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Equalizers

Coolhandjjl

Coolhandjjl

Embiggened Pompatus
I've read a bit on equalizers here. People certainly have strong opinions about them, pro and con.

I did read the posts here on the Meyer units about phasing, etc., from the fellow from Australia who is a pro audio sound board guy. Thanks. Makes sense to me (sort of). Seems like more of a pro-only type of unit.

After all the reading I have done, parametric seems to be the right choice. The graphics can mess to much up and can muddy things up also is what I read. Anyone using the Behringer UltraCurve DEQ2496 for home audio? It has low noise, -113db, .007% THD, etc.

Thanks in Advance!
 
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I have a 12 band eq just for the sake of completing my dream system.
Seldom does it ever get used.
Sometimes with the radio and I have one album that likes to be eq'd sometimes...
Aerosmith
images
 
The key to an equalizer, is use in moderation. I have one in my system, and only go 1 or 2db. You'd be amazed what 1 or 2db in the lower bass region, can do for room boom problem's in large, powerful system's. Also, makes listening to crappy recording's with honking midrange more pleasant to listen to.
 
"only go 1 or 2db"

Best Advice.
And try to make most of those cuts. And avoid over-adjusting adjacent bands.
Selective 2 db cuts/boosts.
 
I haven't used the model you ask about but I agree with you - those specs sound promising.

If you haven't used an EQ before, by all means, go for it. It's just another component to master. No harm in educating your ears either. EQ's exist for a reason - it's up to you to decide if you need or want one. I'll echo the other posters when they say that less is more.

I haven't used an EQ in a couple of years but I have a couple of them close at hand. I'm thinking about racking one of them just because they look cool. :D
 
Just notice that the UltraCurve does an AD and DA converting of all program put into it (unless you go digital in or out). So if you have a nice analouge setup, do not go the UltraCurve way and do not trust there marketing department regarding - anything.

The Meyer Sound CP-10 is a real nice unit, but will properly be hard to find used at a good price.

Also a good unit is the TC ELECTRONIC 2240 but only with 4 bands.

Sony pro audio made a digital processor like the UltraCurve but of curse in the Sony pro audio quality, they would be in the used market by now (can't remember the model name).

@Renzor213: depends on the problem.
 
I had a 4-band Parametric EQ for my car audio then I got a 7-band Clarion EQ and it was much more versatile. I can't live without it. The EQ is just an extension of bass and treble for me which I need. Not every recording is going to have levels that suit your ear so the EQ will help you with that. And the listening space has an effect on the levels so the EQ again can help with that.
 
the-real-mandak said:
Just notice that the UltraCurve does an AD and DA converting of all program put into it (unless you go digital in or out). So if you have a nice analouge setup, do not go the UltraCurve way
Click to expand...

I totally didn't think of that. Yes, I'm all vintage analog. 1970's era Marantz pre and power amps. Thanks for the heads up on that!
 
the-real-mandak said:
Just notice that the UltraCurve does an AD and DA converting of all program put into it (unless you go digital in or out). So if you have a nice analouge setup, do not go the UltraCurve way . . .
Click to expand...

I would disagree. (Doesn't make you wrong.)

Coolhand: Your original question was to EQ or not to EQ. If you consider the convoluted signal path that a standard graphic EQ goes down, then the A/D/A conversion becomes more attractive. Also, do you listen to only analog sources? Do you ever listen to CD's or use your computer to listen to MP3's? If so, you're already into the digital domain, and you can skip one AD conversion.

I'm going to try the Behringer route myself. I've heard only good things about it.
 
Renzor213 said:
The key to an equalizer, is use in moderation. I have one in my system, and only go 1 or 2db. You'd be amazed what 1 or 2db in the lower bass region, can do for room boom problem's in large, powerful system's. Also, makes listening to crappy recording's with honking midrange more pleasant to listen to.
Click to expand...

Definitely use an equalizer in your system! I have an EQ in EACH stereo set-up in the house(there are 4). RENZOR is absolutely correct in implying a big difference by using EQ to minimize overly "boomy" bass & "honking" midrange in "crappy" recordings. Especially of you are a record collecting type, early Lps from the 1948-1955 period & ALL 78rpm records WILL need some tweaking with an EQ. I use a 12-band graphic EQ in each set-up, BUT you must use a light touch, it's easy to go overboard with a graphic. Parametrics have a lot more adjustability per band & each one is more subtle than a graphic. But a parametric EQ may be overkill for an "average" user who is wanting to put an equalizer into his system for the first time. An EQ IS a benefit to your listening experience.
 
a bit of eq is no bad thing sometimes..some recordings need it..some don't... some speakers need it..some don't... its nice to have the option to tweak though :yes:..everyone's hearing curve and listening room is unique...:scratch2:
 
Renzor213 said:
The key to an equalizer, is use in moderation....
Click to expand...
jimash said:
"only go 1 or 2db"
Best Advice. And try to make most of those cuts. And avoid over-adjusting adjacent bands. Selective 2 db cuts/boosts.
Click to expand...
melofelo said:
a bit of eq is no bad thing sometimes..some recordings need it..some don't... some speakers need it..some don't... its nice to have the option to tweak though :yes:..everyone's hearing curve and listening room is unique...:scratch2:
Click to expand...
All posters are dead-on correct. Get yourself an EQ and enjoy the boundless options of mixing and tuning your music to your liking.:thmbsp:
 
I've got spectrum analyzing software on my Mac called REW, it's a freeware. I also have a Beringer calibration mic on order. Right now, I have a couple of 1980's AudioControl C-101 10 band graphic equalizer units with the built-in spectrum analyzer, complete with their own dedicated calibration a mic and a 20' cord. I've been using that to get a flat room response. I can really tell the difference between straight through vs. room-eq'd sound. I know I'm on the right path as I am able to take the boomieness out of my JBL L100's quite nicely while still enjoying deep full bass. I can make them a bit less forward sounding as well. Then I adjust my pre-amps tone controls to taste per whatever source I am listening to.

Was considering the parametric route to get more precise control without messing up too much of the spectrum. All the research I've done points in that direction. Or at least a graphic equalizer with tighter controls to keep the Q as high as possible when compared to a standard graphic.

Being an audiophile means I have to try out a bunch anyway, adding even more gear to my collection! Love it!
 
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I've used the DCX2496 with some "audiophile" grade gear and can't say I noticed it destroyed any of the good sound. OTOH, I don't hear a lot of differences that many people claim to.

If you are so inclined, there is a bunch of stuff regarding mods that allegedly improve the DCX2496. Here's a place that does it, not cheap, but they do seem to say some of the stuff they work on for your own guidance. http://www.asi-tek.com/behringer2.html

Personally, I think the overall improvement in sound from room eq using something such as even a stock DCX2496 could outweigh any drawbacks of having it in the system, IMHO and YMMV. Of course, it could be argued that the cost of modding one might be better spent on room treatments because then you're addressing the big picture, not the bits between.
 
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I have owned and used equalizers ever since I started buying equipment, back in 1985. The advice that you have been given here--using them in moderation--is sage, and with that light tough, I expect you to reap enormous aural rewards. There is a stalwart contingent of persons who consider equalizers poorly, maintaining that any instrument inserted into the signal path is deleterious. Many go further, and eschew using any tone adjustment (to the point of removing tone controls altogether) of any kind. Such noble-minded sentiment is well and good, but it does not take into consideration personal preferences in listening, sound characteristics in the environment and other matters that make the use of equalizers attractive.

The only caveat I have to offer is to shop around a bit until you decide which equalizer you will settle with. EQ's come in as many shapes, sizes and configurations you can imagine. After going through about 4 or 5, I finally found one that suited my aesthetic sense and was quiet enough to be seen and not heard. This is an important point, for (and ignore the chorus), many EQ's introduce some noise into the system. Arranging your power cables and interconnects should minimize it well enough. So, shop around, plug it up and play with it.

Have fun!
 
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