The Lowrider is my stompbox version of a legendary studio EQ, the Pultec EQP-1A, and in particular a twist on its normal use, known to sound engineers as the “Pultec Trick” .
The EQP-1A boosts and cuts low frequencies, and the famous “Trick” happens when you boost and cut at the same time! The frequencies of the two filters are slightly shifted, creating a unique and extremely musical response curve.
Anecdote: In the user manual of the original device, it is clearly stated “do not try to boost and attenuate the low frequencies at the same time”, which is of course what thousands of producers have done, and precisely what the Lowrider does !
The section of the original passive equalizer dedicated to low frequencies has been precisely recreated, and configured to apply the famous “Trick”. Two settings that the original machine does not allow (boost and attenuation at different frequencies, which further accentuates the effect!) have also been added.
The controls have been studied and simplified to the maximum, to quickly find the right setting and play!
The Lowrider allows you to boost the bass significantly, without invading the entire spectrum, in particular by attenuating the low-mids, which are quickly annoying when mixing or playing in a group. Your amp will breathe better, and so will your sound engineer !
By adjusting the parameter “Intensity”, you can boost the bass without overwhelming the whole spectrum, simply brighten up your sound, or change the character of your instrument more radically.
The frequency selector (CPS for Cycles Per Second, named as a tribute to the original machine) allows you to choose the center frequency of the boost. The available frequencies are 30, 45, 60 and 100Hz. The D1 and D2 settings correspond to the two additional settings (Boost at 30 and 45Hz, and a deeper low-mid cut).
The Lowrider's frequency response curve is very specific and not offered by any other EQ, pedal or amp. This curve and the variety of frequencies offered makes it applicable to many instruments: bass and baritone guitar of course, but also electric guitar, electronic drums and drum machines, synthesizers, etc.
When powered at 18V, the Lowrider offers superior headroom, and can also be used as a studio device, accepting line-level signals, without the need for a re-amplification system.
The Lowrider makes it possible to obtain deep and powerful bass, and an important anchoring in the bass, without sounding “muddy”, nor being overwhelming for the rest of the instruments.
It can be used at the beginning of the chain to feed your other pedals with a different voicing, or at the end of the chain to improve the overall sound, restore clarity and power, which can sometimes be affected by other processing.
Normal effects :
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Adjustable bass response with unique curve
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set and forget: “Always on”, or engage the effect for specific parts (slap, finger play, pick, etc.)
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Enjoy an aesthetic addition to your already splendid pedalboard!
Side effects :
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Create room in the sound spectrum for other band members, without sacrificing bass frequencies
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Quickly and effectively attenuate a resonant frequency in an environment with dubious acoustics (rehearsal room, café-concert, etc.)
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Quickly simulate different voicings with the same instrument (make your Jazz Bass sound like a Warwick etc…)
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Record your bass with produced sound, without amp simulation, maintaining all the clarity of your signal
