• Some users have recently had their accounts hijacked. It seems that the now defunct EVGA forums might have compromised your password there and seems many are using the same PW here. We would suggest you UPDATE YOUR PASSWORD and TURN ON 2FA for your account here to further secure it. None of the compromised accounts had 2FA turned on.
    Once you have enabled 2FA, your account will be updated soon to show a badge, letting other members know that you use 2FA to protect your account. This should be beneficial for everyone that uses FSFT.

equalizer help......

M

mad_mod

n00b
Joined
Jan 7, 2006
Messages
43
this is probably something that is so simple its not even funny but, ive always played with equalizers but i have never actually known how to use one, is there any site that shows a proper way of using an equalizer, i would like to know how because i think knowing how to use one might actually help me in something
 
How to properly use an equalizer depends a lot on what you are trying to accomplish, and what kind of equalizer you are talking about (software, hardware, etc.)

For instance if you are talking about just your stereo equalizer for your output, then you just adjust it so the music sounds good to you. The right way there mostly depends on the listener in my opinion. If you have a software equalizer for your sound card, then maybe you want to compensate for any hardware you have. For example, if you know your headphones lack in certain frequency ranges, you could boost those to try and get an equal sound.

Now if you are a DJ and are mixing multiple sound sources, your use of the equalizer will depend on what you are trying to accomplish with the mix.

So, first you need to determine what your goal is.
 
I saw this link and thought it might be a good general introduction.

My personal tip would be to try to 'cut' levels rather than 'boost' them.
 
i was mostly going to use the equalizer on my computer for my speakers, but i was hoping if i learned enough i could mess with bigger sterio equalizers, i guess this sort of thing is one of those things that are mostly trial and error
 
agent420 said:
My personal tip would be to try to 'cut' levels rather than 'boost' them.
Click to expand...

QFT. Always EQ down.

EQing up adds distortion as it's boosting the already weak frequencies. EQing down attenuates the stronger frequencies to match those that are not as prominent. It's not as easy to do by ear but the result is much better sound quality.

If you really want to get serious, get a real-time audio spectrum analyzer. ;) It allows you to "see" the level of each frequency.

Check this out just for fun: http://industrialaudiocontrol.com/product.asp?Product_Id=19939&d_id=5650&l1=5650&l2=
 
TechLife said:
QFT. Always EQ down.
Click to expand...
Of course, if you're heavy into hip-hop, just max the left side of the eq and drop the right. All your bass belongs to us :D
 
mad_mod said:
this is probably something that is so simple its not even funny but, ive always played with equalizers but i have never actually known how to use one, is there any site that shows a proper way of using an equalizer, i would like to know how because i think knowing how to use one might actually help me in something
Click to expand...

For home audio use there are two main types of EQ.

One is a “Parametric EQ” which usually has 3 to 5 bands of selectable frequencies. Once you select a frequency you want to change then you can adjust up and down on cut or gain, you can adjust the width of the spectrum you want to control and usually you can filter that frequency as needed.

The other type is more common and is called a “Graphic EQ”. Those usually have 10 to 32 slider type controls one each for the left and right channel.

The original concept behind the EQ was to go into a room with a Spectrum Analyzer and turn on “Pink Noise”. You hook a microphone to the analyzer so you can see what areas of the audio spectrum are either “too hot” or “down”. Using an EQ you can adjust specific areas of the audio spectrum so you achieve “flat” frequency response.

That’s all great in theory, but most people don’t like true “flat” sound and end up using the EQ as a set of glorified tone controls.

A word of caution. For every 3db you increase a given frequency you double the output of the amplifier. If you do the math you can quickly see where this can get you in trouble fast.

If you are averaging a listening level of 10 watts and add 3db of signal you double that 10 to 20 watts. Add 3 more db and you jump to 40, next step 80, 160,320,640 etc. Since very few amplifiers and or speakers can deal with that much abuse you can see how easy it would be to break something.

Have fun, enjoy. ;)
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top