Use a Graphic Equalizer
A graphic equalizer, more commonly known as an EQ is used to change the frequency response, or in other words the tone, of a sound, song, or instrument. It can be used to give more bass, less bass, more treble, etc. Learning to use a graphic equalizer is not too difficult, but it takes a bit of practice to get used to.
Contents
Steps
- Set all the EQ bands on 0, or in the middle. This will make the audio come out of the speaker without any effects.
- Listen to your audio through the speaker to determine if it needs anything.
- Remember that the left side of the unit, usually starting around 20, is the low or bass side; the right, usually ending at around 16k, is the high or treble side. The mid is between 400 and 1.6k.
- Adjust the equalizer accordingly once you have that down.
- Turn the volume to the desired level when the equalizer is where you want it.
Tips
- Typically bass needs to be minimally added or reduced but the treble can ultimately make the audio "cloudy". Once you have your desired amount of bass to your liking, and up to the speaker's capacity then adjust the treble (far right adjustment) then mid area if you still feel the need.
- Too many sounds in one frequency can cancel out quieter sounds.
- Do not over EQ it. The equalizer can compensate for your audio equipment's shortcomings, but remember that professional engineers, with the input of the artist, have balanced the equalization before producing the recording. However, different speakers produce sounds differently, and even the same speakers have a huge variety of frequency response depending on their placement. Thus, one of the main functions of an equalizer is to respond and adjust for a speaker's frequency response.
- EQ is a simple effect, but it can seem hard.
- You can make the audio sound worse, play around with it.
- If you have an eq with more than 5-7 bands (graphic), leave them all set to flat. If you feel it is absolutely necessary to make an adjustment, then lower frequencies. Do not boost them.
Your headunit, specifically a car audio, can only send a certain amount of voltage before it begins to produce clipped signals. Increasing a frequency means boosting voltage. Anything that increases volume in any manner, requires more voltage.
As an example, the voltage your headunit produces is pretty much how an amplifier interprets the amount of it should be providing.
And.... Ignore the presets also. Most preset options are heavy on just boosting frequencies. For every signal you increase, you almost always will need to decrease from a different signal somewhere else.
To eq something correctly actually requires specialized equipment.
Finally, an eq isnt meant to make poor equipment sound better. Just to adjust for room/cabin responses. If you buy respectable gear, it will sound great with all setting at flat. If your ear can legitimately hear a problem and the range its in, your eq most likely cant fix it.
Warnings
- Always adjust the volume, so it won't be too loud!!
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