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Topic: What is parametric EQ? |
David Doggett
From:
Bawl'mer, MD (formerly of MS, Nawluns, Gnashville, Knocksville, Lost Angeles, Bahsten. and Philly)
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Posted 24 Mar 2003 6:45 am |
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| Can somebody give a rough idea of what this is for a non-engineer. Thanx |
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Michael Brebes
From:
Northridge CA
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Posted 24 Mar 2003 8:18 am
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A parametric EQ usually has multiple bands at which you can cut or boost the frequency. The controls available for each band are Frequency, Cut/Boost, and Q (or bandwidth). The center frequency is adjustable. Also the bandwidth of the filter is adjustable. Bandwidth is how far above and below the set frequency is the cut/boost going to affect. Wider is used for overall EQ corrections. Narrower is used for things such as removing hum or other noises that have a specific frequency to them.
Hope that helps. |
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David Doggett
From:
Bawl'mer, MD (formerly of MS, Nawluns, Gnashville, Knocksville, Lost Angeles, Bahsten. and Philly)
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Posted 24 Mar 2003 9:05 am
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| Crystal clear, thanks Michael. Now the Peavey steel amps have bass, mid, treble, and presence. The center for the mid control can be chosen, but the ranges for each of these cannot be chosen. So is this considered parametric, or semi-parametric, or what? |
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Donny Hinson
From:
Glen Burnie, Md. U.S.A.
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Posted 24 Mar 2003 9:13 am
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Sad but true, Dave. Usually the only thing "adjustable" (as far as "shift"), is the mid control. It is the most important, but that doesn't change the fact that a graphic equalizer, with many bands, is still far more versatile.
Regretably, most companies don't agree, and only a few combo amps have them. |
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richard burton
From:
Britain
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Posted 24 Mar 2003 11:54 am
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| I use a graphic equaliser (Boss GE7), but find that the more advanced ones, with many more faders than the Boss, have me chasing my tail. |
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David L. Donald
From:
Koh Samui Island, Thailand
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Posted 24 Mar 2003 2:34 pm
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Hi David
The ones without a variable Q are called semi parametric.
Also, on the full parametric versions the Q is usually stated in parts of an octave above and below the center frequency.
Most often if it is a 1 octave spread that's half an octave above and below, but some seem to do a full actave above and below.
I find I use these eq's ALL the time. One of the most useful tools in a sound engineers toolbox.
For the PSG a full parametric is the difference between YOU deciding how you sound or the amp manufacturer deciding arbitrarily. |
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Bill Terry
From:
Bastrop, TX
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Posted 24 Mar 2003 2:59 pm
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Not to highjack the thread... but I had an experience with a bass player friend once that speaks volumes about the 'average(?)' musician's understanding of parametric equalizers. This particular friend was a great bass player, but if you wanted to use him on a gig you generally had to plan on providing an amp, as his was generally in a pawn shop somewhere.
I worked with him on a once where the bandleader had provided a newer bass amp of some kind that had true parametric midrange equalization, one of the controls being labeled 'bandwidth'. The bass player walks in, looks at the amp for a minute or two, walks across the stage and back, and then asks me "How do I set the bandwidth for 30 feet?" ... |
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David L. Donald
From:
Koh Samui Island, Thailand
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Posted 25 Mar 2003 12:33 am
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LOL... NOW that I like! LOL.
I think the response is; tell them to diet!
Theory wise the 32' stop on an church organ corresponds to the length of the sound wave at that frequency.
But I KNOW his bass never made it down there. LOL 
[This message was edited by David L. Donald on 25 March 2003 at 12:37 AM.] |
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Dave Robbins
From:
Cottontown, Tnn. USA (deceased)
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Posted 2 Apr 2003 2:37 pm
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A favorite parametric equalizer that I used to like to use was the old Furman PQ-3. It was a handful to get adjusted, but it could give you complete control over your sound. Man, I really like that thing. Sometimes I wish I still had it for experimenting with my sound.
Dave |
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