Graphic Eqs, Klark Teknik vs dbx, thoughts?

phaseshift1 · 21st September 2010

Hello

Your thoughts on graphic EQs vs parametric?

Have only used software graphic EQs. Would like to try the hardware.

Has anyone used Klark Teknik or dbx or both? Other suggestions?

For recording and mixing. I realize they are designed mostly for sound reinforcement, but I wish to try one anyways.

thank you for your efforts.

fifthcircle · 21st September 2010

KT any day over DBX. I've had some major phase shift issues with dBX, especially when they are on the +/- 12dB settings. Even in bypass, they still change the sound in unpleasant ways.

That being said, I try not to use Graphic EQs unless I have to. When I'm doing live sound on a digital console, I use a parametric to EQ my outputs and then the graphic only to hit the nasty feedback spots (which is usually only an issue when I'm mixing monitors).

For recording, I only use parametric EQs. You just don't usually need the precision of a graphic and the trade-off of phase shift isn't worth it.

--Ben

John Willett · 21st September 2010

I would normally have said KT - but aren't they now owned by Behringer?

Posted via the Gearslutz iPhone app

DannyL · 21st September 2010

If I had to look at Grafic EQ's I would seriously look into Ashley Audio GQX-3102 2-Channel 31-Band Equalizer .

I have used them and I liked them.

GQX Series Graphic Equalizers

Regards;

Danny

ogamik · 21st September 2010

31 band from DBX are really bad! KT, BSS and Apex are OK.

STUDIO:MECANIQUE

rwhealey · 22nd September 2010

Quote:

Originally Posted by DannyL

If I had to look at Graphic EQ's I would seriously look into Ashley Audio GQX-3102 2-Channel 31-Band Equalizer .

I have used them and I liked them.

GQX Series Graphic Equalizers

Regards;

Danny

+1

I just got a pair (!) on eBay for $350 and they're miles beyond the standard DBXs. Actually, since they have a meter and a variable HPF, I think they're more useful than a DN360.

Sometimes they get listed under "Ashley" instead of "Ashly" on auction sites and you can scoop them up cheap...

jude · 22nd September 2010

yeah but do they sound as good!?

jasonraboin · 22nd September 2010

There are several levels of DBX graphic eq, and the top level are fine. I agree with other posters that the Ashley offer the best value. Sound very good and are not too expensive.

The DN360 is fine, but the replacement, the DN370 is a nice improvement. I would take a DN370 over any of the other graphic eq's currently available.

phaseshift1 · 25th September 2010

Thank you for the posts!

Those who had problems with dbx, which models?

Out of the dbx line, only the 2231 is on my list.

I want to try a graphic EQ first hand, haven't used one.
Thought the 2231 at a very low (easy to resell and not loose too much) price might provide an economical intro.

rwhealey · 28th September 2010

Quote:

Originally Posted by phaseshift1

Thank you for the posts!

Those who had problems with dbx, which models?

Out of the dbx line, only the 2231 is on my list.

I want to try a graphic EQ first hand, haven't used one.
Thought the 2231 at a very low (easy to resell and not loose too much) price might provide an economical intro.

Yeah, I think the DBX you list would be a good place to start!

However, I think you'll probably find that you prefer a parametric EQ for recording and a graphic EQ for monitors and main feedback control live. A fully parametric EQ gives much more control than even a 31 band, but it can't substitute for the ability to slam down a particular frequency when feedback happens in the middle of a show.

I think that you'll also find that the sound quality of a graphic EQ is probably the last thing to worry about in the signal chain for a live show. Of course, if it's really noisy or something, it could be a problem, but I would invest the extra money in speakers (or a book about how to deploy speakers!).

Jim vanBergen · 2nd October 2010

The 2231's are useful, decent EQ's. They DO have some phase shift.
The Ashleys are actually more phase coherent! (Put them on a SIM, see for yourself.)

If you can, don't go the route of a 1/3 octave. Use a true parametric EQ. If you're doing live sound and can hear phase shift, you'll agree. If you're just doing rock and don't really care, then an Ashley or a dbx will be "fine".

21st September 2010	#1
phaseshift1 Gear nut Joined: May 2010 Posts: 107 Thread Starter	Graphic Eqs, Klark Teknik vs dbx, thoughts? Hello Your thoughts on graphic EQs vs parametric? Have only used software graphic EQs. Would like to try the hardware. Has anyone used Klark Teknik or dbx or both? Other suggestions? For recording and mixing. I realize they are designed mostly for sound reinforcement, but I wish to try one anyways. thank you for your efforts.

21st September 2010	#2
fifthcircle Lives for gear Joined: Apr 2003 Location: Los Angeles Posts: 3,323	KT any day over DBX. I've had some major phase shift issues with dBX, especially when they are on the +/- 12dB settings. Even in bypass, they still change the sound in unpleasant ways. That being said, I try not to use Graphic EQs unless I have to. When I'm doing live sound on a digital console, I use a parametric to EQ my outputs and then the graphic only to hit the nasty feedback spots (which is usually only an issue when I'm mixing monitors). For recording, I only use parametric EQs. You just don't usually need the precision of a graphic and the trade-off of phase shift isn't worth it. --Ben __________________ Benjamin Maas Fifth Circle Audio Long Beach, CA http://www.fifthcircle.com

21st September 2010	#3
John Willett Lives for gear Joined: Feb 2008 Location: Oxfordshire, UK Posts: 5,291	Graphic Eqs, Klark Teknik vs dbx, thoughts? I would normally have said KT - but aren't they now owned by Behringer? Posted via the Gearslutz iPhone app __________________ John Willett Sound-Link ProAudio Ltd. Circle Sound Services President - Fédération Internationale des Chasseurs de Sons (and lots more - please look at my Profile)

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phaseshift1 Gear nut Joined: May 2010 Posts: 107 Thread Starter	Thank you for the posts! Those who had problems with dbx, which models? Out of the dbx line, only the 2231 is on my list. I want to try a graphic EQ first hand, haven't used one. Thought the 2231 at a very low (easy to resell and not loose too much) price might provide an economical intro.

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Jim vanBergen Lives for gear Joined: Apr 2005 Location: New York Friggin' City Posts: 2,562	The 2231's are useful, decent EQ's. They DO have some phase shift. The Ashleys are actually more phase coherent! (Put them on a SIM, see for yourself.) If you can, don't go the route of a 1/3 octave. Use a true parametric EQ. If you're doing live sound and can hear phase shift, you'll agree. If you're just doing rock and don't really care, then an Ashley or a dbx will be "fine".