The Q control sets the bandwidth of the Parametric, Notch or Band-Pass filters. In the context of the High and Low-Pass settings, the Q control influences the cut-off cha- racteristics of the filter. Q is variable from 1.5 to 0.2.
The Q is set to "high Q" (1.5) when turned fully counter clockwise. The influenced range covers approximately 0.75 octaves. Turning the Q control fully clockwise selects "low Q" values (0.2) covering approximately 5 octaves.
The OPTIMIZER utilizes the proportional-Q principle, also known as "variable Q". The amplitude varies depending on the Q setting. Using low-Q values, automatically readjusts the amount of boost or cut selected to keep the subjectively perceived laudness constant. With constant-Q equalizers there is often only a limited range of useable settings. Sometimes this is so narrow, you may wonder why the Q control was not permanently fixed at the point it sounded really good. Above that position it often starts to sound harsh and peaky, and below with the broad bandwidth, the sound is colored so you need to constantly re-set the boost/cut control. Not so with proportional-Q. The Q control provides useable settings over the entire range - giving you more versatility to be creative.
EQ adjustments with proportional-Q sound a lot more musically related and offer a greater range of possible Q- choices that really sound good and appropriate
Figure 3 shows curves within varying Q-adjustments but with constant boost and cut.
BANDWIDTH
"Q" ONTROLS C
With proportional-Q the sig- nal level is dependent of the bandwidth setting - elimina- ting the need for constant level readjustment when changing the filter settings.
Fig. 3:
Q-values are between 0,2 and 1,5 at maximum boost and cut of +/- 12dB.
