The McGrath Tilt EQ

Core Concept & Circuit Pedigree

• DOD FX10 Inspiration: The circuit traces back to a concept suggested by Keith Duffy (bassist for The Corrs). Duffy wanted the tone-shaping power of the 1980s DOD FX10 Bi-FET Preamp—a studio secret weapon famously used by Max Martin to punch up 1990s pop productions—rebuilt directly into a bass control cavity.
  
  
• No-Loss Passive Protection: Functions as a low-impedance active buffer right at the source. It protects high-end clarity and low-end punch against signal loss, cable capacitance, and long pedalboard runs, even when set to its center neutral detent.
  
  
• Single-Knob Frequency Response: Unlike standard tilt EQs that slice out low end when boosting top end, the McGrath Tilt EQ is voiced specifically for bass.
  
  
  • Clockwise (Treble Tilt): Boosts upper-mid articulation, finger attack, and slap clarity while keeping the low-end fundamental completely intact.
    
    
  • Counterclockwise (Bass Tilt): Thickens the low end with immediate vintage warmth, transforming the bass into a sub-bass powerhouse when fully open.
    
    

Hardware Specs & Engineering Updates

• Center Detent Potentiometer: Features a mechanical detent at 12 o'clock for an instant return to a flat baseline.
  
  
• Internal Master Gain Trimpot: Overall circuit gain is set via an onboard PCB trimpot, freeing up cavity space while letting players match output levels between active and passive modes.
  
  
• Easy-Connect Terminals: Built with PCB screw terminal blocks for quick, solderless installations during pickups or preamp swaps.
  
  
• Dual-Voltage Operation: Runs on either a standard 9V battery or 18V for maximum clean headroom.
  
  
• Compact Footprint: Miniaturized PCB design drops into tight control cavities (including standard P-Bass and J-Bass routes) without requiring wood removal.
  
  

Media Reviews & Coverage

Bass Magazine Feature Article

• Highlighting how the Tilt EQ re-engineers a classic studio utility pedal for modern bass players.
  
  
• Focuses on Keith Duffy's initial brainstorm, the maxing-out problem of 3-band EQs, and how the Tilt EQ preserves low-end tightness even when boosting high-end clarity.
  
  

The Bass Channel YouTube Review

• Comprehensive hands-on demonstration featuring a 32" medium-scale J-Style Thunderhorse V in Vice City finish.
  
  
• Showcases how the single-knob Tilt EQ works alongside the 12-Way Rotary Pickup Selector, proving how quick it is to dial in studio-ready tones direct-to-desk without wrestling with stacked pots or dead frequencies.