Question about EQ "octave" feature

[marmes]

Hi,
I am looking to add a dual EQ unit to my home recording studio, and in researching different units (online) there is one feature that I do not understand. Some units say they are 1/3 octave, 2/3 octave, etc. What does this "octave" feature mean? The units with this feature are more expensive than the ones without it (e.g. the ART 341 vs. ART 343), but I want to understand what this is before I make a decision. Been playing/studying music for a long time, so please be as technical as you want in your explanation.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.... thanks!!!!

[Tom Hicks]

Most 36 band graphic EQs are 1/3 octave.This means each individual slider's effect covers a range of one third octave.As opposed to the three band EQ on a mixer's channel strips that cover several octaves each.So with the graphic EQ,you get more precision.
Next is the Parametric EQ,which lets you zero in on specific frequencies with surgical precision (very narrow band) where for example you might want to cut the sibilence of a vox while leaving the rest of the signal intact.
Bottom line on the graphic and octave fractions is more sliders equals more discrete adjustment possibilities.

Tom

[marmes]

Thanks guys for your responses... they've made me dig deeper (both through the links you provided and elsewhere) and I realize I need to learn even more than I thought I needed to!

[zip]

I'm on 51 now...can I stay??

zip >>