Help With EQing Sound System

[Anthony Meluso]

On my amplifier there is some filters and I don't understand what they really do. They are two notch filters with different frequencies and a rumble filter.

I'm working mainly with voice actors will I benefit from having these on? Also at what frequency is human voice at?

On the mixer I have High, two Mids, and a Low EQ setting. What should I focus on when adjusting EQ for voice? I know each person's voice is different but what are the suggested settings. Should I turn on the low pass filter?

Also, I get a lot of feedback how can I prevent this?


I know this asking a lot but I appreciate every bit of help

Thanks a lot,
Anthony

[Greg Covey]

Anthony,

The way I understand it, you will get most benefits from EQing voice in the mids. I would also play around will blocking lows (very lows) and very highs. Yes, it's hard to say difinitively, as each voice is different.

Good luck!
-Greg

[Jacques Mersereau]

I am not sure what brand of amp that you have, but most professional
amplifiers do not have EQ or notch filters on them.
I think that Crown is one of the few that I would actually use and their
card is an expensive option. In the case of the lower end, I would bypass
if possible or set to null.

In either case, most pro audio guys would use a computer
audio analyzing system like Spectra Foo or Smart to "shoot the room"
(with pink noise), sample the difference between mixer output and
speakers, so that you can actually see what is actually happening
sonically in the space.
THEN, use an outboard EQ (Usually a 1/3 octave) to make things flat
or set the amps internal card appropriately.

[Jeremy Davidson]

Could you give us some more details about your equipment (make and model) and the scenario you're dealing with? The fact that you're getting feedback suggests a live sound situation (as opposed to studio recording).

On the feedback note, this has a lot to do with the microphone you're using, where it's located (in relation to the speakers), what direction it's pointing, and what its pickup pattern is. Essentially feedback is just sound coming out of the speakers and getting back into the mic. With a typical unidirectional mic (Shure SM58 is a popular one for live handheld use) make sure its not in front of the speakers and is pointing away from them. Omnidirectional mics *can* be problematic in live situations (not always, but more often than not) since they do not have a "null zone" (a direction where they don't pick up sound, like the cord end of a unidirectional mic). Omnis are fine for recording only; they just need extra precautions for live sound.

There are things that can be done with EQs to reduce feedback, but mic placement should be the first consideration.

Hope this helps. Post back with more info on your setup.