Equalizer is not only a special setting embedded in the interface of some audio players, but also a separate device. Its purpose remains unchanged. It corrects the volume of certain audio frequencies, adjusts the amplitude and stabilizes the audio signal in accordance with the requirements of the user. Due to this, it is especially popular among professional musicians and simply lovers of high-quality sound. We offer you to get acquainted with the list of the best equalizers. All of them have their advantages and disadvantages, but we can assure you that the acquisition of any of the models described will not in the least disappoint even the most fastidious buyer.
Content:
Equalizer which company to choose
Deciding on the choice of an equalizer is not so easy. Especially considering the heterogeneity of popular manufacturers on the market of professional sound equipment. Most of them, surprisingly, are represented by "Europeans." In particular, the German BEHRINGER and dbx. The development of equalizers under these brands are engaged not only professional engineers, but also musicians.
Therefore, special attention when choosing an analog equalizer, you should pay attention to such companies as:
1. Ashly
2. Avalon
3. BEHRINGER
4. Bss
5. Dbx
6. Invotone
7. Yamaha
8. Volta
If the purchase of an equalizer is planned exclusively for home use, listening to music and watching movies, then you should pay attention to budget models from German companies BEHRINGER and dbx.
As an equalizer for studio recording and home use, professional models of devices from Ashly and Alto are suitable.
For those who plan to connect the equalizer not only for listening to music, but also for use in home recording, it makes sense to think about purchasing models from Yamaha, Volta or BSS brands.
Best Graphic Equalizers
Graphic type equalizers are considered simpler, have a number of fixed frequencies with a clear gradation. As a rule, these are low and middle bass, mid and treble, high frequencies. Equalizers with the possibility of their regulation are called five-band and are considered the most popular graphic equalizers.
Depending on the specific model, the graphic equalizer can boost or reduce each individual frequency in the range of 6-12 dB. In addition to the five-band, there are also equalizers with wider possibilities of regulation. So, the ten-band will have additional controls and 10 fixed frequencies (bass, mid frequencies, high frequencies) with the ability to control sound tones
Ashly GQX-3102S
This model of graphic equalizer among professional musicians is considered one of the best. The device has 31 adjustable bands in the frequency range 1/3 octave and stereo support. In addition, the equalizer case is equipped with an active balanced input, as well as a jack-type jack for connecting headphones.
Unlike other models in this price category, Ashly GQX-3102S has a built-in dashboard, so you can use it without connecting a computer or MIDI controller.
Advantages:
- Responsive dashboard;
- A large number of connectors;
- Ample opportunities for sound processing;
- Ability to use without the need to connect additional controls.
Disadvantages:
- High price;
- The complete lack of excesses in the form of additional functionality.
BSS FCS966
The graphic equalizer from the Opal lineup is the perfect choice for studio use.The device has 30 adjustable bands for adjusting the audio signal and a three-point cutoff detector. In addition, it has a special dashboard, so that the device can be effectively used without connecting to a computer or a mixing console.
The main feature of the equalizer are separate contour filters of high and low frequencies. This allows you to equally well quickly change the overall sound balance, while not knocking down other settings.
The device is characterized by complete symmetry of all inputs and outputs. High-quality sound and precise adjustment can be achieved thanks to the dimensions of the device. The length of each of the 30 adjustable sliders is 45 mm, while sensitivity adjustment is within 15 dB.
Advantages:
- The presence of an additional transformer;
- Wide possibilities for precise sound tuning;
- In some situations it can replace the finalizer;
- Separate high-frequency and low-frequency loop filters;
- Built-in control panel.
Disadvantages:
- High price;
- No additional connectors.
Yamaha Q2031B
The graphic equalizer from the well-known Japanese brand Yamaha is distinguished by high build quality and an ideal price-performance ratio. Among all products of this category, the Q2031B model is considered the best equalizer released under this brand.
The device has 31 adjustable slider, which provides ample opportunities to adjust the sound intervals. Like other models in this price category, it has a built-in control panel, thanks to which it can be used independently of a computer, mixer or midi controller. Professionals will appreciate the signal to noise ratio. At Yamaha Q2031B, this figure is 96 dB.
Advantages:
- A large number of connectors;
- Possibility of manual and computer regulation;
- Indication of peaks and off channels;
- Minimum harmonic distortion.
Disadvantages:
- Slider sensitivity is too high;
- High price;
- Extreme noise at high frequencies when using cables of unsuitable length.
Best parametric equalizers
Unlike graphics, parametric equalizers are considered more complex devices, because allow you to control and change much more parameters. Its functionality includes the ability to control the level (higher or lower) frequency, its bandwidth and range.
In addition to increasing or decreasing each individual frequency, the parametric equalizer is able to control not only high or low, but also medium frequencies.
An ideal choice for those who need an equalizer with a wide range of adjustment capabilities to fine-tune each individual parameter.
Ashly 4.24PS
The parametric four-channel equalizer is very versatile for fine tuning the frequencies, so it can be used for professional sound processing. The device has 12 fully controlled and customizable sliders with integrated limiter.
This model comes without a built-in control panel, therefore, to ensure full-fledged work, you need to connect a personal computer or laptop or MIDI controller to the equalizer. For maximum efficiency, it is recommended to use specialized software that comes with the device.
Advantages:
- Minimum delay;
- 4 channels;
- The ability to connect to the equalizer MIDI controller;
- Presence of high and low cut filters on all channels;
- Integration with different types of software.
Disadvantages:
- Lack of control panel;
- No channel switching indicators;
- A small number of connectors.
Avalon Design AD2055
Universal parametric two-channel equalizer, which is equally well suited for recording purposes, and for fine tuning the signal for listening to music and home use.It has a special shelf filter for low frequencies, has a passive shelf filter for low frequencies and a Q-factor on each channel.
The model belongs to the class A, therefore it has ample opportunities for detailed sound adjustment, low level of distortion and noise.
Advantages:
- Minimum sound signal path;
- Reliable fixture;
- Fully balanced inputs and outputs;
- Large stock for the regulation of high, low and medium frequencies;
- A huge number of connectors.
Disadvantages:
- High price;
- The need for integration with a MIDI controller.
PreSonus ADL700
Class A parametric equalizer with built-in preamp and FET compressor. The device is equipped with a huge number of a variety of connectors for connecting a microphone, guitar and other instruments. Thanks to the unique double transformer design, the use of an equalizer allows you to achieve a warm, soft sound with a characteristic saturation.
A similar effect by a large account is obtained as a result of a tube preamplifier and the presence of vacuum tubes operating with an accuracy of 300 V, an input switch with the possibility of manual selection of a signal source (mostly relevant to variable microphone impedances).
It has ample opportunities to adjust the audio signal. The presence of filters isolated from each other makes it possible to achieve a thin signal without any artifacts that are obvious to the ear. Additionally, the equalizer has two analog VU measurement modes for tracking, and if necessary, reducing and increasing the gain level of the signal.
Advantages:
- Wide possibilities for adjusting the audio signal;
- The presence of several analog modes for signal amplification;
- Built-in preamp and compressor;
- Convenient control panel;
- Many connectors;
- The presence of multiple line inputs;
- Ability to use without the need to connect MIDI controllers.
Disadvantages:
- High price;
- Unjustifiably high number of additional features and functions, most of which will not be used for its intended purpose.
What equalizer to buy
In order to choose the best equalizer that fits your needs, you need to decide on the purpose for which the purchase is made, determine the possibilities and, of course, the budget:
1. For professional musicians and recording studio equipment, the ideal solution would be to purchase a parametric equalizer with a built-in preamp and Compressor PreSonus ADL700.
2. Recording studios with a small budget, ideal in terms of price-quality ratio may seem parametric equalizer Ashly 4.24PS or Yamaha Q2031B.
3. If the purchase of an equalizer is planned for personal, non-commercial use, listening to audio, organizing a home stereo system, then it is recommended to opt for simpler graphic equalizers. They are easy to use and much cheaper than parametric ones. It makes sense to opt for the Ashly GQX-3102S.
4. For personal use, you can safely choose graphic models with a small number of connectors, inputs / outputs. Practice shows that most of them will simply be "idle". The same applies to the presence of the control panel. In its absence, you can save a lot by connecting a laptop or an inexpensive MIDI controller to the control to the equalizer. Among the budget models, you can choose BEHRINGER equalizers.
5. If from the material point of view you have no obstacles, then you can safely take the equalizer Avalon Design AD2055 or PreSonus ADL700.
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