The Different Types of EQ

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Drummer4Life05

Drummer4Life05

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I'd like to know about the different types of EQ [i.e. Graphic, Parametric, etc..], and when to use one vs. the other.
Links/explantions would be very helpful.

Thanks!
 
Drummer4Life05 said:
I'd like to know about the different types of EQ [i.e. Graphic, Parametric, etc..], and when to use one vs. the other.
Links/explantions would be very helpful.

Thanks!
Click to expand...

A parametric EQ allows one to adjust the octave range (Q) of the frequency(s) to be adjusted, and usually includes things like shelving at the top and bottom range. Paramterics do not usually include a large number of individual frequency adjustments.

A graphic on the other hand uses a fixed Q but more adjustments for individual frequencies.

Note that since there are more individual adjustments a graphic will have nore phase distortion in the analog domain than a parametric will (assuming the same quality EQ). In the digital domain there will be more quantization distortion.

In general, parametrics are better for tonal variations where a wide range of frequencies are to be balanced. Graphics are used where you're trying to fine tune a larger number of freqs of smaller bandwidth.
 
Great!
Thanks!

Now I at least have a clue...:cool:
 
Once again, Ethan delivers!
Great read, and great information!
Thank you Ethan! :)
 
Drummer4Life05 said:
Great!
Thanks!

Now I at least have a clue...:cool:
Click to expand...

Keep in mind that I kept my explanantion very simple. Ethan's article is very good and will give you more detail.

Not to confuse things further, but the only theoretical difference between a graphic and parametric is the user interface. As Ethan's article mentions, a graphic EQ shows the frequency adjustments "graphically" while a parametric EQ shows them as "parameters". There are graphic EQs that allow you to adjust the individual center frequencies and Q for a given band, as well as parametrics with non-sweepable frequency adjustments. Then there's paragraphic EQs that blur the line further.

Graphics are usually used for things like live sound where you need to adjust the frequency curve to fix the characteristics of a room. In general they are easy to use, and I guess look more impressive than treble + bass controls for car stereos which is why you will see them there (most people just set them up with the "smiley face" setting and use them as tone controls anyway).

Parametrics on the other hand allow you to "sweep" the frequency to the one that you feel needs adjustment and then control the bandwidth of the frequency. They are a bit more difficult to get a handle on, but are used more for mastering and mixing applications. That's not to say that I haven't seen graphics used in the studio. The API 560 is an example of one of these. Most often I have seen it used to EQ Kick and Bass guitars since parametrics are usually limited in the range of frequencies that they can control in that range.

Moral of the story?

Reach for the parametric first, set the Q to a narrow band, boost the output about 3 db, and sweep through the range of frequencies to determine the one you want to increase or reduce. Once you've found it, adjust the output up or down and work with the Q to determine the overall bandwidth.

If you find that the paramteric limits your ability to make adjustments in certain ranges, either chain another parametric or go for the graphic.
 
Great explanation, masteringhouse. :)
Thanks a bunch!
 
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