How do graphic equalizers work?Ī typical graphic equalizer consists of several audio filters or amplifiers, each centered at a specific frequency in the audio range.

There are also various types of EQs, with graphic EQs being just one type. In this way, the positions of the buttons appear to follow a graphical curve. The slide potentiometers for each channel are placed side by side, with the lowest frequency on the left and the highest frequency on the right.

The user moves up or down the slide controls labeled in decibels to boost or cut the energy passed through each band. Graphic EQs send incoming audio to a set of filters that pass audio based on their assigned band. Graphic EQs work by boosting or cutting predetermined bands to improve sound quality. The user can slide the controls labeled in decibels to boost or cut the energy passed through each band. They are well-suited for live sound environments, where an engineer can make quick decisions with clearly marked sliders. Graphic equalizer programs are also available for use in fine-tuning sound in a PC. Graphic EQs are commonly found in car audio speaker systems, home theaters, recording studios and middle- and high-end stereophonic audio systems. The graphic equalizer got its name for the way its slide controls resemble a graph - with the EQ's response and frequency on the Y and X axis accordingly. Musicians or audio engineers use EQs to balance different elements of a song and create more clarity within the audio. This process is generally simple and can affect the quality of the audio. The primary use of EQs is to adjust the frequency response of audio, which is done by boosting or cutting the energy of different frequency ranges - or bands. Sound quality captured by sources, such as microphones and instrument pickups, is adjusted by changing the individual frequency bands of the audio.Īudio equalization itself is a process of adjusting the frequency balance within an electrical signal. Gillis, Technical Writer and EditorĪ graphic equalizer (graphic EQ) is a high-fidelity audio control that enables the user to improve sound quality.

Windows equalizers