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hi guys, if you were designing your own console, which type of eq would you use? also, would you use all the same type, or mix and match?

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Guest Sat, 05/28/2005 - 09:23

I would def. mix and match for the simple reason that each instrument is different, and some units always work better on some instruments, than others.
Like, voice EQ Vs guitar EQ. What sounds great on guitar, might only sound decent on the vocals. And how about a drum EQ unit and then needing an EQ unit for the keyboard. Sometimes the right tool for the right sound is the best way to go.
My 2 cents

KurtFoster Sat, 05/28/2005 - 10:29

There really aren't that many choices ... it's either a standard two, three or four band fixed eq like the Mackie ONYX, called semi parametric, or a combination of full and semi parametric with two, three or four band fixed eq with selectable mid freqs and fixed "Q", or fully parametric three or four band with adjustable "Q" and selectable freqs.

There are some variations on the theme like switch selectable shelf or peak operation of lo and hi bands with 2 "Q" selections wide or narrow with the semi parametric designs.

API and a few others (like HEILOS) also offered graphic EQ modules for their consoles. Most people don't care too much for graphic EQ when recording because of ripple effect and phase anomalies at extreme settings.

I prefer the three or four band fully parametric EQ with adjustable Q and selectable freqs. This is the most popular type for use in consoles.

Even though they may be of the same type, eqs from different console manufacturers take on different characteristics and can sound radically different. For instance, the Mackie 8 bus has a four band eq with selectable freqs on all bands and adjustable "Q" on the 2 mid bands but it still sounds like ass ... while an old MCI 600 module has a much simpler 3 band, with selectable freqs on all bands and shelf or peak operation with 2 "Q" selections, wide or narrow, on the low and hi bands and fully adjustable "Q" and freq selection on the one mid band ...and it sounds very nice.