Hard Bypass / EQ Defeat
Hard Bypass indicates a signal route that bypasses the equalizer’s processing circuitry rather than merely setting its controls flat.
A flat setting leaves the signal passing through the normal circuit or processing path. Hard bypass provides a different route, but its exact switching arrangement must be checked. The feature does not automatically describe what happens when power is removed or a fault occurs.
Hard Bypass / EQ Defeat — Equalizer
Bypass can help compare the processed signal with the unprocessed route. Match listening levels where possible, because a louder setting can bias the comparison. Check whether the bypass applies to the whole unit, individual channels or only a particular section.
The feature does not guarantee silent switching, identical gain or complete disconnection of every circuit. It also does not establish a power-failure pass-through function unless that is specified. Keep hard bypass separate from preset recall and software bypass, and follow the equipment’s switching instructions when connected to a live amplification system.