Graphic EQs

[bruce]

I've just been thinking.... (most unusual, I hear you say...)

 

It's generally accepted that in a live sound environment, a decent 31 band EQ in the main signal path and in monitors is virtually essential, for lots and lots of different reasons.

 

But what about 15 band units? There are loads of 2x15s out there - who and what are they aimed at? They obviously don't have the resolution and selectivity of a 31, so may be less useful for notching out feedback frequencies. So what is the target market? Is it for providing a "general contour" to the EQ rather than targetting and notching-out specific frequencies? Or is it just a budget thing?

 

Bruce.

[Bobbsy]

My cynical self says that the 15 band GEQs are generally aimed at people without the budget or knowledge to go for a 31 band.

 

Seriously, besides the cost issue, 15 bands do have a place when you want to provide what you call a "general contour"...perhaps a bit of bass lift or treble cut as opposed to notching out frequencies for feedback control or whatever.

 

My preferred PC audio editing software (Audition) offers both 15 and 31 band under its GEQ section and the 15 band is effective to that sort of subtle change in balance. In fact, I quite often find myself using the 15 band for that sort of thing...and jumping to a parametric with variable Q when I need to do some fine notch-type adjustments.

 

I'd say the 15 band is more useful in the recording environment than for live work though.

 

Bob

[Ekij]

You'll also find 15 band graphic EQ used on specific channels on the desk where the 31 is used for the whole PA. This allows you to clean up a specific vocal or instrument without colouring the whole remainder of your sound. A 31 would also do this job but in most cases is overkill.