ADC EQ Sound Shaper Stereo, How to use a 10 band Equalizer...

The stereo frequency equalizer is a long misunderstood piece of hifi gear.  I've seen many units in many homes with the sliders arranged in a standard "V" shape.  It looks interesting enough, but what is it doing?

Here's a video of an ADC sound shaper, 10 band stereo EQ model number SS-100SL.  It offers some really precise eq options.  In this video, I'm using it to bring back some sparkle to a slightly muddy drum mix on a TDK SA90 cassette tape.


Well, the basic idea behind any eq is to correct some frequency that is either lacking, or too over bearing.  Personally, I use a home EQ to "Fix" the lacking elements of my media player (record player, tape deck, Ipod / amplifier / speaker combinations).  Some amplifiers are overly bright!  Some speakers are excessively woofy!  Some cassette tapes are just muddy...

So an eq, when properly placed utilized, can help overcome some of these obstacles to your listening pleasure.  I hook up the EQ as the last element in the chain before the amplifier.  For example, you can hook up the iPod into the tape recorder with the RCA inputs, and hook the cassette player into the EQ.  Run the output of the equalizer into your amplifier, and you're in business.

EQ tips:

If your speakers are really woofy, you can turn down the 500hz a few db.
If your speakers are a bit dark, Try reducing everything below 5 khz by a few db.  If that doesn't suit you,  instead boost everything above 5khz by a few db.
For an old muddy tape mix, or a poorly recorded bass drum, reduce 250hz by 3db.
Vocals, horns, and guitar solos sit right around 5khz, so If you need to increase or reduce any of these sounds, use the 5khz slider.

 So, where does the "V" Shape come from that everyone used?  Well, my best guess is that somewhere along the line, the general public learned about the recording Eq standards for vinyl and cassette tapes, which boost highs and/or lows on playback. The problem is that those eq curves are already accounted for in playback systems both vintage and modern.  So that "V" shape on the home hifi, the eq is probably doing more harm than good, really.

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