What do the numbers on an equalizer console represent?
On a typical sound equalizer, you will find the approximate numbers: 31 62 125 250 500 1k 2k 4k 8k 16k each with its own corresponding slider on a dB range of -12 to 12.
What do the numbers (31, 62, 500, 8k, etc.) represent? Meaning, as each is adjusted, what is the corresponding effect of each number. For example, if 62 is increased, what is it actually doing to the sound output? If 8k is decreased, what is it doing?
I’m under the impression that the far left few sliders are for low frequencies (bass, in a sense), and the far right few sliders are for higher frequencies (treble, in a sense).
I’m not satisfied with the typical presets like “Rock” and “Pop” as they seem to be made up by manufacturers, as they vary quite significantly from one EQ console to the next. There is no standardization. I have two different EQs running on my computer and they both have the same named presets, but with entirely different settings for each. Where is a good internet site for info
You are correct about the markings, those are audio frequencies. The knobs/sliders adjust the amount of those frequencies being put out by the system. The lower the number, the lower the frequency.
If you can wade through the terhnical terms, looks like a good source for home audio calibration articles on the Internet.
The smaller the numbers the lower the sound (frequency), the larger the numbers the higher the sound.
31Hz 62Hz 125Hz are low notes.
250Hz 500Hz 1KHz 2KHz 4KHz are middle notes
8KHz 16KHz are high notes
0dB is not changing the signal
-12dB is cutting the signal 12dB
+12dB is boosting the signal 12dB
Some examples:
Most human speech takes place between 200 Hz & 8 KHz
261.626 Hz = the musical note middle C
440 Hz = concert pitch (A above middle C), used for tuning musical instruments
Humans can generally hear sounds with frequencies between 20 Hz & 20 kHz
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Jefferson even if you have $30,000 audiophile speakers on a $100,000 audiophile stereo, an equalizer will improve the sound of the speakers.
Every room’s acoustics are deferent. You could have a speaker putting out a perfectly flat frequency response from 10 Hz to 50 KHz & it still have dB variances at some frequencies. That’s what EQing is for. You can flatten that frequency responce back out to where you want it. Something as simple as changing your summer drapes to your winter drapes can change a room’s acoustics.
And if you happen to like to exaggerate your bass, or highs, you can do so easily by changing the settings on your equalizer.
If you have decent equipment then you should run your EQ completely FLAT…Not up or down…This will play back the AUDIO exactly the way it was recorded…Try it for awhile and see for yourself…You’ll be able to see the difference between GOOD recordings and BAD recordings…Your first step in becoming an AUDIOPHILE.