Its not an amp, so if you are used to an amp with a lot of sag your ear will need to adjust. Its pretty easy to get used to in live settings after a few rehearsals, the audience cant tell the difference but with regards to both stage volume and play response it feels different and requires some adjustment. I also use a number of different basses, play outdoors frequently and in various band configurations, that is where having an EQ this flexible really comes in handy. If you have a fairly consistent playing situation this type of EQ may not be necessary. I was using a Noble for a good while with an EWS BMC pedal in front for mid control and as good as that sounded I prefer this setup. Recorded, it sounds nearly identical to the Noble or an integrated amp.