The best equalizers for buyers' reviews

Equalizer is not only a special setup built into the interface of some audio players, but also a separate device. The goal of it remains unchanged. It adjusts the volume of certain audio frequencies, adjusts the amplitude and stabilizes the audio signal in accordance with user requirements. Due to this it is very popular among professional musicians and just lovers of high-quality sound. We offer you a 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 described models does not disappoint even the most demanding buyer.

Equalizer of which company to choose

Determining with the choice of equalizer is not so simple. Especially considering the heterogeneity of popular manufacturers, represented in 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 is not only professional engineers, but also musicians.

Therefore, special attention in the selection of the analog equalizer, you should pay attention to such firms as:

1. Ashly

2. Avalon

3. BEHRINGER

4. BSS

5. Dbx

6. Invotone

7. Yamaha

8. Volta

If buying an equalizer is planned exclusively for home use, listening to music and watching movies, then it's worth paying attention to budget models from German companies BEHRINGER and dbx.

As an equalizer for studio recording and home use, professional device models from Ashly and Alto will do.

For those who plan to connect an equalizer not only for listening to music, but also for use in home sound recording, it makes sense to think about purchasing models from brands Yamaha, Volta or BSS.

The best graphic equalizers

Equalizers of the graphic type are considered more simple, they have a number of fixed frequencies with a clear gradation. As a rule, these are low and medium bass, medium and high frequencies, high frequencies. Equalizers with the possibility of their adjustment are called five-band equalizers and are considered the most popular graphic equalizers.

Depending on the model, the graphic equalizer can amplify or attenuate each individual frequency in the range of 6-12 dB.In addition to the five-band, there are also equalizers with more control options. So, the ten-band will have additional controls and 10 fixed frequencies( bass, midrange, high frequencies) with the ability to adjust the 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 of 1/3 octave and stereo support. In addition, the equalizer housing is equipped with an active balanced input, as well as a jack connector for connecting headphones.

Unlike other models of this price category, Ashly GQX-3102S has an integrated dashboard, so you can use it without connecting a computer or MIDI controller.

Advantages:

• Responsive dashboard;
• A large number of connectors;
• Wide possibilities for sound processing;
• Ability to use without the need to connect additional controls.

Disadvantages:

• High price;
• Complete absence of frills in the form of additional functionality.

BSS FCS966

The graphic equalizer from the Opal lineup is the ideal 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 used effectively without connecting it to a computer or a mixing console.

The main feature of the equalizer is considered separate contour filters of high and low frequencies. This allows equally well to quickly change the overall sound balance, while not knocking down other settings. The device is characterized by full symmetry of all inputs and outputs. Quality sound and fine-tuning can be achieved thanks to the dimensions of the device. The length of each of the 30 adjustable sliders is 45 mm, while the sensitivity adjustment is within 15 dB.

Advantages:

• Additional transformer;
• Extensive options for fine-tuning the sound;
• In some situations it is possible to replace the finalizer;
• Separate high-frequency and low-frequency loop filters;
• Built-in control panel.

Disadvantages:

• High price;
• No additional connectors.

Yamaha Q2031B

Graphic equalizer from the famous Japanese brand Yamaha is characterized by high build quality and an ideal price-performance ratio. Among all products of this category, the model Q2031B is considered the best equalizer, released under this brand.

The device has 31 adjustable sliders, providing ample opportunities for adjusting the intervals of sound. Like other models of this price category, it has a built-in control panel, so it can be used independently of a computer, a mixer or a midi controller. Professionals will be pleased with the signal-to-noise ratio. At Yamaha Q2031B the given indicator makes 96 dB.

Advantages:

• A large number of connectors;
• Possibility of manual and computer control;
• Indication of peaks and channel outages;
• Minimum harmonic distortion.

Disadvantages:

• The sensitivity of the sliders is too high;
• High price;
• Extraneous noise at high frequencies when using cables of inappropriate length.

The best parametric equalizers

Unlike graphic, parametric equalizers are considered more complex devices, becauseallow to control and change much more parameters. Its functionality includes the ability to control the level( higher or lower) of the frequency, its bandwidth and range. In addition to increasing or decreasing each room frequency, the parametric equalizer is able to control not only high or low, but also medium frequencies.

The ideal choice for those who need an equalizer with extensive control options to fine tune each individual parameter.

Ashly 4.24PS

The parametric four-channel equalizer features wide possibilities for fine tuning of frequencies, therefore can be used for professional sound processing. The device has 12 fully controlled and customizable sliders with an integrated limiter.

This model comes without a built-in control panel, so to ensure full operation of the equalizer you need to connect a personal computer or laptop, or a MIDI controller. For maximum efficiency, it is recommended to use the specialized software that comes with the device.

Advantages:

• Minimum delay;
• Presence of 4 channels;
• The ability to connect to the equalizer MIDI controller;
• Presence of cut-off filters of high and low frequencies on all channels;
• Integration with different types of software.

Disadvantages:

• No control panel;
• No channel switching indicators;
• A small number of connectors.

Avalon Design AD2055

Universal parametric two-channel equalizer, which is equally well suited both for recording purposes and for fine tuning the signal for listening to music and home use. Has a special shelf filter for low frequencies, has on each channel a passive low-pass shelf filter and a Q-switch.

The model belongs to class A, therefore it has a wide range of options for detailed sound adjustment, low distortion and noise.

Advantages:

• Minimum sound signal path;
• Reliable fasteners;
• Fully symmetrical inputs and outputs;
• Large reserve for controlling high, low and medium frequencies;
• Huge number of connectors.

Disadvantages:

• High cost;
• Requires integration with a MIDI controller.

PreSonus ADL700

Parametric equalizer A class with built-in preamplifier and FET compressor. The device is equipped with a huge number of various connectors for connecting a microphone, guitar and other instruments. Due to the unique dual design of the transformer, the use of an equalizer makes it possible to achieve a warm, soft sound with characteristic saturation. Such an effect is largely due to the tube preamplifier and the presence of vacuum lamps operating with an accuracy of 300 V, an input switch with the ability to manually select the source of the signal( mostly relevant for variable microphone impedances).

Has a wide range of options for adjusting the audio signal. The presence of filters isolated from each other makes it possible to achieve a fine signal without any artifacts that are obvious to the hearing. In addition, the equalizer has two modes for measuring analog VUs for tracking, and, if necessary, reducing and increasing the level of signal amplification.

Advantages:

• Wide possibilities for adjusting the audio signal;
• Presence of several analog modes for signal amplification;
• Built-in preamplifier and compressor;
• Convenient control panel;
• Many connectors;
• Presence of several 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 their intended purpose.

Which equalizer to buy

In order to choose the best equalizer that will suit your needs, you need to determine the purpose for which the purchase is made, to determine the possibilities and, of course, the budget:

1. For professional musicians and equipping of the sound recording studios idealthe solution will be to purchase a parametric equalizer with an integrated preamplifier and a PreSonus ADL700 compressor.

2. Sound recording studios with a small budget, the ideal price-quality ratio may seem a 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, it is recommended that you choose a simpler graphic equalizer. They are easy to handle and much cheaper than parametric ones. It makes sense to choose Ashly GQX-3102S.

4. For personal use, you can easily choose graphic models with a small number of connectors, inputs / outputs. Practice shows that most of them will simply "stand idle".The same applies to the presence of the control panel. In its absence, you can significantly save by connecting to the equalizer laptop or an inexpensive MIDI controller for control. Among the budget models, you can choose the equalizer company BEHRINGER.

5. If from the material point of view you do not have any barriers, then you can safely take the equalizer Avalon Design AD2055 or PreSonus ADL700.