filters on the MotherPara are 12dB/octave, according to the maker's product page. That applies to the four parametric bands and to the high-pass and low-pass filters.
How long does a MotherPara take to build?
Sine Effect Electronics lists a build time of 2 to 4 weeks for the MotherPara. Orders are shipped on the next working day, immediately if ready-built stock exists, or after completion if there is a build time. A shipping fee is added at checkout.
Sources (1)
- MotherPara, Sine Effect Store
