Parametric EQ / Solving Problems

Troubleshooting with the T1 ToneMatch Audio Engine Parametric EQ

Using Para EQ to solve a problem frequency

In this example a Bassist was having a problem with a resonant note (B flat).

Chuck-at-Bose provided this approach.

Set the Width control to a value that's narrow enough to zoom in on the problem area, but wide enough to easily hear the effect of coarse adjustments. A value between one third (0.33) and one half (0.50) of an octave often works well as a starting point. Boost (turn up) the Level control a little, usually about +3 to +6 dB, so that coarse frequency adjustments (next step) can be easily heard. Rotate the Freq control to slowly sweep across the spectrum. Start low and sweep up until you hear the offending note jump out. Go back and forth until the problem note is centered, or at its loudest. For problem note, the frequency of the B flat note is approximately 58 Hz.

Adjust the Width control to as narrow a value as possible, so that only the problem is being affected, leaving the non-offending frequencies around it unchanged. The T1 goes down to one fifth (0.20) of an octave, which is great for 'notching out' problem notes. Now adjust the 'Level control to cut (turn down) enough to make the problem go away, but not so much that the tone of the source is altered in an undesirable way. Values of -1 to -6 dB will often do the trick, though sometimes a more aggressive cut is necessary. Use your ears to find an appropriate balance between fixing the problem and adversely altering the tone of the source.

Another Approach

Hilmar-at-Bose had a different approach

Here is one method to eliminate a boomy note

a) set the level of the para EQ to a cut, say -10 dB

b) set the width to fairly narrow, say .25 octaves

c) start with a rough estimate of the offending frequency and then move the frequency around until the offending note gets tamed best

d) you can press on the level control to toggle between on and off which gives you a direct A/B so you can judge the effect better

Once you have centered on the frequency you adjust the level and width to taste.

Estimating the frequency:

• Low octave of the bass is from 40 Hz to 80 Hz (E1 to E2), A1 is at 55 Hz
• Low octave on the guitar is from 80 Hz to 160 Hz (E2 to E3), A2 is at 110 Hz
• 2nd octave on the guitar is from 160 Hz to 320 Hz (E3 to E4), A3 is at 220 Hz

Here is a cheat sheet http://www.phy.mtu.edu/~suits/notefreqs.html

Hope that helps

Hilmar

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