Alesis DEQ230D User Manual

Basics of Equalization 

 

When you apply a lot of  EQ (6dB or more), you may hear some 

consequences on the output. Here are a few common side effects 

to applying a lot of  equalization and some ways to avoid them.  

 

 

If  you boost too many frequencies too high, you will distort the 

output. If  this happens, the red CLIP LED will light. To avoid 

this, turn down the signal being sent to the DEQ230. Other 

options include adjusting the Channel Level settings in Edit mode, 

or adjusting the Master Level setting in Setup mode. The best 

option is to try another method of  achieving the desired effect: cut 

the highs instead of  boosting the low frequencies; reduce the lows 

and highs instead of  boosting the midrange, etc. 

 

 

If  you boost the high frequencies enough you may hear noise in 

your system that was inaudible otherwise. If  this is objectionable, 

you may want to gate that channel when it isn’t being used or 

automate the console so that channel is muted when that 

instrument isn’t playing.  

 

 

You may hear some phase distortion if  you apply a lot of  EQ, 

such as boosting 12dB on several bands, for example. This is just 

the nature of  EQ –the more you cut or boost, the more phase 

distortion will occur. Try getting the same effect with less EQ; try 

cutting instead of  boosting; try a different position for the 

microphone. All of  these suggestions can help you to achieve the 

desired effect with minimal phase distortion.