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Pros and Cons of Equalizers

My main system has no EQ. I did own one about 30 years ago. I do use one with my PC system, but it's in the software that came with my sound card. It's almost flat. Down at the top some. Nearfield with ribbons can get harsh at times. Especially after a few beers and the volume goes up some how.
 
the skipper said:
Dunno about your equalizer in particular but here's my thoughts on equalizers in general.

You're using it correctly by using it mainly to cut rather than boost. People get in trouble when they go for the infamous "smiley face" configuration in order to boost the frequency extremes, which can suck an amplifier dry,

As for any increase in distortion, can you hear it? If not, then you're worrying needlessly.

Ultimately, here's the question you should be asking yourself: Does my system sound better with it or without it?
Click to expand...

Well put Skipper !! :thumbsup: +:beerchug:
 
Most guys preaching flat this and flat that are likely the same guys with 15 equalizers and expanders running 24/7.
 
My opinion on anything these days is that if you like the way something sounds, it doesn't matter one bit how accurate it is or true to the intentions of the sound engineer. I bought a used car and the owner was raving about how good the sound system was. I got in it and thought it was absolute garbage. Which one of us was right? Well, he wasn't wrong. He really liked the way it sounded, just like some people really like anchovies on their pizza. A sound system's only job is to please you. Do whatever it takes to make it so.
 
The problem I've always had with Equalizers is that they're crazy-making. Can I make my systems sound different? Sure. Can I possibly improve on its performance? Maybe. Can I set up one of those all-in-the-room EQ measuring systems that automatically sets up an EQ curve for that installation and accept its results as the end-all? Sure.

Do my ears tell me those approaches have made any difference? No. And that's the problem. You introduce a whole bunch of sliders or knobs and the permutations are endless.

I don't run an EQ in line for those reasons. Every time I've added once and dinked around with it, I've bypassed it ultimately and pull it out at the next big annual system swapout.

Cheers,

David
 
I gave up on EQ's up until a few years ago. They always did more harm than good. I really wanted to like them. You could shape the sound the way YOU wanted to hear it but degraded the sound whether I wanted to admit it or not.

EQ in the digital domain was a game changer for me. Dead silent, no added noise and excellent sound quality. I wouldn't want to go without it.

I use a DEQ2496 for my mains and a Mini-dsp 2x4 HD for my subs.
 
My rooms are not perfect nor is my hearing. I have an EQ on all three of my systems in use. Depending on the speaker and room, I like just a light touch here and there. Can they be overused and cause distortion? You bet. There is nothing wrong with a boost or cut here and there. My living is very soft so I add a bit on the high end for the Imperial 6s to sound best to me. The fights over EQ use is so funny.

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Never had one. I'm gonna get one to see what it does. Can I go vintage on this one or should I break from my usual and get something up to date just this once?
 
The largest frequency variations are found at the bottom of the spectrum. With the main system, I have the luxury of ideal speaker placement and use of bass traps to ensure a linear result. I find that to be the ideal solution.

With the HT located in the family room, however, I don't share those luxuries and use the processor's parametric EQ for 2 db trims at 51 and 99 hz.
 
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