Crate Amplifiers LS2-215, LS3-231, LS1-131 Using an Equalizer, Frequency Range Comparison Chart

LS1-131/LS2-215/LS3-231Constant Q Graphic Equalizers

Using an Equalizer:

Mixing and equalizing music requires an experienced ear and knowledge of the different tonal characteristics of each instrument. The voice characteristics of some common instruments are compared to a conventional 88-note piano keyboard in figure 5 below. As indicated on the chart, the piano has the widest frequency range among the instruments shown. This makes the comparison easier to understand. For instructional purposes, we will separate the equalizer bands into six distinct ranges and briefly explain the tonal characteristics of each section.

Figure 5: Frequency Range Comparison Chart:

PIANO

PICCOLO

FLUTE

OBOE

CLARINET (Bb)

BASSOON

TRUMPET

FRENCH HORN

TROMBONE

TUBA

TIMPANI

CYMBALS

VIOLIN

VIOLA

CELLO

BASS VIOLIN

SOPRANO

ALTO

TENOR

BASS

A B C D E F G A B C D E F G A B C D E F G A B C D E F G A B C D E F G A B C D E F G A B C D E F G A B C

2 7 . 5 0

3 0 . 8 7

3 2 . 7 0

3 6 . 7 1

4 1 . 2 0

4 3 . 6 5

4 9 . 0 0

5 5 . 0 0

6 1 . 7 1

6 5 . 4 1

7 3 . 4 2

8 2 . 4 1

8 7 . 3 1

9 8 . 0 0

1 1 0 . 0 0

1 2 3 . 4 7

1 3 0 . 8 1

1 4 6 . 8 3

1 6 4 . 8 1

1 7 4 . 6 1

1 9 6 . 0 0

2 2 0 . 0 0

2 4 6 . 9 4

2 6 1 . 6 3

2 9 3 . 6 6

3 2 9 . 6 3

3 4 9 . 2 3

3 9 2 . 0 0

4 4 0 . 0 0

4 9 3 . 8 8

5 2 3 . 2 5

5 8 7 . 3 3

6 5 9 . 2 6

6 9 8 . 4 6

7 8 3 . 9 9

8 8 0 . 0 0

9 8 7 . 7 7

1 0 4 6 . 5 0

1 1 7 4 . 6 6

1 3 1 8 . 5 1

1 3 9 6 . 9 1

1 5 6 7 . 9 8

1 7 6 0 . 0 0

1 9 7 5 . 5 3

2 0 9 3 . 0 0

2 3 4 9 . 3 2

2 6 3 7 . 0 2

2 7 9 3 . 8 3

3 1 3 5 . 9 6

3 5 2 0 . 0 0

3 9 5 1 . 0 7

4 1 8 6 . 0 1

Bass Range: (20Hz-125Hz)

Unlike the other instruments shown, the piano contains some funda- mental frequencies in the 20Hz-40Hz range . The 40Hz-120hz range has a greater audible effect on “low bass”. The electric bass guitar and the acoustic bass both have fundamentals in this region (The “E” string on an electric bass is 41.2Hz). This region provides much of the low end “punch” in bass instruments and drums.

Mid-Bass Range: (125Hz-250Hz)

The “fullness” of the mix will be determined in this region, either adding a “thicker” or “fatter” characteristic or making it “thin” or “weak”. The guitar and bass both contain fundamentals in this range along with the male or tenor voice. This region also provides the apparent “loudness” of a mix, especially around 160Hz.

Low-Mid Range: (125Hz-250Hz)

This range tends to add a harsh “muddy” sound when boosted, particularly around 300Hz.

This sliders in this region should be adjusted to the detent (flat) position or even reduced slightly to produce a more appealing tonal quality.

Mid-Range: (500Hz-4kHz)

This is the range at which the human ear is most sensitive. Very small changes in this area can produce a dramatic effect. This region is most commonly reduced in amplitude to produce a rich sound with more emphasis on low bass and upper high end regions. When equalizing indi- vidual instruments in a mix, this range becomes very important to bring them to the “front” of the mix, cutting through the rest of the instruments.

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