|
|
|
| Mr. Mobile - Info Center - EQ's and Processors |
|
You have spent hours maybe even days doing research finding the best speakers, the best amps, and the best head units. There is one thing that most people end up overlooking, that is an EQ or a sound Processor. This is the heart and soul behind your music for how you will hear it. Most of today’s amplifiers have an ok crossover but they have their limits to what can be done. Let’s face it you bought all your other gear to get better sound right? Here is what you need to get full control of YOUR music.
What is an EQ or Processor?
EQ’s and Processors allow you to fine tune your sound. Most of today’s EQ’s and Processors also include a line driver as well; this gives your amplifiers a stronger signal push so you have a cleaner sound. These very important pieces let you get into the music in depth to tweak with the frequencies you want to hear or add extra emphasis on.
Who needs an EQ or Processor?
This is when you need to sit back and really think what you want out of your car audio sound system. Are you a person that wants all the sound you are paying for, or just wanting better sound? Well, either way I would recommend getting an EQ or a Processor for your system. As you tune your car you will be able to hear things in the music you never herd before. As MP3’s become more of the way of having music, EQ’s and Processors help bring compressed music back to life.
What kind of EQ’s and Processors are available?
There are 4 types of EQ’s and Processors just depending on what kind of application you are looking to use it in, and how much time you have to tweak with it to make it sound the way you want.
Digital Car Audio Processor is more designed for the person that wants the best sound that you can get out of your investment. These Processors have preset frequencies that you can adjust. These go all the way up to 30 bands per channel. You can go into each frequency and adjust the gain (volume) of each one, you can go +/-10db. These do require more time to tune them in but when it’s finished, WOW does it sound great. Another great benefit to the Digital Processors is that you can save preset settings on them. Like myself I listen to a wide range of music and when I have it set for Hip-Hop it doesn’t sound right when I turn on some Classic Rock. This allows you to have it set and change the settings as you change your music. Check out specific models to see details.
EQ’s There are two types of EQ’s, Graphic and Parametric. Graphic EQ’s let you adjust the level of each preset frequency usually by + or – 10 DB. A Parametric EQ allows you to not only adjust the preset frequency like the graphic EQ, but you can also widen or narrow the center frequency to give your even more control over your sound.
Electronic Crossovers are used when you are running multi amplifiers and want to get full control of what frequencies go to each speaker. These can be offered in 2 way crossovers [bass and highs] or 3 way crossovers [bass mid and highs], depending on what you need to get out of your audio system.
Specialty Processors there are a few items here that are really cool and offer you a great improvement in sound. There are processors that boost and allow you to fully control your systems bass output. This is like adding a supercharger to your motor. There are processors that are basically line drivers so you can get a stronger audio signal to your amps from the source unit which will give you even better sound. Check out the Output Voltage section of the product features to see what kind of output voltage you can get.
What should I look for in an EQ or Processor before I buy one?
Output Channels - There are EQ’s and Processors offered in 2, 4, 6 and even 8 channels. Determine what is needed for the system configuration you are planning.
Input Channels - EQ’s and Processors have many different configurations for inputs. On most of them they come in 2, 4, and 6 channel inputs. Most of the 2 and 4 input channels offer and extra output. (I.e. if you hook up 4 channels and you want too add a subwoofer, some EQ’s will take the signal from rear input and give an extra output for subwoofer.) Check out the specs and info on each EQ and Processor to see if this feature is available.
Equalization Bands - Check how many bands of equalization you have to work with. The more bands, the more control you have.
Output Voltage - Look for higher voltage outputs to get a better output signal to the amplifiers. Some EQ’s have line drivers built in, which give you even more output signal. More signal = better, cleaner sound. Another reason you want a stronger signal to the amplifier is that a stronger output signal allows you to set the gains on your amp[s] so you can run them at their optimum efficiency. This means your distortion threshold on your volume control is higher and the amp will run cooler at normal listening volumes.
Now that we have broken down what EQ’s and Processors are it is time to see what is available. If any questions or would like more info, please call or email one of our Mobile Electronic Specialists, they will be happy to help.
|
|
|
|
|
