Parametric Equalizer Confusion

[albasbal]

I have been curious about parametric equalizers and have been trying to find out more basic information. As exacting as I am about things, I want to get the flattest frequency response possible. I know very little about parametric equalizers except that they give the most control over flattening frequency response.

My question is how to incorporate one into a system. How does one interconnect an eq with a receiver and system? Also how do pre/pro amps fit into the mix? I have absolutely no idea who are good manufacturers either.

 

[WmAx]

My question is how to incorporate one into a system. How does one interconnect an eq with a receiver and system?

Depends on the specific reciever and your set-up. This has been discussed before in depth(as to relieve the redundant posting), but I can't find the thread at this moment. I think Buckeyfan1 or Buckle-meister were the primary thread starter at that time, so maybe they can remember the thread and link to it. Guys?

Also how do pre/pro amps fit into the mix? I have absolutely no idea who are good manufacturers either.

Behringer makes the best digital equalizers/crossovers available compared to others, so far as price vs. performance. The Behringer units operate perfectly, with no noise insertion, provided you use them correctly with levels/gain settings adjusted correctly. I can't offer other manufacturers as an alternative, becuase no one makes comparable products to Behringer's equalizer/crossover systems in the same price range.

-Chris

 

[Buckle-meister]

I think Buckeyfan1 or Buckle-meister were the primary thread starter at that time, so maybe they can remember the thread and link to it. Guys?

Here is the first bit. If you read to the end, you'll see that it eventually led to this. If I remember correctly, Buckeyefan1 posted on the difficulties of incorporating PEQs into multiple channels.

Regards

 

[MacManNM]

I have been curious about parametric equalizers and have been trying to find out more basic information. As exacting as I am about things, I want to get the flattest frequency response possible. I know very little about parametric equalizers except that they give the most control over flattening frequency response.

My question is how to incorporate one into a system. How does one interconnect an eq with a receiver and system? Also how do pre/pro amps fit into the mix? I have absolutely no idea who are good manufacturers either.

Well, the real advantage of a parametric EQ is the versatility. With a parametric EQ you can choose the frequency, bandwidth, and level of adjustment for each channel. With a graphic EQ the frequency and bandwidth are set, and you can just do a level adjustment.

For example, lets say there is a 6db dip in your room at 50Hz, with a graphic EQ you would have to raise the 32Hz, and the 60Hz to try and get it leveled. With a parametric, you can “tune” one of the channels to 50Hz. Now the key here is that if you measure the dip in your room, and the dip turns out to be say 3 Hz FWHM, then you can set the bandwidth to 3Hz and the level to +6db. This will effect only that frequency.

The difficult parts of all of this are:
1. Most modern receivers won’t let you put an EQ in line with a 5, 6, or 7 chan system, in order to do this you would need to use external amps, and put the EQ between the pre-outs and amps.
2. Most parametric EQ’s are limited to a few channels, so if you have major room problems, you might not have enough versatility.

The good news is that some of the newer units out there are very quiet, and some are programmable with many bands of equalization, but they can get expensive.

 

[Buckle-meister]

Most modern receivers won’t let you put an EQ in line with a 5, 6, or 7 chan system, in order to do this you would need to use external amps, and put the EQ between the pre-outs and amps.

It was this that Buckeyefan1 was getting at I believe.

However, what would prevent one from taking the analogue outs from a DVD player through one or more PEQs and then on into a receivers analogue inputs with the internal equalisation of the receiver either defeated so as not to conflict with the PEQs, or manually set to flat? With two of WmAx's rolleyes: ) Behringers, the number of channels would be taken care of.

The only drawback that I can see would be that DSP modes couldn't be used.

Is any/all of this true?

Regards

 

[MacManNM]

It was this that Buckeyefan1 was getting at I believe.

However, what would prevent one from taking the analogue outs from a DVD player through one or more PEQs and then on into a receivers analogue inputs with the internal equalisation of the receiver either defeated so as not to conflict with the PEQs, or manually set to flat? With two of WmAx's rolleyes: ) Behringers, the number of channels would be taken care of.

The only drawback that I can see would be that DSP modes couldn't be used.

Is any/all of this true?

Regards

Using the analog outputs of the DVD will work, this is what Buck tried. Actuallythe DSP modes will work. Just anything in 5.1 or above (ie using the digital lines) can't be eq'd.

 

[jcPanny]

Receivers with PEQ

Don't forget about the auto (and manual) PEQ function available on most mid-fi receivers (Yamaha, Denon, Pioneer, etc.). Granted, they might not offer as many bands as the Behringers, but they are easier to use, don't require external amps, and work for both analog and digital signals. This is probably a much better option for someone who is new to HT. Even my $300 HTR-5860 has a PEQ function.

If the room is that bad, you probably nead to treat it anyway.

 

[albasbal]

Thanks

Thanks for your guy's help. I have been wondering how an eq get incorporated into a system fo a while. I don't have any problems with anything right now, I don't have a big system right now, but I plan to. I have been researching these topics because I am interested in them. Also some of my friends who don't know anything at all about Home Theater Systems always aske me things so I try to stay informed.

Thanks

 

[albasbal]

Hypthetical

If I were to set up a system and money was no object, should I incoporate a EQ right out of the get go? Or, should it be set up and see if problems arise?

 

[WmAx]

If I were to set up a system and money was no object, should I incoporate a EQ right out of the get go? Or, should it be set up and see if problems arise?

Powerful E.Q. is always an improvement, especially for the bass range.

If you want the best flexibility, you should put together a system in which crossover and eq systems can be inserted between the preamp and each amplifier. It used to be that some recievers had pre-amp outs and at the same time had direct loop-backs to the amps from the outside so that you could do things like this easily. But today, it appears that you basicly need a seperate pre-amp and amplifiers to pull off the same trick(s), or be willing to open up your reciever and add external bypass loops yourself.

-Chris

 

[WmAx]

Don't forget about the auto (and manual) PEQ function available on most mid-fi receivers (Yamaha, Denon, Pioneer, etc.). Granted, they might not offer as many bands as the Behringers, but they are easier to use, don't require external amps, and work for both analog and digital signals. This is probably a much better option for someone who is new to HT. Even my $300 HTR-5860 has a PEQ function.

If the room is that bad, you probably nead to treat it anyway.

Do these PEQ functions on these mid-fi recievers usually have manual setting of Q(bandwidth), frequency(in precision increments, at least 5Hz increments) and gain?

-Chris

 

[MacManNM]

Powerful E.Q. is always an improvement, especially for the bass range.

If you want the best flexibility, you should put together a system in which crossover and eq systems can be inserted between the preamp and each amplifier. It used to be that some recievers had pre-amp outs and at the same time had direct loop-backs to the amps from the outside so that you could do things like this easily. But today, it appears that you basicly need a seperate pre-amp and amplifiers to pull off the same trick(s), or be willing to open up your reciever and add external bypass loops yourself.

-Chris

Ah yes, the good old days!