Alesis PEQ-450 manual Equalization Artifiacts, Distortion, Noise, Phasing

basics of equalization • chapter 3

Equalization Artifiacts

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 the low frequencies enough, you will distort the output. You can verify this by watching the output meter peak into the red CLIP range. To avoid this, trim down the OUTPUT knob. Better yet, try cutting the highs instead of boosting the low frequencies.

Noise

If you boost the high frequencies enough you may hear noise in your system that was otherwise not audible. 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

If you apply a lot of EQ, more than 12dB on several bands, you may hear some phase distortion. This is just the nature of EQ –the more you cut or boost, the more phase distortion will occur. Try getting the same effect with less EQ, try cutting instead of boosting, or try moving the microphone to achieve the effect you’re looking for.

Tip: When possible, always try cutting before boosting. Instruments usually sound better when you cut the problem frequencies instead of boosting the frequencies you want to feature.

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