Basics of Equalization 3
Equalization Artifacts
When you apply a lot of EQ (6dB or more), you may hear some consequences on the output. Here are a few common side effects to applying a lot of equalization and some ways to avoid them.
Distortion
If you boost too many frequencies too high, you will distort the output. If this happens, the channel’s red CLIP LED will light. To avoid this, turn down the signal being sent to the DEQ830. Other options include adjusting the Channel Level settings in Edit mode, or adjusting the Master Level setting in Utility mode. The best option is to try another method of achieving the desired effect: cut the highs instead of boosting the low frequencies; reduce the lows and highs instead of boosting the midrange, etc.
Noise
If you boost the high frequencies enough you may hear noise in your system that was inaudible otherwise. If this is objectionable, you may want to gate that channel when it isn’t being used or automate the console so that channel is muted when that instrument isn’t playing.
Phasing
You may hear some phase distortion if you apply a lot of EQ, such as boosting 12dB on several bands, for example. This is just the nature of
The potential for artifacts is highly dependent on the audio source material. A DEQ830 curve that works well for processing one source may clip when processing another source, depending on which frequencies are present. Making the curve work may be simply a matter of a slight adjustment in the gain setting for one or two bands.
Instruments usually sound better when you cut the problem frequencies instead of boosting the frequencies you want to feature.
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