Yamaha AW2816 Manual page 21

low E on a bass guitar has a fundamental frequency of 41.2 Hertz while the fundamental
frequency of the high E string on a regular guitar is 659.3 Hertz. The human ear is commonly
believed to be able to hear sound waves from 20 Hz to 20,000 Hertz (20 kHz) but tests have
shown that it may actually extend much farther than this.
The equalizer is used to either boost or cut the signal at a set frequency. The frequency range in
which the equalizer can be set is called the bandwidth. Each channel of the AW2816 has a 4
band parametric equalizer. 4 bands means that the signal can be boosted or cut at 4 different
frequencies. Parametric means that the frequency is selectable and not preset. In addition to
being able to select the frequency at which the signal is boosted or cut, the width of the
equalization can also be set. This referred to as the "Q". With a narrow (or high) Q, only the
frequencies very close to the selected frequency will be affected. This makes it possible to block
unwanted frequencies without changing the overall tone of the sound. With a low (or wide) Q, a
very wide range of frequencies will be affected with the selected frequency being the center.
Learning how to better utilize equalization takes practice. There are equalizer presets in the
AW2816 that can be used for reference. Try using the presets first if you have no prior
experience with the use of an equalizer.
Here are a few additional guidelines:
Check the sound source:
Before reaching for the equalizer check the sound source. It is best to correct any
problems with the sound at the source before using equalization to fix it. If the drums
sound dead, try using new heads; if the guitar is dull, replace the strings.
Check and adjust microphone placement:
Check and adjust microphone placement before using equalization. Simply moving the
microphone can usually make it possible to get the desired sound without having to use
equalization.
Cut frequencies before boosting them before using equalization:
Try cutting frequencies before boosting them if equalization is to be used. When a
frequency is boosted by using an equalizer, noise is added. To avoid this, try locating the
offending frequencies and cutting them. For example, if the desired objective is to boost
the low and high end the same effect can be achieved by simply cutting some of the mid-
range frequencies out. By getting rid of some of the mid range, the low and high end will
become much clearer. This achieves the same result as boosting the signal but without the
added noise.
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