Set the equalizer correctly - how it works

With an equalizer you can optimally adjust the spectrum of your audio material. We explain the basics of equalizer settings so that you can optimize the sound in music production as well as at home.

Parameters for setting the equalizer

An equalizer is a filter for tone control. With an equalizer you can selectively make frequency ranges louder or quieter in order to adjust the loudness, i.e. the perceived volume, of the entire spectrum. You work with the following three parameters:

1. Gain: This setting specifies by how many decibels (dB) a frequency range is made louder or quieter.
2. Center Frequency: This is the frequency that is most amplified or attenuated by the equalizer.
3. Filter quality (Q-Factor): Indicates the steepness of the filter curve and thus the area around the center frequency that is still to be manipulated. The larger the Q factor, the narrower the frequency range affected.

Set tone controls for listening at home

Professional music is already well mixed and needs little adjustment through the equalizer of your home system.

• The sound tends to get warmer if you make low frequencies below 160 Hz louder.
• A bright, brilliant sound is created when you raise the treble, i.e. the range above approx. 7 kHz.
• Sounds become louder, more defined and more understandable if you amplify them where the human ear is most sensitive: in the middle, between approx. 2 and 4 kHz.
• Set the equalizer for your typical speaker and listening position. Due to room modes, i.e. standing waves between room walls, floors and ceilings, the sound in well-being rooms is strongly dependent on the position of the speakers and the listener.
• It is best to set the equalizer with music that you are very familiar with. The most important thing is that your favorite music sounds good.
• Press the Bass Boost only with soft background music: The Bass Boost button, which you can find on many hi-fi systems, is designed to level up the bass at low music levels of 40 to 60 dB. Since the hearing threshold in the bass range is quite high, otherwise only mids and highs but no bass would be perceived.
• In further practical tips, we will show you how to measure the frequency response of loudspeakers, measure loudspeakers, optimally adjust your power amplifier, and correctly position your surround loudspeakers to maximize your music enjoyment.

Set the equalizer correctly when mixing

The equalizer is an indispensable helper for optimal mixing of recorded and synthetically produced music. Orient yourself to common settings and then change the settings so that they suit you exactly. Always observe the following rules:

• An important rule: what is gone is gone! Better record the full spectrum of instruments and vocals, and later lower the amplitude of unwanted frequency ranges.
• Most voices and instruments already have a well-tuned sound. Only overdo it with equalizer settings if you want to achieve a special effect. Otherwise, only increase the amplitude of individual frequency ranges by up to + - 10 dB.
• If many broadband instruments - such as electric guitar, strings and electric bass - are playing at the same time, you should reduce or amplify frequency ranges slightly offset from each other in order to achieve a stronger separation.
• Lists with optimal settings for common instruments such as drums, guitar, electric bass, piano and vocals can be found, for example, at Sengpielaudio or Duophonic.