31 band EQ

  • Thread starter Thread starter Jack Real
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Jack Real

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Hi

I would like to know what is the general purpose of a 31 band EQ. I'm thinking of buying a dual 31 band EQ to process the vocals and guitars so they gel better in a mix. Today, if a boost a mid frequency in the vocal to increase its presence, I will remove 1.5 DB at that frequency in the guitar to help the vocal. The problem is the guitar tone is suffering when I'm doing that. With a 31 band EQ, i could restore the guitar tone by increasing other surrounding frequencies.

Let me know.

Thanks,

Jack Real.
 
Many 31-band eq's don't allow control of the width, or the center freq for that mater of the filter and the chance of that filter being the appropriate shape are slim. For broader shapes (being very often what is needed) it takes multiple filters.
I would like to know what is the general purpose of a 31 band EQ.
Click to expand...
Actually pretty close right off. They are general purpose, 'easy to see what you are doing' eq's that are seldom exactly the right eq in exactly the right shape at exactly the right spot. :D
A boost one one does not mean a cut on the other is needed. That's for clearing out space if it's too crowded in that area and it's a problem. What if the guitar is already not strong at that freq, why cut more?
A few quickies... ;)
Wayne
 
Considering the frequency range for music is roughly 20-20,000hz, 31 pre-selected points really isn't that many. And as Wayne points out you don't get to choose how many frequencies are being effected either side so those surgical cuts aren't possible and nor are the wider, more subtle boosts.

A parametric eq is really what you need for recording.
 
My vocal range is 1/8th of an octave :)

31-band EQs are often referred to as "1/3rd octave" EQs. They evenly split each octave into thirds (three controls per octave.) The idea is that makes it easier to shape your sound based upon either desired (boost) or offending (cut) locations within the spectrum as identified by specific notes or ranges within given octaves.

G.
 
i found an inexpensive 31-band and tried it out on vocals. It isn't the most "accurate" deal but I can get some "interesting" "color".

guitar shouldnt need eq man. get it right at the amp.
 
Hi

Thanks for the answers. I guess a 4 band parametric EQ could also do the job. I find easier to spot good and offending frequencies with a parametric EQ because you can put a high gain and sweep the frequency button but a 31 band EQ gives you a visual representation of the filters. I'm working with a Yamaha MD8 that has only 1 parametric EQ per channel so that's why i'm looking for more possibilities. I'll see tonight what's available at the store.

Thanks,

Jack Real.
 
Parametric is a much better choice. Graphics are usually used for P.A.s and home stereo systems.
 
That's even changing, with digital pa processors offering parametric filters to correct speaker response, and graphics to match the speakers to the room and give quick FB control.
 
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