Using a -12dB notch filter for "tone shaping"

[Bobby1Note]

I'm following a notch filter discusion on another forum, where some are suggesting you can use the -12dB(fixed) cut for "tone-shaping", supposedly because the bandwith is "adjustable".

 

What say you oh wise ones?

[agedhorse]

The bandwidth is adjustable only if the bandwidth is adjustable. Is there a bandwidth adjustment? This is true only on specific types or classes of filter BTW.

 

I do not like fixed depth notches except for crude attempts at feedback control.

[Coaster]

that seems like a really radical cut. for example, i just did a recording of a large ensemble, and the largest eq adjustment i made was 1.5db at about 1 and 1/3 oct width - and it was a startling change to the recording.

 

what is this -12db tone shaping for? a guitar and amp, or what?

[Bobby1Note]

The discussion involved different D.I. boxes, (acoustic guitar) and one of the posters suggested that the 12 db fixed cut notch filter, could 'potentially be' used for tone shaping, "like a swept mid". Apparently the D.I. he's referring to, has in his words "an adjustable bandwidth". The width of the notch can vary up to two octaves.

 

I responded much as Coaster says, suggesting that this type of fixed-cut device is really for feedback control, not tone-shaping. Also, that 12dB cut is way too radical for "tone-shaping".

[agedhorse]

For a very narrow (high Q) filter, 12dB/octabe might be ok but as the width increases that's way too much depth for most practical uses IMO.

[Unalaska]

I Like my DI's to be dumb and switchless if possible. Infact I like if most of the gear has the fewest amount of "user features" possible so it doesn't screw me up. I don't like smart gear:

if it's a mic make it sound good with a good pattern

if it's a cable then don't add transformers or switches

if it's a stand then don't make it overly complex

if it's a snake then make the numbers visible and the connectors easy

if it's a mixer, well, make it complex

if it's an eq, simple

if it's a system processor make everything inaccessable (except to me!)

if it's an amp make it with an off/on, limiters and light

if it's a speaker then make it efficient, light and 2 i/o's

if you're out front then only complement

p