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Subject: Re: [motm] Re: Patch book is here! - EQ

From: "Kenneth Elhardt" <elhardt@...>
Date: 2006-03-08

Richard Brewster writes:
>>Thanks. I did hear from Ken. Thought it was copied to the list.
After hearing the effect of the graphic EQ on the patchbook drums, I am
going to look into a multi-effect processor.<<

I should also point out a few other things about EQ to those looking to buy
one for advanced synthesis. Parametric is nice because of its flexibility,
and that is what you can sometimes find in digital multi-effects units. But
you usually only get 2 ro 3 bands, plus maybe low and hi shelving. Graphic
EQ is good because you get a lot of bands and is easier to use and visualize
what it's doing to your sound, but they aren't usually found in
multi-effects units. So it's always a good idea to get a separate 31 band
graphic EQ in addition to a multi-effects unit.

But there are a number of choices in that area a person might want to be
aware of based on how many different things you want to do with it. For
instance you can turn an EQ into something that acts similar to a modular
synth parallel filter bank by running audio through the EQ and inverted
audio to mix with its output. This works well if the EQ is either analog or
if it's digital and you also have two sets of separate controls for left and
right channels. Because of the delay imposed by digital processing you
would run the inverted audio through the second channel but keep the
cut/boost sliders centered, just to get the delay to match the channel you
use.

But that method unfortunately doesn't work with the Behringer DEQ1024
because of its single set of controls for both channels, which is too bad,
because this is one of only three raised cosine EQ's I know of. And it's
kind of nice to have an EQ that can work in raised cosine mode, because you
actually get what the sliders are positioned at. No band affects the one
next to it. Setting +12db on one band and -12db on the very next band
doesn't wash out to +9db and -9db like on a typical EQ for example. Of
course you can always run the output of one channel to the input of another
end double the amount of cut and boost of EQ on a graphic, or double the
number of bands on a parametric.

The Behringer DEQ2496 is the ultimate in EQ power offering both 31 band EQ
and about 10 bands of parametric EQ, and possibly all at the same time. And
since I think it has separate control over left and right channels and can
also do raised cosine EQ, it would be the ultimate, except that you have to
program one band at a time using a parameter wheel and LCD display.

Just something to think about when purchasing an EQ.

-Elhardt