TOA bs-1030 User Guide
TOA Electronics Speaker Guide
Audio Basics
20
Equalization
Equalization, or EQ, is the process by which the amplitude of discrete frequency ranges is adjusted.
In distributed systems, EQ is most often used to compensate for speaker and room characteristics
but can also be used for aesthetic enhancement. Whether and how much equalization to use
depends on the performance standard and how the selected equipment performs in the acous-
tical space. Many applications do not require equalization. The benefits of using equalization
include improved speech intelligibility, enhanced sound quality due to a better spectral balance,
and increased gain without feedback. It is important to note that there is the potential for serious
problems if the equalizer is set by an unqualified operator or mistakenly reset (i.e., someone
cleans the unit and moves the faders). Security covers or dedicated preset equalizers can prevent
these problems.
In distributed systems, EQ is most often used to compensate for speaker and room characteristics
but can also be used for aesthetic enhancement. Whether and how much equalization to use
depends on the performance standard and how the selected equipment performs in the acous-
tical space. Many applications do not require equalization. The benefits of using equalization
include improved speech intelligibility, enhanced sound quality due to a better spectral balance,
and increased gain without feedback. It is important to note that there is the potential for serious
problems if the equalizer is set by an unqualified operator or mistakenly reset (i.e., someone
cleans the unit and moves the faders). Security covers or dedicated preset equalizers can prevent
these problems.
TOA offers a range of equalizer modules for our 900 series amplifiers that are optimized for
specific H and F Series speakers. These cost-effective modules are preset and therefore tamper-
proof. For larger sound systems, TOA also makes 1/3-octave and dual, 2/3-octave rack-mount
equalizers, as well as a full-featured digital signal processing system that provides simulta-
neous equalization, delay, crossover, matrixing, and dynamics processing functions. For a
more detailed discussion of the use of equalizers, see Sound System Engineering (see page 9
for complete reference).
specific H and F Series speakers. These cost-effective modules are preset and therefore tamper-
proof. For larger sound systems, TOA also makes 1/3-octave and dual, 2/3-octave rack-mount
equalizers, as well as a full-featured digital signal processing system that provides simulta-
neous equalization, delay, crossover, matrixing, and dynamics processing functions. For a
more detailed discussion of the use of equalizers, see Sound System Engineering (see page 9
for complete reference).