Alesis DEQ230D User Manual

 
 
 

 

This section will explain how equalization works, and explain the 

functions of  the DEQ230’s controls. 

 

 

An equalizer boosts or cuts a frequency range. The DEQ230 is a 

graphic equalizer, which means it has many fixed frequency bands 

that can be cut or boosted. The term "graphic" is appropriate 

because the combined settings of  the bands often resemble a 

curve, or a "graph." Thus it is often possible to know what the unit 

is doing to the sound simply by looking at it from a distance. The 

other type of  equalizer, a parametric equalizer, can sweep the 

frequency bands and adjust the frequency range affected by the cut 

or boost of  each band. Alesis sells a parametric equalizer called the 

PEQ-450.  

 

The most basic level of  control on a graphic equalizer is the gain 

setting for a band. Each of  the bands represents a pre-determined 

frequency range, and its gain setting controls the amount of  boost 

or cut for that frequency range. A setting of  0 dB means that the 

signal will not be affected in the area of  those audio frequencies.  

 

Depending on the program material, boosting or cutting just one 

frequency can have a significant impact on the sound. When all of  

the frequency bands are taken together, the impact can be huge.  

 

Equalization is used for: 
•  Adjusting the timbre of  an instrument, voice, mix or effect 
•  Cutting or boosting frequencies to make a source easier to mix 

with other tracks 

•  Compensating for a less-than-ideal recording  
•  Compensating for less-than-ideal control room or auditorium 

acoustics  

•  Creating a filter effect 
•  Eliminating buzz, noise or hum 

 

Equalizers can make your recorded tracks sound polished and 

professional. Chapter 4 will describe some specific settings for 

various instruments and applications.