What is a Graphic Equaliser for and how do I set it?
A Graphic Equaliser is nothing more than a series of tone controls with faders instead of knobs. As you move from left to right along the bank of faders, you can control all frequencies from Very Low to Very High.
One of the worst but sadly most common uses for a Graphic Equaliser is to set it in the 'Smiley Face' shape. Although this setting produces a pleasant enough sound, that sound is achievable by using the channel tone controls on the mixer and is therefore a complete waste of a good piece of outboard equipment.
One of the most useful applications for a Graphic Equaliser is the 'Ringing-Out' of the sound system. This process drastically reduces feedback problems, allows greater volume before feedback, and usually produces a better overall sound. Although tricky to master at first, eventually this whole process can be completed in less than a minute. This is how you do it:
1. Set up the system as normal with all mics and speakers in their usual positions and turn on the systems' power amps.
2. Bring all Mic channel faders up to the Zero db position or if using rotary controls - '12 O'Clock'.
3. Bring up the left channel master fader until feedback starts to occur. 'Ride' the master fader in order to keep the feedback present but not let it get out of control.
4. Experiment with the Graphic Equalisers' faders to find the control that removes the feedback and 'cut' that frequency band only to the point at which the feedback disappears.
5. Raise the left channel master fader higher and repeat step 4 to remove the next 'problem frequency'.
6. Carry on until the master fader has reached a level of at least 3db higher than the usual working position.
7. Repeat the process for the right channel master fader.
8. If the Graphic Equaliser has master level controls, raise it so that the overall volume of the system has not been reduced by your actions.
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A Graphic Equaliser is nothing more than a series of tone controls with faders instead of knobs. As you move from left to right along the bank of faders, you can control all frequencies from Very Low to Very High.
One of the worst but sadly most common uses for a Graphic Equaliser is to set it in the 'Smiley Face' shape. Although this setting produces a pleasant enough sound, that sound is achievable by using the channel tone controls on the mixer and is therefore a complete waste of a good piece of outboard equipment.
One of the most useful applications for a Graphic Equaliser is the 'Ringing-Out' of the sound system. This process drastically reduces feedback problems, allows greater volume before feedback, and usually produces a better overall sound. Although tricky to master at first, eventually this whole process can be completed in less than a minute. This is how you do it:
1. Set up the system as normal with all mics and speakers in their usual positions and turn on the systems' power amps.
2. Bring all Mic channel faders up to the Zero db position or if using rotary controls - '12 O'Clock'.
3. Bring up the left channel master fader until feedback starts to occur. 'Ride' the master fader in order to keep the feedback present but not let it get out of control.
4. Experiment with the Graphic Equalisers' faders to find the control that removes the feedback and 'cut' that frequency band only to the point at which the feedback disappears.
5. Raise the left channel master fader higher and repeat step 4 to remove the next 'problem frequency'.
6. Carry on until the master fader has reached a level of at least 3db higher than the usual working position.
7. Repeat the process for the right channel master fader.
8. If the Graphic Equaliser has master level controls, raise it so that the overall volume of the system has not been reduced by your actions.
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