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Hey there,

Does anyone here use graphic equalizers? The ones that have all the bands set and fixed, only allowing you to change the gain (just saying this so that no one mistakes it with parametric graphic EQ). If so which do you use? Is it worth it?

Just checking because I don't have any on my arsenal to give it a try.

never really understood why any one would use it over a parametric, seems insufficient

logics channel eq has the bands set and you can adjust the gain and q, but you can also adjust the frequency just like a parametric eq. not sure if thats considered a graphic eq

I believe that would make it a fully parametric eq then. I was wondering this myself. When I first started messing around with Audacity to record, I used a graphic equalizer plugin.

Only in a live PA Rig when we are ringing out a room. The only time ive ever used one.

Everyday, do they actually make DJ mixers with parametric EQs?

On my bass guitar amp But if I am recording live instruments I would use the graphic eq on my mixer.

Basic A wrote:Everyday, do they actually make DJ mixers with parametric EQs?

I dont think a dj mixer EQ is quite a graphic EQ, obviosuly it has fixed bands, but only 3, Im sure the definition of graphic is when it has shit loads of bands. I think graphic EQs are aimed more at live use, so you can get a quick cut of like feedback or something, rather than fannying around with finding the freqeuncy and setting the Q, you can just see where its peaking and pull it out.

skimpi wrote:

Basic A wrote:Everyday, do they actually make DJ mixers with parametric EQs?

I dont think a dj mixer EQ is quite a graphic EQ, obviosuly it has fixed bands, but only 3, Im sure the definition of graphic is when it has shit loads of bands.

http://www.google.com/search?client=ubu ... 8&oe=utf-8

I know this is hard for you to believe, but original parametric console EQs typically only had 3 bands as well.

A graphic eq has its place, usually in consumer electronics where loads of control isn't necessary. A 5-10 band graphic eq is fine for most people to use on their hifi, when they just want to shape the sound a bit.

Wouldn't have a place for it in production tho, can't see any reason to ever use one over a parametric eq. Its not like it takes long to add an eq and boost or cut a band, and parametric eq gives loads more control.

People swear by api graphic eq's.

My own take on graphic EQ's is...

Too many controls, not enough control.

Also analogue ones do not have bypass per band so you are putting your audio through a lot
of electronics that is not in bypass which often negatively affects the sound.

They are great for EQing a PA system quickly notching out problem frequencies.
Of course no rules as such, if something works for you, it works.

cheers

SafeandSound Mastering
online mastering studio

Basic A wrote:

skimpi wrote:

Basic A wrote:Everyday, do they actually make DJ mixers with parametric EQs?

I dont think a dj mixer EQ is quite a graphic EQ, obviosuly it has fixed bands, but only 3, Im sure the definition of graphic is when it has shit loads of bands.

http://www.google.com/search?client=ubu ... 8&oe=utf-8

usually controlled by faders instead of pots, hmmmmm

and I'm sure OP meant it as in a bit graphic EQ not a tiny DJ mixer one

Can be nice to have limitations sometimes. Tried out the waves API 560 a few times, sounds quite nice for adding some sparkle in the high end

skimpi wrote:

Basic A wrote:

skimpi wrote:

Basic A wrote:Everyday, do they actually make DJ mixers with parametric EQs?

I dont think a dj mixer EQ is quite a graphic EQ, obviosuly it has fixed bands, but only 3, Im sure the definition of graphic is when it has shit loads of bands.

http://www.google.com/search?client=ubu ... 8&oe=utf-8

usually controlled by faders instead of pots, hmmmmm

and I'm sure OP meant it as in a bit graphic EQ not a tiny DJ mixer one

http://www.skratchworx.com/images/Stant ... A-5_LG.jpg buuuut

My thoughts on them? Simplicity at its finest. Sometimes its all you need, and in a digital sense, that can save alot of RAM. Ive seen 31 band graphic EQ vsts. Silly shit that, might as well be parametric. I think if your gonna discuss em, you should consider the benefits of a 3-7 band graphic EQ, ask yourself how often all you do is roll off the bass of some hihats, how much simpler it is. Lots of bands on a graphic eq vst, overkill.
In a DJ sense, anything more then that and a bandpass filter in the effects channel, overkill.

All zee way, in fact i can't really use parametric EQs

^this.

Parametric EQs - like Compressors - have a learning curve that intimidates many. Graphic EQs can be useful if they have enough bands and you're only using them for notching/boosting specific & narrow bands. You could do the same with a parametric, but it's faster & more intuitive for most people to use a graphic EQ. While I use a parametric for 90% of my EQing jobs, every once in a while I'll reach for the old 30 band that's built into Audition...

I've only used parametrics till now. I wanted to know if I was actually missing something.

Agreed at Waves API, although I never used the graphic EQ, I tried that sh*t with a friend of mine and it was simply astonishing. But we only used the compressors.