Freak-Q is a MaxforLive device that can be described as a graphic equalizer with 2048 bands. Although this is technically not accurate it helps to understand what this device does and how it affects the signal. Instead of actual filters to split the signal into bands, Freak-Q is based on a fast Fourier transformation.

Keep in mind that all 2048 bands are always fixed and equally placed across the frequency spectrum and therefore using a higher sample rate will lower the resolution. The quality stays the same, but it will sound different.

To change the amplitude of every frequency band this plugin gives you the ability to draw curves and modify them with automatable parameters to an extend that has never been done before. This creates interesting and often unpredictable results, which makes this plugin good for experimentation. This equalizer is not designed to balance a mix, it is meant to distort the frequency spectrum and to create harmonics or weird altered sounds.

This device can boost the signal by a large amount if you’re not careful, using a limiter is probably a good idea. Generally you can make the most out of this plugin by applying it to a rich signal and adding distortion and compression afterwards.

Each of the 4 available curve modules are identical. The curve editor is on the left and on the right you can find automatable parameters that modify the curve in different ways. The amount, offset and scale parameters are being updated in audio rate to allow the highest precision possible. With that you can draw very quick spikes and movements to create and shape transients.