How do I use this equalizer?

[timandjes]

I bought a used Furman ST-215 Dual 15-Band graphic equalizer but I don't really know how to use it. I found an identical on on Musicains Friends sight @ http://www.musiciansfriend.com/srs7/...base_id/56776. It had a link to a pdf file which is http://img.musiciansfriend.com/dbase...ec/181257.pdf.

I mixed down a song and put this equalizer between my 4 track and my mixdown deck but I quickly realized that I need advice on how to use it. I don't know much about the bands, the range, or the Hz... Can anyone give me any suggestions on how I might set it to be able to hear how it can change the sound I'm mixing down?

[timandjes]

hhhmmmm... My links don't seem to go anywhere.... But, if any of you have time, pasting st-215 into the search field of musiciansfriend.com will pull of the equalizer and the pdf link is at the bottom of the page... Thanks!

[Roel]

Just put it in, and listen what every band does to your sound. All faders at zero, slide one fader up completely, down completely, next fader. Then try to experiment, don't know if it has a bypass or not, but if it has: try getting it to sound better using whatever bands you think need a boost or cut, and compair with the eq in bypass...

It's not a piece of equipement that is used in studios alot though. More something for live environments. (Killing feedback on monitors, equlaizing the system to fit the room etc....)

[dachay2tnr]

As Roel said, graphic eq is most commonly used for feedback control in live performances - although a 15-band is somewhat limited, more often than not you'll want to use a 31-band.

To use it you will want to set your PA system volume at the point where you are just starting to get feedback. Then try lowering each fader on the graphic EQ unit until you find the freq where the feedback is occuring. Drop that fader a little bit to eliminate the feedback, and then increase the overall volume of the system until you start getting feedback again. It will probably occur at a different frequency this time. Again, isolate the EQ fader where the feedback is occuring and lower it. Go back and start to raise the system volume level again. When you reach a point where you are getting feedback at 3-4 different frequencies at the same time, you have maxed out. Back off on the main volume a bit and have at it.

They say that after a while you will be able to recognize what freq's need adjusting just from hearing the feedback. I never managed to get to that point myself, and had to stick with the trial and error school.

[knownuttin]

You might also study the charts from Darth's thread, "Cool Charts" a few down from here. He posted helpful links.
-kent