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Getting a decent EQ Sound from a Mixer


markyt1980

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Hi guys an girls, Just wondered if anyone would be able to provide any advice on the best EQ level settings for a Behringer PMP1000 powered mixer.

 

I have been trying but need some advice as I am hopless with the in built 7 band graphic eq. the bands are as follows

 

63 160 400 1K 2.5K 6.3K 16K

 

and the numbers at the side of the sliders (im assuming are db's) range from +12 to -12.

 

the use is for 1 to 2 vocals with backing tracks pop light rock etc in clubs pubs and hotels. I am using a wireless sm58.

 

The mix of the vocals somehow seems lost and I cant get it to sound rich and present and clear. Any help at all would be great.

 

it does not even have to be a behringer powered mixer as long as it relates to these eq bands. any help or advice please.

 

many thanks

 

Mark.

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id leave the geq flat and all channel eqs at 12 oclock,for the moment.boost the mid,in both mike channels and cut it in the backing track.or just try a little boost at 2.5k ,thats where the vocals are.(little adjustments,or you might pass out the sweet spot.hope this helps.tossie.
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This is a bit like asking how long's a piece of string! Your settings will depend on your PA, venue, equipment, mics, vocal technique etc. There is no fits-all setting for the mix and different people may well set it up to their own ear anyhow.

The best general advice has come from the last post, ie leave the graphic flat and play with the channel Eq's. The human voice lies around the mid band, although I think the PMH1000 has a basic 2-knob parametric mid eq which can be used to lift the vocals in the mix a little more specifically. Make sure your required power for the entire mix are well within the capabilities of this powered mixer, ie dont run the backing so loud that it peaks the amp then try to lift the vocal above that!

 

I think that's as specific as I'd go; if there were an ideal setting then every mixer would come set permanently at that.

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I'd agree with what KevinE said.

 

A bit of background:

 

Typically, when doing a mix, you'd use the channel EQs to make the individual mics (or other sources) sound "good" to your ear and, sometimes, also to aid intelligibility of vocals. The graphic EQ(s) on the main outputs would generally be used to try and compensate for acoustic problems in the room and also as a means of reducing problem frequencies that are getting you too close to feedback. Using it this way can improve your gain before feedback.

 

The trouble is that, being blunt, a 7 band graphic EQ is little more than a toy. A professional unit generally has 31 bands and, arranged this way, you can cut a problem frequency without having a too-dramatic effect on the rest of the sound. With only 7 bands to cover the entire audio spectrum, any cuts you make are going to be very wide and make a big difference to the sound.

 

With any EQ, you're much better off starting with everything in the "flat" position and only making an adjustment (by ear) when there's something you think you can improve in the sound. Your Behringer mixer has pretty "blunt instrument" controls so fine, precise adjustments are pretty much out of the question.

 

Basically, the idea of adding just a hint of mid range boost to the vocals and a similar mid range cut to the backing tracks might make the vocals stand out just a bit better--but use the idea sparingly. The GEQ I'd probably just leave flat--but if you do decide to have a play, think about what you want to change about your sound then make small adjustments based on that. Since the GEQ is affecting everything in the mix, you could only do things like boosting the base a tad or cutting a harsh top end--you can't play with the overall balance between voice and track.

 

Bob

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All Good advise.

 

I've been given a PMP1000 for an event in the past, being honest it didn't sound too bad and far better than I was expecting. I was using it for speech applications and background music so not pushing it.

 

Good Luck with the gigs.

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