Fixed EQ bands?

[Hazvinei]

If you were to select center frequencies for an audio equalizer with fixed bands what would they be?

 

[Tanonoka]

Sounds like you are talking about a graphic EQ.

But for what purpose, are we talking live sound, mixing, or mastering.?

 

[Sadzandiuraye]

Parametric equalizers are better than graphic equalizers though. To each his own I guess.

 

[Tanonoka]

Parametric equalizers are better than graphic equalizers though. I am assuming we are talking about music production, that is.

Of course, yes. In general parametric equalizers are vastly superior.

But that doesn't mean graphic equalizers can't be used for audio mastering or for mixing music as well. It just depends on the design e.g. quality factor, etc. Another major advantage of graphic equalizers is that making decisions is easier because having fewer choices will make you work faster and more intuitive.

 

[Sadzandiuraye]

Of course, yes. In general parametric equalizers are vastly superior.

But that doesn't mean graphic equalizers can't be used for mastering or for mixing music as well. It just depends on the design.

Perhaps that's the question OP is asking about what center frequencies will be suitable for example in the context of mastering applications.

 

[Tanonoka]

@Sadzandiuraye I will leave that question to @Scorpio

 

[Scorpio]

Personally, I'd suggest the following and that is also including the ability to select a maximum of two center frequencies on each and every band e.g. on band 1 you can either choose between 20 Hz and 25 Hz then on band 2 your choices are limited to either 30 Hz and 50 Hz, and so forth.

EQ band	Center frequency A	Center frequency B
Band 1	20 Hz	25 Hz
Band 2	30 Hz	50 Hz
Band 3	80 Hz	130 Hz
Band 4	200 Hz	320 Hz
Band 5	500 Hz	800 Hz
Band 6	1.2 kHz	1.6 kHz
Band 7	2.0 kHz	3.5 kHz
Band 8	5 kHz	6.5 kHz
Band 9	8 kHz	10 kHz
Band 10	12.5 kHz	15 kHz
Band 11	17.5 kHz	20 kHz
Band 12	22 kHz	24 kHz

 

[Tanonoka]

@Scorpio what about bandwidth (i.e. quality factor)?

 

[Scorpio]

@Scorpio what about bandwidth (i.e. quality factor)?

That's actually one of the most difficult tasks to address when someone has to design their own graphic equalizer.

However, if we are talking specifically about mastering music, you can't go wrong with two and third octaves. The reason behind that is you want a quality factor that's slightly wider but not too broad either because you can always use the other bands to shape the curve you want if the need arises.

In other words, broad curves are less aggressive sounding but with a 2 and 1/3 octave quality factor, you are so of like in between a smooth sounding equalizer and an aggressive sounding equalizer.