Master EQ

Posted: Tue Nov 14, 2006 4:57 pm

Alright, so my band is playing our first show on Friday, and I got everything setup in our PA to sound pretty good, cept theres only one last thing to do. I have a Rane ME 15B stereo EQ that i was going to use between my mackie 1604 VLZpro and my QSC 2450, to put a lil master EQ on both the left and right channel.

Honestly though, I have no idea what to boost / cut for a emo / pop punk band.

Posted: Tue Nov 14, 2006 6:02 pm

If you can't figure out what to use it for, maybe you don't need it...

Posted: Tue Nov 14, 2006 6:54 pm

i know what to use it for, i just am wondering if theres any rule of thumb freqencies to cut/boost to get a better mix

Posted: Tue Nov 14, 2006 7:46 pm

What I mean is if there isn't anything noticable in the mix that you need to fix with the EQ, then you don't need to use it.

Posted: Tue Nov 14, 2006 8:39 pm

Gotta agree with Nirvalica. The rule of thumb is: EQ is a tool for "fixing" things and if it ain't broke, don't fix it.

On the other hand, where a good eq will come in handy is when there is a problem particularly with feedback. If you can't fix it at the source and you're ears are in tune, you should be able to pick out the frequency that's feeding back and drop it a few notches. Sometimes you can "fix" the problem.

Posted: Tue Nov 14, 2006 8:41 pm

hueseph wrote:

Gotta agree with Nirvalica. The rule of thumb is: EQ is a tool for "fixing" things and if it ain't broke, don't fix it.

There we go. If it ain't broke, don't fix it. I just said it a slightly longer and more confusing way....

Posted: Tue Nov 14, 2006 11:18 pm

I have a test CD I made that has 31 frequency tones. One for each eq fader on a 31 band eq. I run it through, listen for any major peaks or dips in the sound system or room. I then use the eq to fix the foh sound to get the most balanced sound possible. Usually I don't need more than a 2dB cut or boost, on a max of 4-5 frequencies. Anything more than that I see as bad gear or bad room, and try not to exagerrate.

But this means you need at least 15 minutes behind the mixer for every show, before sound check.

That's what I use it for. I don't use it for anything other than fixing the room and PA system. Which means it doesn't really matter what type of music the band is playing.

Posted: Wed Nov 15, 2006 12:24 am

Quote:

I don't use it for anything other than fixing the room and PA system.

That is what you should be using it for, not to make your mix sound better. you shouldnt be trying to improve your live sound with a master eq..

Posted: Wed Nov 15, 2006 1:24 am

hmmm.. feedback istn a big issue...

should i just not even bother hookin it up ?

Posted: Wed Nov 15, 2006 3:05 am

I generally don't use a graphic EQ on a PA system if I don't have to. The equalizers on the console are considered to be "Program equalizers". Meaning they are not for corrective purposes like a graphic but for contouring the sound. Which is what you want to do. You tweak the mix so it sounds good and that's it. Don't bother hooking the thing up unless it is for feedback reduction purposes and then follow the other posters advice. Graphic equalizers are also used when you are assembling a speaker system from individual components. And with that, you'll also need a real-time spectrum analyzer and calibrated microphone. Now some people think you do that to obtain a flat response but that's incorrect. You adjust it for a "pleasing response" since flat may not be where it's at?

B cups
Ms. Remy Ann David

Posted: Wed Nov 15, 2006 8:52 am

"'B' cups"?!?!?!? Remy, you're being too coy...

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