An equalizer (also called a tone block) is a device for correcting audio frequencies that adjusts the volume of a specific frequency range. Equalizers can boost some frequencies and cut others, and as a result, you can get a completely different sound at the output.
To begin with, let's take a look at what an equalizer is
An equalizer is a special computer program or device with which you can reduce or, conversely, reduce any separate zone of the frequency range, as well as equalize the frequency response of the audio signal. This instrument was invented in the 30s and EQ remains the most commonly used treatment to this day. Currently, there are many devices on the market for tone correction - from the simplest LF-HF correctors to a multi-band equalizer. The basis of any equalizer is several electronic filters that allow you to change the frequency response of an audio device. First of all, equalizers differ from each other in the number of adjustable bands (that is, frequency filters). The process of processing a signal, a human voice using an equalizer, is called equalization. Equalizers are found in such gadgets as: a laptop, a phone (for example, an iPhone), a radio tape recorder, an acoustic guitar, etc.
Let's talk a little about the types of equalizers
There are two types of multiband equalizers - parametric and graphic. The graphic has a certain number of bands that you can adjust. Each of the bands is characterized by an operating frequency (and at the same time constant), a fixed bandwidth around it and a range of level adjustment (this parameter is the same for all bands). As a rule, the lowest and highest bands (that is, extreme) are the so-called "shelving" filters ", all others have a" bell-shaped characteristic ". Graphic type equalizers used in professional studios usually have 15 or 31 bands per channel and are sometimes equipped with spectrum analyzers for easier adjustment.
The parametric equalizer provides more flexibility for adjusting signal frequencies. Each of its bands has basic adjustable parameters, namely:
- working (or central) frequency (measured in hertz, it is customary to call it Bass);
- quality factor (denoted by the letter "Q") is a dimensionless quantity;
- the average level of attenuation or enhancement of the selected band (measured in decibels)
Thus, an audio engineer or a simple user can more accurately select the required frequency and more accurately change it. Parametric analog equalizers are almost never found now. In addition, they have a small number of frequency bands that can be adjusted. But digital parametric equalizers have almost unlimited number of floor-adjustable ones. Moreover, such programs often have additional parameters (the nature of the curve, the type of filter, and so on). Mixed-type equalizers can be found in mixing consoles, where, for example, high and low frequencies are adjusted like a graphic equalizer, and between them there is one pair of half-metric bands, but without the ability to adjust the quality factor. There are also paragraphic equalizers, that is, devices of a graphic type, but with the ability to adjust the quality factor.
Basic principles of working with an equalizer
How do I make the best setting? First of all, it is important to understand that the amplification of any frequency leads to an increase in the overall signal level. This means that excessive gain can lead to unwanted distortion. That is why the attenuation of frequencies in most cases gives a better result than the amplification of the "necessary" ones. The main purpose of the equalizer is to obtain an adequate sound of the source, the frequency response of which often deteriorates due to the lack of parameters of the room or inter-unit processing devices. Equalizers are often used in stage monitor lines due to the often occurring "feedback" effect. In this case, to find the resonant frequency and lower it, the sound engineer uses a graph-type multi-band equalizer. Currently, not all experts use an equalizer to eliminate this problem, using auto feedback suppressors instead. Musicians performing or recording also use equalizers to achieve the desired timbre or special effects. For example, by removing the high and low frequencies, you can get a soft "old radio" effect. Most DJs during their sets actively use audio systems with equalizers on the consoles (again, to obtain certain guitar effects). Another application of the equalizer is frequency equalization depending on the acoustic characteristics of the room, such as shape and size, wall coverings, number of spectators, and much more. In this case, sound engineers use high-precision measurement microphones, equalizers and spectrum analyzers. All this helps him to find out exactly which frequencies disappear, and which ones, on the contrary, stand out. In sound recording studios, equalizers are rarely used as separate devices). This is primarily due to the fact that most studios are now equipped with equipment that practically does not distort the frequency response. But with digital mixing and mastering, almost all recorded tracks pass through the equalizer built into the program as a plug-in.
Now let's take a closer look at the principles of setting the equalizer
Equalizer adjustment is a necessary process in order for the user to interact with various media files more pleasantly. The fact is that musical genres require a special intensity of certain effects. For example, some compositions will sound much better and better quality if the bass is increased against the background of other frequencies. The same can be said for films. The use of this element is desirable in many cases. The middle equalizer setting is aimed at ensuring that the sound of each musical instrument in one specific composition is the same. However, this state of affairs has a very negative effect on the quality of sound transmission to the listener. And then the equalizer is activated. It can be used to boost or cut a specific sound effect to achieve a smoother and more pleasing sound. As a result of its adjustment, disturbing sounds are reduced and the necessary ones are amplified.
The equalizer can be adjusted by the user independently. However, for this he needs to be well versed in music, to have an ear. After all, if you cannot determine which frequencies need amplification, the ideal sound will not be achieved. Many players have built-in settings for classical music or country music, for example. You can use them. And also the equalizer settings are available for download directly from the Internet. All of them will be of a standard and most common character, oriented towards popular musical styles.
The equalizer setting can be useful for you not only in order to comfortably listen to musical compositions. Often, every musician learns to play one or another instrument from his favorite songs, and for this it is important to know how to connect an equalizer, set an equalizer, remove nasal sounds and know the basics of neutron settings. The equalizer can be configured to reproduce the sound of only one instrument per song. This will help you pick up chords and pinpoint the exact notes you need to play. In addition, many potential musicians often use (for rap, equalizer in order to improve their abilities.
Thus, before choosing a setting, you need to know exactly which instruments are used more than others in your favorite style. For home listening, it is better to use the presets offered by the player. In short, the equalizer plays a huge role for high-quality sound. Tuning it is difficult enough, but once completed, you will get the perfect sound of your favorite music.
