A Few Words About Graphic Equalizers
Thank you for choosing this AudioSource EQ Eleven Graphic Equalizer. Used correctly, a Graphic Equalizer is a powerful tool for very detailed control over the sound of your speakers, far more than available from simple tone controls. With the EQ Eleven, you can enhance the sound of older record- ings, alter instrumental and vocal balance to suit your own tastes, make "Custom Equalized" record- ings, and a multitude of other uses. However, like any tool, excessive or incorrect adjustments can yield very unpleasant results, and can overload your amplifiers and speakers. Improvement of sound quality, particularly in the extreme bass and treble regions, is completely dependent upon thequality of the other equipment you are using in your system. Limited amplifier power and speakers with a limited frequency range are the greatest barriers to achieving accurate, flat response. If you detect any distor- tion in the bass or treble regions while boosting the EQ Eleven's sliders in these areas, back off imme- diately, as you are probably overtaxing either your amplifier or your speakers. Please read this manual before use, and follow our suggestions and basic guidelines for the best sound.
Having said that, be assured that "good sound" is a relative thing... We all have different opinions and tastes - The EQ Eleven is designed to allow you to change the sound of your speakers to suit your own musical choices. On the last page of this manual is a chart designed to show you the frequency content and range for a variety of musical instruments. This chart will help you find the proper sliders to adjust to achieve the desired results.
Basic Guidelines
Before adjusting the sliders, it is VERY IMPORTANT to clearly define your objectives. Without this consideration before adjustment takes place, it will be very difficult to attain pleasing results. Carefully listen to your system - ask yourself "What don't I like about the sound ?". If the answer is "I want more Bass", you have two ways to accomplish this. Choice #1 - Raise or "Boost" the sliders for the lowest frequencies - on both channels - Left & Right. Choice #2 - lower or "Cut" the sliders on the midrange and higher frequencies. The end result will be the same - You'll have more bass. Conversly, if you'd like to hear more High Frequencies, you have two ways to accomplish this. #1
As you can see, there are a variety of ways to accomplish your objectives. Be aware that due to the nature of all equalizer sliders, you will find that movement of any given slider will also have some effect on the setting of the sliders adjacent to either side of it. Experiment - let your ears decide what sounds best, but try to have a clear objective before you begin, One suggestion : avoid the "Boost- Boost Syndrome"... avoid "Boosting" one frequency area too much, by "Cutting" another frequency area. Don't just radically boost everything - it will add noise to the system, and overtax your other components. Subtle, careful equalization will make a huge improvement in the overall sound of your system. Enjoy your EQ Eleven, and if you have any questions, we are here to help. You can call AudioSource at (800)
