“What the heck is a parametric equalizer?

”
The JL Audio 500/1 the EQ circuit to do what
Some basic tips to get you started in the
(and the upcoming 1000/1) you need for each system.
exploration of the Bass EQ...
employ a sophisticated In some cars, you will need
parametric Bass EQ circuit. some help in the upper bass. 1) Set your amp gains with the “Bass EQ” defeated (“off”
A parametric equalizer is In others, you will need it position). You want to set the bass level properly
distinguished from a at lower frequencies. BEFORE applying any equalization.
conventional equalizer By adjusting the bandwidth 2) As a general rule of thumb, start tuning with a “Q” set-
circuit in that it allows the with the “Q” knob, you can ting below “2”. Higher “Q” values are rarely needed
user to not only control the control the width of the unless there is some truly bizarre acoustic problem in
level of the boost, but also range of frequencies affected the system. Lower “Q” values give you a broader (and
the center frequency of the by the boost. So, whether usually more natural-sounding) effect. A “Q” of “1.6”
boost and the bandwidth of you need a sharp/focused (12 O’Clock setting) is a good starting point.
the boost (the range of boost or a broad one, 3) For most systems, the best “Center Frequency”
frequencies affected). at 30, 40, 60 or 80 Hz adjustment will be between 40-50 Hz. Use 45 Hz (12
What does this mean to (or any frequency in O’Clock setting) as a starting point and adjust up or
you when you set up a between), the parametric down gradually.
system? First, it allows you EQ gives you the power 4) Don’t go crazy with the boost knob... there is 15dB of
to tailor the properties of to make it happen. boost available (which is a lot). Begin with a low boost
setting (around 3 dB) and try to stay below 6 dB
whenever possible. Remember that for every 3 dB
The following diagrams illustrate what each of the three
of additional boost you dial in, you are asking the
controls of the parametric Bass EQ do in isolation. It is
amplifier to double its power output for a given signal
important to understand these behaviors, because they
in the boost region.
must all be considered when setting up the Bass EQ.

Center Frequency
(50 Hz)

"Q" Center Freq. Boost (dB) +15 dB "Q" Center Freq. Boost (dB)
+15 1.6 45 +10 +15 1.6 45 +10
1.1 2.7 35 55 +4 +13 1.1 2.7 35 55 +4 +13

0.7 25 70 0.7 25 70

0.5 4.3 20 85 0 +15 0.5 4.3 20 85 0 +15

Center Frequency = 30Hz 40Hz 50Hz 80Hz

+12 dB
+12 +12
Boost (dB)

Boost (dB)

+9 dB
+9 +9

+6 dB
+6 +6

+3 dB
+3 +3

0 0
10 20 30 40 50 60 80 100 200 300 400 500 10 20 40 50 60 80 100 200 300 400 500

Frequency (Hz) Frequency (Hz)

Figure 1: This diagram shows the effect of different “Center Frequency” settings Figure 2: This diagram shows the effect of different “Boost” level settings with
with the Bass EQ set up as follows:“Q” = 2.0,“Boost” = 12 dB the Bass EQ set up as follows:“Q” = 2.0,“Center Frequency” = 50 Hz

“ W H AT T H E H E C K I S A PA R A M E T R I C E Q U A L I Z E R ? ” P A G E 1 of 2
 Center Frequency
(50 Hz)
+16
Boost 15 dB "Q" Center Freq. Boost (dB)
1.6 45 +10
1.1 2.7 35 55 +4 +13

+14 0.7 25 70

0.5 4.3 20 85 0 +15

+12
-3 dB Point

+10
Boost (dB)

+8

+6

+4
"Q" = 4 "Q" = 2 "Q" = 1 "Q" = 0.5

+2

0
10 20 40 50 60 80 100 200 300 400 500
"Q" = 4 Bandwidth is 1/3 Octave
(High "Q") (44 Hz - 57 Hz in this example) Frequency (Hz)
"Q" = 2 Bandwidth is 2/3 Octave
(Medium "Q") (39 Hz - 64 Hz in this example)
"Q" = 1 Bandwidth is 11/2 Octaves
(Low "Q") (31 Hz - 81 Hz in this example)
"Q" = 0.5 Bandwidth is 21/2 Octaves
(Very Low "Q") (21 Hz - 120 Hz in this example)

Figure 3: This diagram shows the effect of different “Q” (bandwidth) settings with the Bass EQ set up as follows:
“Boost” = +15 dB, “Center Frequency” = 50 Hz

What is “Bandwidth”? This term is borrowed from The bandwidth for each “Q” setting will always be
filter theory and is defined as the range of frequencies consistent in relation to octaves for a given boost level.
passed by the filter (or in this case, boosted by the filter). Above, we show you the octave bandwidths for the “Q” and
Bandwidth is always specified in terms of “-3 dB points”. boost settings illustrated in the chart. Figure 2 and Figure 3
Basically, we note the highest level of the boosted signal illustrate that at higher levels of boost, you are not just
and determine at which frequencies the level of boost boosting frequencies within the defined bandwidth.There will
drops 3 dB below that highest level. For an EQ filter of still be considerable boost outside the defined bandwidth,
this type, there are two -3 dB points, one at a higher especially with lower “Q” settings.
frequency and one at a lower frequency than the peak. Please note that the “Q” setting marked on the amplifier is
These -3 dB points define the bandwidth. referenced to maximum boost.“Q” will drop in value at boost
levels lower than maximum (see Figure 2).

“ W H AT T H E H E C K I S A PA R A M E T R I C E Q U A L I Z E R ? ” P A G E 2 of 2