What sets it apart from a standard graphic EQ is that every one of its 10 bands can be moved anywhere along the frequency spectrum, so you can use it as a fixed 10-band graphic EQ or as a fully parametric one. Gearnews summed it up as "Quiet, transparent, and endlessly versatile, the EQ2 raises the bar for what an EQ pedal can be"12.
Ten bands and two EQ channels at once
In graphic mode the EQ2 offers 10 adjustable frequency bands ranging from 31 Hz to 16 kHz, each with 18 dB of boost or cut2. In parametric mode, each of those 10 bands can be moved anywhere up or down the frequency spectrum, from 20 Hz to 20 kHz2. Each band's Q, meaning its bandwidth, can be made wider or up to 10 times narrower for fine tone-sculpting2.
Guitar World's buying guide describes it as a combination graphic and parametric equalizer with 10 fully adjustable frequency bands, each customizable between 20 Hz and 20 kHz with 18 dB of boost or cut7. MusicRadar's review calls it "a 10-band EQ, with each band fully adjustable to any frequency between 20Hz and 20kHz, a graphic and parametric equaliser"8.
The stereo routing is where the EQ2 goes beyond most EQ pedals. Premier Guitar's launch coverage lists the options927:
- Mono to stereo
- Stereo to stereo
- Split mode, which splits the signal and simultaneously runs two discrete EQ presets, one for each stereo output9
That split mode means you can run two different EQ curves at once, for example feeding two amps or two paths in a stereo rig with different corrections on each side. Source Audio's editor software provides routing options that work alongside Split Mode2.
Guitar World's review also notes the EQ2 includes shelving and high-pass filter options, a noise gate, a limiter, and the tuner6.
Presets, MIDI and expression control
The EQ2's preset memory works at three levels, depending on how you want to work297:
| Preset mode | Presets available |
|---|---|
| Onboard | 4 |
| Preset Extension Mode | 8 |
| Full access (encoder + Preset Select) | 1282 |
All 128 presets can be recalled with MIDI program change messages2. Guitar World's review notes the pedal has four presets instantly at hand, scrolled through via a front-panel button, with all 128 recallable directly from the pedal6.
For live control, the EQ2 has a 1/8-inch Control Input jack that connects with either the Source Audio Dual Expression Pedal or Source Audio's Neuro Hub1011. Gearnews describes this as an expression input for sweeping between settings1. MIDI is handled through five-pin MIDI DIN input and thru jacks5, and there is a USB connection for the editor software7.
Jacks and connections
The full socket list, as given in Guitar World's buying guide7:
- Input 1 and Input 2
- Output 1 and Output 2
- MIDI In and MIDI Thru
- USB
- Control In (1/8-inch expression jack)
- Power (9V DC, adapter supplied, 180 mA draw)6
The EQ2 runs on a supplied 9V DC adapter drawing 180 mA6, so it is not a battery-powered pedal, and its current draw is worth checking against a small isolated power supply's per-output limit.
Where it came from
What reviewers said
MusicRadar's review verdict:
MusicRadar's review described the pedal as a comprehensive 10-band EQ that could earn a permanent place on a pedalboard12.
Gearnews included the SA 270 EQ2 in its EQ pedal buying guide, praising it as quiet, transparent, and endlessly versatile, with 10 fully adjustable bands, stereo ins and outs, and the ability to run two EQ channels at once1. Guitar World's coverage at launch ran under the headline that the EQ2 "might just be the most powerful EQ pedal on the planet"54.
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Questions
How many presets does the Source Audio EQ2 hold?
The EQ2 holds 128 presets in total. Four are available directly from the front panel, eight are available in Preset Extension Mode, and all 128 can be reached by turning the encoder while holding the Preset Select button, or recalled with MIDI program change messages.
Is the Source Audio EQ2 stereo?
Yes. The EQ2 has stereo inputs and outputs, with routing options including mono to stereo, stereo to stereo, and a split mode that runs two discrete EQ presets at once, one for each stereo output.
Does the EQ2 have a built-in tuner?
Yes. Source Audio fits the EQ2 with an onboard chromatic tuner, which reviewers have noted as part of its feature set alongside the EQ functions.
Can the EQ2 be used with bass and synths?
Yes. The EQ2 is not limited to guitar. Gearnews notes it works for guitar, bass, or even synths, and coverage at its launch said it suits bass, keys, and synthesisers, with vocals possible to a degree using an adapter and level converter.
Does the Source Audio EQ2 have a limiter?
Yes. Guitar World's review lists a limiter among the EQ2's features, alongside shelving and high-pass filter options, a noise gate, and the built-in tuner.
How much does the Source Audio EQ2 cost?
Source Audio lists the EQ2 at $289 as of October 2026. At its launch in May 2020 the street price was $269, and Guitar World's review listed it at $269.
Sources (12)
- The 7 Best EQ Pedals for Every Budget: Shape Your Tone in Seconds!, gearnews.com, 2025-09-15
- EQ2 Programmable Equalizer, Source Audio
- Source Audio EQ2 Programable Equalizer, Delicious Audio, 2025-05-09
- Source Audio's EQ2 might just be the most powerful EQ pedal on the planet, Guitar World, 2020-05-21
- EQ2 Programmable Equalizer: Source Audio releases The Ultimate Tone Sculpting Machine, MusicPlayers.com, 2020-05-20
- Source Audio EQ2 Ultrawave Multiband Processor review, Guitar World, 2021-11-12
- Best EQ pedals 2026: tame your tone, Guitar World, 2021-12-22
- Hamstead Soundworks Comet Interstellar Driver review, MusicRadar, 2022-03-04
- Source Audio Announces the EQ2 Programmable Equalizer, Premier Guitar, 2020-05-22
- Source Audio Introduces the EQ2 Programmable Equalizer, Premier Guitar, 2020-01-18
- Source Audio Introduces EQ2 Programmable Equalizer Pedal, MusicPlayers.com, 2020-01-14
- Source Audio EQ2 Programmable EQ review, MusicRadar, 2022-03-06
