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- Dictionarygraphic equalizer
noun
- 1. an electronic device or computer program that allows the separate control of the strength and quality of frequency bands in an audio signal.
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A graphic equalizer (graphic EQ) is a high-fidelity audio control that enables the user to improve sound quality. Sound quality captured by sources, such as microphones and instrument pickups, is adjusted by changing the individual frequency bands of the audio.
- Decibels
Boomi AtomSphere Platform (Dell Boomi AtomSphere) - Dell...
- Decibels
- Overview
- Familiarizing Yourself with Your EQ
- Adjusting for Your Music and Listening Environment
- Highlighting Different Instruments or Vocals
Everything you need to know about how a graphic equalizer works and how to get the best setting
A graphic equalizer, more commonly known as an EQ, is used to change the frequency response of selected sounds, such as particular instruments or vocals in an audio track. It can be used to enhance the bass, reduce the treble, highlight a saxophone, or just make your audio sound better overall. EQs can be used in
or live sound. An EQ can be
connected to audio equipment or physical hardware
, or it may be a program on your computer. Once you get a handle on the basic operation of your EQ model, you can use it to make simple audio adjustments, then get into more detailed audio fine-tuning. This wikiHow article teaches you how to use a graphic equalizer.
Graphic equalizers have a series of sliders that control a frequency band within an audible range.
Identify the frequency range and control points for your EQ.
Each of the sliders is called a "band." Each band controls a specific frequency within a range of audible sounds. The 20 hertz (Hz) band controls the low end (bass), while the 20 kilohertz (kHz) controls the high end (treble). Your EQ will most likely have 20 Hz marked on its left side, and 20 kHz marked on the right.
Between the low and high bands, an analog EQ will have a series of vertically-oriented (up-and-down) adjustment sliders. A digital EQ will have a series of marked points spaced out along the horizontal line.
These sliders or control points are often set at 30 Hz, 100 Hz, 1 kHz, 10 kHz, and 20 kHz. Some models allow you to alter these control point settings, while others are permanently fixed at these frequencies.
” upward to intensify a frequency, and “cut” downward to reduce it.
With an analog EQ, pushing a slider upward above the horizontal line “turns up” sounds within that frequency range—this is called boosting. Sliding downward “turns down” the sounds in that frequency range, known as cutting.
Check any EQ presets for the type of audio you’re listening to.
Many stereos, TVs, audio players, and other devices with digital EQ capabilities come with a set of predetermined audio adjustments based on music or audio genre. For instance, your stereo or music app may have presets for “rock,” “jazz,” “classical,” and so on.
By selecting a preset, the various frequency control points will be “boosted” or “cut” to levels that are considered ideal for a particular type of music or audio.
Presets provide a quick way to improve the sound of the audio coming through your headphones, earbuds, or speakers.
Physical EQs don’t usually have presets, since you have to manually adjust the sliders yourself.
Trust your own ears when making EQ adjustments.
Identify the frequency range of common instruments and vocals.
Once you’ve mastered the basics of adjusting the sliders or control points of your EQ, you can make fine adjustments to highlight particular instruments or vocals. With practice, you’ll know where in the frequency range to look for a particular instrument or vocal, but until then, rely on charts like the following:
Female vocals: 150 Hz-1.6 kHz
Male vocals: 60 Hz-500 Hz
Kick drum: 60 Hz-4 kHz
Boost the bar in the chosen range to highlight an instrument.
A graphic equalizer (EQ) offers a simple solution: boost or cut (make louder or softer) a specific range of frequencies to improve sound quality. With sliders that move up or down in decibels (degrees of loudness), graphic EQs are so user-friendly they’ve become common features in car audio speaker systems and home theaters as well as ...
May 4, 2022 · An EQ is a tool for recording and mastering music, but anyone can use one to adjust the sound signature of their headphones or speakers via an app or physical controls. To get the best...
- Tim Gideon
- Contributing Editor, Audio
A graphic equaliser (EQ) offers a simple solution: boost or cut (make louder or softer) a specific range of frequencies to improve sound quality. With sliders that move up or down in decibels (degrees of loudness), graphic EQs are so user-friendly they’ve become common features in car audio speaker systems and home theatres as well as ...
Jul 24, 2023 · A graphic equalizer is a high-fidelity audio control that allows you to adjust multiple predefined frequency bands. The "graphic" in its name comes from the graphical representation of these bands.
When discussing audio quality, a graphic equalizer (EQ) becomes a key element. It’s a device or software that lets you adjust the balance between frequency components by altering individual frequency bands. Think of it as a sophisticated tone control that allows for more detailed adjustments.
