How "good" is Sonar X3s QuadCurve EQ compared to others?

Hey
 
Just wondering if anyone compared Sonars built-in QuadCurve EQ with 3rd part providers, such as Fabfilter, Nomad Factory, Waves etc. I can't really hear any difference but I've heard that EQs (free etc) often add noise, especially when adding gain to a digital EQ (like QuadCurve EQ). Any feedback would be appreciated:)
 

I think it's very good for a built-in EQ. Having said that, I still prefer using Waves SSL's channel strip to Pro Channel because I can dial in the sound I'm looking for much faster. I purchased several of the Pro Channel addons and really do like them, but the SSL is easier for me to get what I'm looking for.
 
I do still use the Quad Curve EQ when all a track needs is a quick tweak, or I'm just HPF something. The "Gloss" switch also adds a noticeable  airiness to cymbals and other instruments with lots of high frequency information.
 
Regards,
Dan

I think it's great for general all-purpose EQ work, especially if you're using it to make a lot of cuts and/or high and low pass filtering. I do however really like the Waves V-EQ for making high frequency boosts, because it just sounds a little bit sweeter to my ears. In terms of interface and usability, the ProChannel EQ is absolutely excellent. 

I have and mostly use Pro-Q and as Scook said, it's really about the features. I don't do a lot of fancy stuff but its workflow is just very nice, I'm not tied to the ProChannel, I can create bands as I want and the analyzer is more customizable. I haven't personally noticed any significant differences in sound between the two. Depending on the mode, the QCEQ can do some vintage curve emulations but I think I can get the same curves/sounds with the FF one.

+1

ErikDeluxe
Thanks guys!
 
Well, I also like that its built into the Pro Channel, ready to use directly...
I mostly use it for cutting low/high pass or gain/reduce frequencies to separate Bass/Kicks for example. The only thing I find a bit annoying is not to be able to move the "fly-out" window around, could be a good feature when comparing frequencies between tracks... Well, its still good:)

I think the quad curve EQ is really great and I frequently find its results preferable to others I try on the same part. I also like its ease of use. So total thumbs up!

I've continued to get better at mixing, and one technique I've picked up from someone in some explanation is the idea (if appropriate) to EQ a part before passing it through a compressor. Just an example of that would be to EQ a guitar track coming out of an amp sim before putting the track through a compressor. This allows to EQ out some of the high scratchy stuff and/or low end which can help in what results from the compressor.

The point being I see the usefulness of using more than one EQ on a track as appropriate. One sort of as a pre processing EQ and the other, presumably the Quad Curve EQ, finishing it off after the processing to get the right tone overall.

I put the extra EQ in a ProChannel FX chain module to allow positioning within the ProChannel flow.

Quadcurve EQ is godly. Although I haven't used a massive range of other EQs I find it better than pretty much any of the ones I've tried previously.

I love the QCEQ, and the four types of EQ really do sound different.  The flyout window is terrific, though, I'd like to see a solo button added so I can toggle it on and off while working on a sound.  I've already put in a feature request for one, and if anyone else thinks this is a good idea, please put a feature request for one to CW.

Panu, this is terrific.  Is it available in the new beta version, and if so, how to apply it?

Lynn
Panu, this is terrific.  Is it available in the new beta version, and if so, how to apply it?

It's coming in the next update (end of this week).
Usage: just run Duckbar. It's automatic. :)

I like the EQ and I use it.
It's not perfect, but it's touch enabled and quite useful.
I think it does a fine job of modifying the sound on the track. I doubt I could tell the difference between two different EQs from listening anyway.

I may be a little late to the party, but I will also comment on the QuadCurve EQ in X3.  I absolutely appreciate the larger EQ window (fly-out) and layered spectrum analyzer. Ultimately, I think it is a much sought-after addition to the Sonar X series, and it should have been done long ago.  The fly-out technique is a different and cool approach to displaying more information. Very cool indeed! And it's a beautiful and clean interface.
 
However, I do find that the spectrum analyzer could have a little better response and/or accuracy.  Does anyone know if the response, FFT analysis block size, etc. can be tweaked via an .ini file or something else within X3's preferences or scripting files?

And let's not forget the solo button! Need need need!

Still alive this thread is Yoda says;)
 
I often hear that the Waves SSL EQs are used for Master Bus and in Mastering. Also Pulsetec EQ-types.
I guess you can use the Quadcurve EQ as well...
 
However, is the Quadcurve EQ built upon some analog gear like the Console Emulator, Softtube Saturation Knob or the PC4K S-Type Channel Compressor?
PS - also would like to have the ability to insert several EQs expect 3rd party VST</p>