Inserting the Equaliser in the Signal Chain
The exact point of insertion of an equaliser into the signal chain will very much depend on the task in hand e.g. mixer channel / line input, group insert point, group output, auxiliary send or between another signal processing device and the mixer or power amplifier, etc. when using delayed out signals for example, i.e. where a digital delay line is being used to synchronise sound arrivals in order to maintain intelligibility or source directionality, the option may exist to insert the equaliser either before or after the delay line e.g. In a conference venue employing similar loudspeaker types throughout the system, but connected to different delay outputs, the equaliser can be inserted before the delay line. In a more complex system where several loudspeaker types are employed, or where the local acoustic environment differs within the same system e.g. theatre system with a central loudspeaker cluster and delayed side fills or underbalcony speakers, each delay channel will need its own separate equaliser in order to satisfactorily equalise out either the different loudspeaker responses or the effects of the different local acoustic environment.
Equaliser
Digital Delay
Line
Mixer
Equaliser
Equaliser
Recording / Broadcast Monitor Outputs
X-Over
Central Cluster
Power Ampifiers
Side Fills
Under Balcony or
Balcony Loudspeakers
Typical Sound Theatre System
Equaliser Limitations
The equaliser is not the answer to poor sound system design - but instead it should be considered as a final tuning measure - such final tuning can often bring about quite remarkable improvements to the overall intelligibility and perceived sound quality of a system.
After an equaliser, a security cover is probably the most useful accessory a sound system could have.
Equalisers, when used competently, can do wonders for your system - but when used badly.........
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