To equalize, or not to equalize?
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 160
Likes: 0
From: McAllen Texas
To equalize, or not to equalize?
I'm about to redo parts of my system and I need some helpful advice on whether or not to get an equalizer, and if so, what kind. Here is what I have:
Alpine CDA-7998
Xtant 604x
Xtant 301a
Focal tweeter/mid components with crossovers in the doors
Audiobahn 6" in the doors
Audiobahn 5 1/4" in the rear
Two 10" Infinity Subs mounted on my partition (will be replacing with 2 10" Earthquakes in custom enclosures)
DB Link 1.5 Farad Cap
I will be running 0 or 2 guage wire to power the amps.
The Alpine has a built-in equalizer, but I'm wondering if an external unit would be better.
Also, I plan on building an amp box to fit behind the driver/passenger area and will put the amps and cap in the box. I should have enough room in the box to fit an equalizer in it as well. Or, I can modify the ashtray area and put a dash-type equalizer in that space.
So, would an equalizer be worth it? If so, what brand/type? Sorry for the long thread. Thanks in advance for any suggestions.
Alpine CDA-7998
Xtant 604x
Xtant 301a
Focal tweeter/mid components with crossovers in the doors
Audiobahn 6" in the doors
Audiobahn 5 1/4" in the rear
Two 10" Infinity Subs mounted on my partition (will be replacing with 2 10" Earthquakes in custom enclosures)
DB Link 1.5 Farad Cap
I will be running 0 or 2 guage wire to power the amps.
The Alpine has a built-in equalizer, but I'm wondering if an external unit would be better.
Also, I plan on building an amp box to fit behind the driver/passenger area and will put the amps and cap in the box. I should have enough room in the box to fit an equalizer in it as well. Or, I can modify the ashtray area and put a dash-type equalizer in that space.
So, would an equalizer be worth it? If so, what brand/type? Sorry for the long thread. Thanks in advance for any suggestions.
Team Owner
Joined: Feb 2000
Posts: 51,504
Likes: 6
From: Sacramento CA
Unless you have access to an RTA, you'll probably be wasting your money. I use the 7998's internal equaliser, with some improvement. I made a CD with test tones at each of the Alpine's points, and used a cheap DB meter to find the nastiest spikes, and reduce them.
Team Owner
Joined: Feb 2000
Posts: 51,504
Likes: 6
From: Sacramento CA
Using the 7998 is a series of compromises. If I had a real EQ (I do but havent hooked it up...) I'd use it, then use the 7998 for 'touch up work.'
The annoying bit about the 7998 is that depending on what frequency you work with in one "range" it will change the "range" of the next frequencies you can touch.
The annoying bit about the 7998 is that depending on what frequency you work with in one "range" it will change the "range" of the next frequencies you can touch.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 3,306
Likes: 2
From: Wesley Chapel Fl
All eq's do that except 1/3rd octave eqs. That is a big problem with trying to fine tune a system using any eq besides a 1/3rd octave. Any EQ can help with the overall sound but you will have a hard time if you are trying to fix a specific problem...like a huge dip at 500 Hz. but unless you own or have access to a RTA you can not properly set a 1/3rd octave eq. All in all you only need one if you plan to compete or are really looking to get the most out of your system.
Heel & Toe
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 15
Likes: 0
I've always been under the impression that EQ's were used to fix a flawed configuration or install. Considering the size of the cockpit, I'm suprised there could be that much of a variance in strength of a specific frequency. Does it really make a significant difference?
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Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 40,156
Likes: 45
From: San Pedro CA
it can... and to a degree, you are correct... but an eq can also taylor the sound to the way the driver likes it.
for example, if the driver likes lotsa sharp highs, then adjust the eq accordingly.
for example, if the driver likes lotsa sharp highs, then adjust the eq accordingly.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 3,306
Likes: 2
From: Wesley Chapel Fl
An Eq can be used just like bogus explained and or can be used to fix frequency problems. Just because the cabin is small does not mean there will not be problems. Actually it will mean there are more chances for problems. Due to reflections off of glass..blockage from other parts of the car. Also from not being able to maximize speaker placement.
