eq: graphic vrs parametric vrs whatever else there is

joeydude

New member
ok so i got a graphic eq, i know how that works, but what dose a parametric eq do? are there other kinds of eqs?? fill me in please
 
Re: eq: graphic vrs parametric vrs whatever else there is

Sometimes people think of it this way: To operate a parametric EQ, picture a graphic EQ with sliders in your head. The frequency knob within a range (usually, Bass, Mid, Treble or Bass, Low Mid, Hi Mid, Treble) lets you select one of the sliders, and the level knob for that range lets you boost or trim that frequency. With some experience, you can see yourself building the same frequency curves as on a graphic equalizer. However, the advantage of the parametric EQ is that the frequency knob can be focused into the fine frequencies which fall in between a graphic EQ's sliders. Also, some parametric EQs have an additional knob for each range; this extra knob changes the shape of the boost or cut. It would allow one to choose between boosting/trimming a spike in a fine frequency or boosting/trimming a broad lump, which would equate to a few sliders on a graphic EQ. Overall, I consider them to be about equal in capabilites, but the presision of the parametric EQ makes me want to use it more for rhythm parts.
 
Re: eq: graphic vrs parametric vrs whatever else there is

Those are pretty much the only two types. A guitar's tone knob is basically a 1-band graph EQ.

Generally, parametric EQ's are a lot more powerful and are capable of very precise boosts and cuts. They are constantly used in recording for that reason. Graph EQ's are mostly used for general tone shaping, live sound, and sometimes mastering.

A 1-band parametric EQ has the following controls:

- Frequency: this sets what frequency the EQ operates on. To relate it to graph EQ terms, this would be like picking up one of the bands and moving it anywhere in the spectrum you want it to go

- Q: this sets how much area in the frequency spectrum the EQ affects. You can give it a big Q, which means it will affect a lot of frequencies, or a small Q, which means it only affects a very precise range. In graph EQ terms, it's like making the slider fatter or narrower.

- Level: this sets how much boost/cut the EQ introduces to the frequencies defined by the other controls. It is the equivalent of moving the slider up and down on a graph EQ.
 
Re: eq: graphic vrs parametric vrs whatever else there is

Then there's the para-graph EQ hybrid:

super5_big.jpg
 
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