Home stereo equalizers come in a variety of configurations.
In audio production and reproduction, equalization plays a central role in determining the tone and timbre of recorded material. It does so by breaking the overall audible frequency range into sections, called "bands," the volume of which may be controlled independently. This makes it possible, for example, to boost the bass frequencies relative to higher frequencies, and vice-versa.
The Typical Stereo Equalizer
The equalizers on many stereos must be engaged to affect the audio signal. Some have a button, usually labeled "EQ," that must be pushed to engage the equalizer. The sliders or knobs on the equalizer are most likely labeled with the frequency ranges to which they correspond. Different equalizers have different numbers of sliders or knobs, but will generally have fewer than 10. The lowest frequencies are on the left and the highest on the right.
Preparing to Equalize
Place all frequency range sliders at zero decibels and listen to the music you want to equalize. When making adjustments, avoid adjusting any slider or knob more than 10 decibels in either direction at once. Good equalization is a subtle practice - make adjustments in small increments and give yourself time to become accustomed to the results. Listen carefully to decide what kind of equalization treatment the music requires to sound better.
The Lowest Frequencies
Increase the level of sliders or knobs corresponding to the 20 to 50 hertz range to boost the bass. Frequencies below 20 Hz are known as the "sub-bass" range - we feel sounds at these frequencies more than we hear them. Increasing the 20 to 50 Hz range increases the volume of the bass relative to the rest of the song. Decrease frequencies in this range if the bass is too dominant or loud.
The Lower Mid-Range Frequencies
Increase frequencies in the 100 to 500 Hz range to give a thin, weak-sounding recording more body. There frequencies represent the lower mid-range of the overall audible frequency spectrum. Lower-pitched male vocals occupy this range, as do a lot of background instrumentation, such as guitar, piano and certain elements of the drums. Reduce these frequencies if any of those elements over-dominates the mix.
The Upper Mid-Range Frequencies
Increase or decrease frequencies in the 500 to 1,000 Hz range to manage the level of upper mid-level sounds such as female vocals, instruments such as alto saxophone, trumpet and clarinet. Increasing these frequencies will lend brightness to the overall sound; decreasing them will make an overly bright or nasal parts, such as a trumpet solo, less bright. Decreasing frequencies in this range also helps to manage overly-loud or bright mid-range drum sounds, such as the toms or snare.
The Treble Frequencies
Increase frequencies between 1,000 and 5,000 Hz to further help a dull, overly bass-dominated song brighter. Boosting this range will also help to bring out higher-frequency instruments and sounds, such as a high flute solo or violin part. It will also make dull vocals stand out more. Decreasing these frequencies will help remove any shrillness in the sound. For example, cymbal crashes and similar drum effects are sometimes emphasized to the point of distortion in some recordings. Lowering the treble frequencies helps to manage this.
High Frequencies
Decrease frequencies above 5,000 Hz to further reduce shrillness and help remove static, hissing or other high-frequency noice in the sound. Decreasing frequencies above 20,000 Hz is particularly effective in dealing with hissing and static. Many equalizers include a built-in high-cut filter to automatically cut all frequencies above this point because sound information at these frequencies rarely contributes anything desirable to the sound. On the other hand, decreasing these frequencies too much may make high-pitched instruments, such as the piccolo, sound thin.
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