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I'm thinking about some equalization. What's in order for my situation? My reason for this is a light chalkboard scraping annoyance in the range of higher toned vocals and some guitar sounds. The bass remains strong and healthy and the upper scale..cymbals and percussion remain crystal clear. These perturbing sounds definately are in a specific audio range. Could a shop test tell me what range I am talking about? I've done a little looking around and see this Qupix unit that I'm attracted to. It's got a remote box for the electronics and a "gooseneck stalk" that is detachable. I desire something stealth yet don't want to run RCA's to the trunk unless absolutely nessicary.(this is a toyota tercel). What's the deal with equalizers any way? What's graphic as opposed to parametric? And would 9 bands be sufficient? 7? And what about voltage input on these units? I have a 4 volt head unit. Some EQ's are capable of bigger #'s output(audiocontol for example).What should I be looking for? Anyway, is EQ all a scam? Am I better off without anything at all. Thanks for your input.
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I try to use EQ as the very laststep in a system. It would seem you are at this point. A graphic EQ typically has a number of bands with a set frequency assigned to each band and a set Q for each filter. (Q is a measurement of how much the frequencies around the stated one are affected by the filter. Imagine a single low Q filter at 1kHz. Boost this slider and the response may look like a wide hill at that frequency. A tight Q filter would look more like a steep peak, affecting the frequencies around it less). Therefore, a graphic EQ has only one adjustment per frequency, that being boost/cut. A parametric EQ typically has fewer bands than a graphic but they are completely adjustable. Now, not only can you boost/cut, but you can move the frequency that the band controls and also the Q value. Only a few bands are needed on many cars (on SQ anyway) but a parametric requires quite some skill to set up properly. There is also the hybrid EQ - typically you can boost/cut, and have some adjustment of frequency. Typically Q is a set value though. For a graphic to be truly powerful it needs a lot of bands on it since if you have a need where it has no band you are pooched. For this reason, most current graphics have 12 or more bands. Popular choices are the EQT, PPI DEQ230, Zapco makes some cool 30 band 1/2 din pieces that are easy to mount up front, and the EPX2. Probably the most common parametric today is the Alpine 7402 - it's a good 7 band full parametric EQ. The best hybrid out there, and my favorite non-30 band, is the RF OEQ2. With 10 bands, separate left and right controls, and the ability to move each band a 1/2 octave, it's a great choice to iron out the rough spots without farting around with 30 bands and an RTA.
Have fun!
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Lord Dukk The Big Show The Dukk says: Know your bass: PORT your damn box!! Have HoleSaw, Will Travel!
GRAPHIC This type of equalizer has controls on fixed center frequencies and bandwidths with adjustable amplitude. These equalizers usually have slider type controls so the adjustments form a "graph" of the frequency response.
PARAMETRIC On this type of equallizer you can adjust all of the parameters: Amplitude, Frequency and Bandwidth. They are typically only found in professional applications due to the difficulty in properly setting all of the controls. Parametric EQs usually have less bands of equalization. Because their is more control.
Are you looking for an in dash unit? Ones like the Audio Control have a built in line driver that has a higher voltage output. Which is good for up to 24 Db signal gain... The audiocontrol 3.1 also has a built in crossover if needed.
The amount of equalizer controls that you need is all up to you. Many people get by with no EQ. Many use a 4 or 5 band in dash. Just to give the music a little kick. And if you want to get really tweeked, get a 1/3 Octave EQ. But they are really only needed in the most demanding SQ cars... JMO
There are many good EQs out their to choose from. USD, AC, Image Dynamics, Linear Power, Rockford, and more....
------------------ ******************* Founder: Street Sounds Car Audio Club ******************* If It Don't Read 150+ it Ain't Loud......
Posts: 289 | From: Howell, MI | Registered: May 1999
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I believe I read somewhere that the human ear is VERY sensitive to frequencies between 2Khz to 5Khz. hat's the range I call upper-midrange or lower treble. I have noticed that some music (especially rock) tends to sound 'harsh' in that range, and actually is annoying to listen to. Maybe the particular speakers I use in my daily-driver have a peak there and I've just been to lazy to get Troy to put it on the LinearX RTA to look at the response. I've been able to reduce that region, by using my preamp/eq (Orion 300 PSW). It has three eq bands that can be adjusted to locate the trouble spot, and then can be boosted or cut up to 12 dB. I was able to dial this in by ear, and eliminate that harsh sound that is common in guitar-heavy music. If you get an eq to solve your problem, try to find one that doesn't just have a few 'fixed' frequencies, but rather one where the frequency can be adjusted. Good luck!
K.O.B.
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Time for a comeback!
Posts: 219 | From: Monroe,NC USA | Registered: May 1999
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K.O.B, you were right, its called the Fletcher-Munson effect... The human ear is most sensitive to midrange sound... I use a Symmetry EPX2 for an EQ, it rocks but can be a pain to set up, however with realtime adjustments you can tweak it and hear your adjustments as you make them... It rocks IMO...
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Posts: 186 | From: Grande Prairie, Alberta, Canada | Registered: May 1999
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Also keep in mind that most 5 and 6 inch drivers ALL have a resonance at around 1600Hz, which, when coupled to the human ears already "peaked" hearing at 2-3000Hz (range of human baby cry) adds to the problem of nasty upper-midrange response, no matter who makes the driver. This is part of the reason I detest Horns as much as I do. Most of the horns I've heard, even the really high end ID's, have a very nasty resonance in the same 2-3000k range, which needs massive massaging from a good parametric. But I digress....
------------------ members.tripod.com/Audiophyle Ba Chomp, Ba Chewy Chomp, Ba Chewy Chewy CHOMP!! Someday, we'll all look back on this, laugh nervously, and change the subject!!
Posts: 3120 | From: nowhere | Registered: May 1999
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That's the range. The chalkboard-scraping screeching baby cry.Interesting. While men detest the sound, perhaps women would flock to it. Either way, It's beginning to appear that I'm getting accurate sound and not something that's unique to my car/system.
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