Using the BV512 as an equalizer

The BV512 has a unique equalizer mode, in which the device works purely as an insert effect (the modulator input isn’t used). This allows you to use the processing filters of the vocoder as a kind of graphic equalizer.

Setting up

1.	Select the device that you want to process through the BV512.

2.	Create a BV512 device.

It is automatically connected as an insert effect, using the Carrier Input jacks.

3.	Set the switch to the left of the displays to “Equalizer”.

In use

In equalizer mode, you cut or boost frequencies by clicking and dragging in the lower display - just as with a regular graphic equalizer. The usage and results differ depending on which mode is selected:

•	4 - 32 band mode

As in vocoder mode, the number of bars in the display conforms to the number of bands selected (4, 8, 16 or 32). With a higher number of bands you get a more detailed control over the frequency response. However:

In these modes, the equalizer will “color” the sound even if all bands are set to ±0 dB!

This is due to phase interaction and overlap between the bandpass filters.

Therefore you probably want to use the 4 - 32 band mode for coloring and mutating sounds - not for subtle, “clean” equalizing.

•	FFT (512) mode

In FFT (512) mode you still get 32 bars in the display, but the each bar may control several frequency bands (remember that there are 512 bands in FFT mode). Since the frequency bands are distributed linearly in FFT mode, bars to the left in the display control few frequency bands while bars to the right control many frequency bands.

In FFT (512) mode, setting all bands to ±0 dB is the same as bypassing the equalizer - the sound will not be affected.

This makes FFT mode suitable for “clean” equalizing, where you want to boost or cut some frequencies without changing the basic sound character.

However, FFT mode equalizing is not suited for very drastic frequency cuts or boosts, as this may give audio artefacts due to the workings of FFT processing.

Still: as always, there are no hard and fast rules. Let your ears judge!

Keep in mind that FFT mode also introduces a slight delay to the signal.