wjm@whuxj.UUCP (MITCHELL) (05/03/84)
Once you've obtained a reasonable basic stereo system (say a receiver, turntable and cartridge, and a pair of speakers) the next component you might want to consider is an equalizer. Why? EQ can do more to make your system sound better than spending considerably more $$ on better speakers and other components. Even if you have a multi-K$ system you probably still want EQ, since it can correct for idiosyncracies in your room and other things that can foul up the response of even the best speakers. In addition to making your system sound better, EQ can improve the sound of recordings you where you like the music but you can't stand having the lead female vocalist out "in front" of the group - a bit (3 or 4 dB) of a cut around 2 KHz on your EQ will put her back with the rest of the band. You can also use an EQ to make tapes (if you have a tape deck) that sound better in your car, by tailoring the tape to the response of your car. What types of EQ are there? There are two basic types of EQ - Graphic and Parametric The Graphic equalizer has a control for each frequency band that you can use to boost or cut the response for each band. Since most of these units use slide controls, you can see a "graph" of the response by looking at the front panel when you're done equalizing. They generally have between 5 and 30 bands per channel - and a 10 band unit is a reasonable choice for home use. The more bands, the finer control you have, but the more it costs. On the other hand, the Parametric EQ has only 2 to 5 bands, but you can not only boost or cut the response but also control the width of the band, the frequency where it takes effect. While a parametric EQ is better for fixing specific nasty room EQ problems, a graphic EQ is better for general purpose use. But can't I use the tone controls on my receiver to do what an EQ can? No, tone controls give you BROAD control over the sound, while an EQ (which you use with the tone controls) allows you to make finer adjustments. Is it hard to set up? Not really, provided you get a unit with an analyzer built in. These units have an LED display for each band of the EQ. You put the calibrated microphone provided with the EQ at your listening location, turn on the built-in pink noise generator, and adjust the controls until all the LED's are at the same level - some of the more sophisticated microprocessor units will even do this for you automatically. But isn't this going to cost me $$$? Not really - a good 10 band graphic EQ with analyzer runs about $300-500. Recommendations: I personally like the Audio Control C-101 since it is the only EQ I've seen with the Left and Right sliders for each band next to each other (the other units put all the sliders for one channel together). It also has a rather well-written (although sometimes irreverent) manual. Also, right now, DAK has a special on it. Soundcraftsmen makes a good unit. If you're interested in a low-cost parametric unit, SAE has one. Regards, Bill Mitchell Bell Communications Research, Inc. Whippany, NJ (whuxj!wjm)