Equalizer Question

[paulspencer]

I wouldn't touch the EQ units pictured here. If you want to do eq, do it right and it can make a huge difference. I use Behringer Ultracurve, which is a studio mastering processor with both parametric EQ and 1/3 octave band graphic eq. Everyone who has heard it on my system comments that the sound is more natural and balanced.

If you want to use EQ, do it right with a measurement mic. You can't eq by ear, it's like pin the tail on the donkey!

The biggest thing you want to fix is room modes, and that requires something more sophisticated than a 10 band graphic eq. At most those units change the balance a little, but they should be used moderately to do things like increase bass, reduce treble or pull back the midrange a little. If you do it then it should be a gentle curve. In general it's probably better to not use the units mentioned and if you do want to get into EQ, learn about it, measure and do it seriously.

To the purists, I suggest keep an open mind and consider that a considerable number of units including EQ, mastering processors, compressors are used in the studio. Is the last few metres of water pipe to your house the only part the matters, or is the 50km from the catchment to your house a bigger issue?

[trans40]

I certainly agree with paulspencer's comment that a pro audio equalizer can do wonders for most systems, whereas 'big box' brand units are more likely to just add noise to the signal and change the sound in ways never intended by the artist and sound engineer.

I also use the Behringer Ultracurve DEQ-2496 - on two different systems. Start with some homemade bass traps, add the Behringer and a really comfortable chair or sofa, and you can take your listening to an entirely different level; primarily because you're canceling or compensating for room factors that are modifying the recorded sound before it gets to your ears. Modifying the analog output on the Behringer will take you yet another step along the way by improving the signal quality, providing the signal input to the Behringer is good quality.

[Doug Mccomb]

HI; I got a Marantz sr7500 7.1 receiver, I was wanting to know how u hook up an EQ: too a newer receiver ,it also has sepperate 5.1 preamp outs...ty

[JoeE SP9]

Traditionally an equalizer was/is connected using a tape monitor loop or an external processor loop. If you have pre out main in jacks you can also connect it between the preamp out and power amp in connections. However there may be noise related problems with this type of connection.

Equalizers are mostly for correcting room response aberrations. However, since most consumers treat them as glorified tone controls they are rarely set up correctly or used properly. Most modern AV receivers have no easy provision for connecting an equalizer. They usually include Audessy or some other type digital equalization. The built in digital types work better than just about any of the old graphic equalizers. The automatic equalization works better than the typical smiley face curve usually seen on graphic equalizers.

It's possible to correctly adjust a graphic equalizer. It requires test tones a measurement microphone and some time and effort.

Tone controls do a better job for program/source correction.

[StevenSurprenant]

I agree, I've never owned a cheap EQ that didn't ruin the sound. I have a number of Behringer EQ's, both digital and analog and these are decent and relatively inexpensive. The analog EQ is a parametric, 4 bands for each channel.

I don't EQ the room because it already sounds good. I do have the analog EQ in the circuit for when I want to EQ a bad recording.

When I do EQ, I usually only raise or lower a frequency by a few db, at most.

[Feanor]

I agree, I've never owned a cheap EQ that didn't ruin the sound. I have a number of Behringer EQ's, both digital and analog and these are decent and relatively inexpensive. The analog EQ is a parametric, 4 bands for each channel.

I don't EQ the room because it already sounds good. I do have the analog EQ in the circuit for when I want to EQ a bad recording.

When I do EQ, I usually only raise or lower a frequency by a few db, at most.

I've been using a FREE EQ that actually works very well. It is AIXcoustic Creation's Electri-Q (posihfopit edition) which is VST-compliant plug-in. (It requires George Yohng's VST plug-in for Foobar2000.)

Unfortunately the creator has decided he can no longer provide support for this EQ and his other software products.