Equalizer noise

[nm2285]

I just purchased an equalizer on ebay and hooked it up to my system calibrated the levels so the room response was fairly flat. There was certainly a difference in the music, namely the high end had more sparkle. However, there was also a level of noise that wasn't there before.

I'd like to keep the piece due to the improved sound, but I'd rather not have it if the noise is going to be there. Any ways to cut down on it?

Thanks for all the help.

 

[Johnny Canuck]

I'm a bit of a newbie, but i have an EQ in my closet i never hook up because i was told an EQ is analog and it degrades digital quality.

 

[WmAx]

I just purchased an equalizer on ebay and hooked it up to my system calibrated the levels so the room response was fairly flat. There was certainly a difference in the music, namely the high end had more sparkle. However, there was also a level of noise that wasn't there before.

I'd like to keep the piece due to the improved sound, but I'd rather not have it if the noise is going to be there. Any ways to cut down on it?

Thanks for all the help.

If you want help, specify the product, settings and the types of inputs/outputs you are using.

-Chris

 

[nm2285]

Model is BSR EQ3000. I have the signal sent from my NAD C370's preouts to the EQs Line In and then from the EQs Line Out to the NAD's Main In's. All the rest of my equipment is hooked up to the NAD.

 

[WmAx]

Model is BSR EQ3000. I have the signal sent from my NAD C370's preouts to the EQs Line In and then from the EQs Line Out to the NAD's Main In's. All the rest of my equipment is hooked up to the NAD.

I am not familiar with the specific model. Basicly, all you can do probably is run the higest amplitude input signal as possible to the E.Q., and adjust the input level(if it has such provision) down just under clipping level. Beyond this... I don't have any suggestions. Anyone else?

The Behringer DCX2496 is always an alternative if you can't get the BSR EQ3000 to function correctly -- and it is a multipurpose tool that can do much more than just E.Q, or you can just use it as a parametric E.Q.. But the price is excellent, and it will not produce any noise into your system if you use it correctly.

-Chris

 

[markw]

Does the 370 have a tape monitor?

If so, try using that loop instead of between the pre/main. The signal being passed to the eq will be of a lower (and more constant) level there and might help reduce the noise.

If it's still there it may well be the eq itself generating it. Inherent noise is one reason most consumer eq's fell out of favor years ago.

 

[nm2285]

If by 370 you mean 3000, than yes it does. I'll have to try that loop and see if the results are any better.

thanks for the advice

 

[OkieG]

I also am a newbie, but I have 2 cents worth to throw in anyway.

Johnny Canuck,
Your caution about degrading digital signals may be true...but I'm not sure why it would be. By the the time the signal leaves the preamp, it has already been converted to analog. The EQ makes it's adjustments to the analog signal, then sends it along to the main amp. The EQ input, correction, and output are all analog. It seems it would affect an analog source the same as a digital one, doesn't it??

nm2285,
Rives makes an expensive, well reviewed EQ that only allows the selected freqs to be cut..not boosted. I believe it's EQ boost that can degrade an otherwise high quality signal, perhaps because the amp section in many EQs isn't up to the standard of the rest of the system. Anyway, if you have a few freqs with significant boost, ie top end "sparkle", that may be introducing some of the noise.

OkieG

 

[nm2285]

okie, thanks for the reply. interesting point about the boosts adding the noise. i'll have to try all cuts and see if that makes a significant difference.