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Where do I place an equilizer in my chain…?

Connor1a

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Hi

I’m looking at a dedicated dual band EQ in my chain and am wondering where to put it.

Right now I have (or will have):

Source (Sonos Port) —> Preamp (Emotive BasX Pt2) —> Amp (Emotive BasX A2)—> Speakers (Elac Debut 3.0 DF63).

Does the EQ go into the chain:

1) Source —> EQ —> Preamp —> Amp —> Speakers

Or:

2) Source —> Preamp —> EQ —> Amp —> Speakers

I think it’s #2 because the EQ doesn’t have all the analog inputs of the preamp, but wanted to double check in case I’m misunderstanding the concepts here.

As for the EQ itself, I’m looking at the dbx 231s. I wish it had a remote, but I can’t seem to find one in this price range that has one. I’d be delighted for any suggestions. Why do I need (or want) an EQ? Because I’m fooling around with the sound of my new speakers. I’m not sure that I’ll keep the EQ beyond Amazon’s 30 day return (actually more like 60 days with the holidays now). Anyway…

Thanks in advance!
 
2) Source —> Preamp —> EQ —> Amp —> Speakers

I think it’s #2 because the EQ doesn’t have all the analog inputs of the preamp, but wanted to double check in case I’m misunderstanding the concepts here.
Correct!
 
I’m looking at the dbx 231s
You would be better to use something with digital parametric equalisation. This allows you to: 1) adjust the Q or "spread" of each adjustment; 2) it also allows you to have multiple frequencies in key areas (i.e. under 3kHz) rather than a large number of fixed frequencies which you don't need; 3) the digital tools have less negative audio impact compared to multiple analogue EQs.
 
You would be better to use something with digital parametric equalisation. This allows you to: 1) adjust the Q or "spread" of each adjustment; 2) it also allows you to have multiple frequencies in key areas (i.e. under 3kHz) rather than a large number of fixed frequencies which you don't need; 3) the digital tools have less negative audio impact compared to multiple analogue EQs.
TYVM. Is there a tool that you would recommend?
 
I am using a DBX231S in the configuration

Marantz ND8006 -> DBX231S -> 10 dB attenuator -> ICEpower 50ASX2 -> Quad ESL 57

The purpose is to null out the loudspeakers bass resonance. In this configuration balanced use is impossible, I use a mono RCA to 6,3 mm for the input, thus grounding the unused input, and a stereo RCA to 6,3 mm using using only the live output. All this works quite well, however The ICEpower has a sensitivity of only 750 mV and in this configuration the DBX produces enough noise to be heard from over 1 meter from from the speakers.
Luckily the Marantz can deliver over 5V on its variable output which allows the use of the attenuator that reduces the noise level sufficiently.
When you can use a standard balanced configuration you should be fine, but beware when including sensitive unbalanced equipment in the chain.

In your situation there will probably be no problems, but I am posting this reply anyway to warn others that a DBX231s can't be just inserted into an old fasioned unbalanced chain.
 
I am using a DBX231S in the configuration

Marantz ND8006 -> DBX231S -> 10 dB attenuator -> ICEpower 50ASX2 -> Quad ESL 57

The purpose is to null out the loudspeakers bass resonance. In this configuration balanced use is impossible, I use a mono RCA to 6,3 mm for the input, thus grounding the unused input, and a stereo RCA to 6,3 mm using using only the live output. All this works quite well, however The ICEpower has a sensitivity of only 750 mV and in this configuration the DBX produces enough noise to be heard from over 1 meter from from the speakers.
Luckily the Marantz can deliver over 5V on its variable output which allows the use of the attenuator that reduces the noise level sufficiently.
When you can use a standard balanced configuration you should be fine, but beware when including sensitive unbalanced equipment in the chain.

In your situation there will probably be no problems, but I am posting this reply anyway to warn others that a DBX231s can't be just inserted into an old fasioned unbalanced chain.
I’ll be completely honest with you, I’m glad that you said that I’ll be “OK” because I didn't understand a thing you wrote. That’s not you. It’s 100% on me. I’m about ready to write my alma mater and demand a refund of my university tuition. The engineering degree I have is clearly not worth the sheepskin it’s printed on… Ack!

Seriously though, I ordered “standard” 1/4” (6.3mm) to RCA connectors. I hope they’ll suffice. They’ll be coming straight off the Emotiva PT2 into the dbx. I held off the expensive cables until I’m locked in on the kit I’m keeping. As for additional equipment in my chain, I’m not at a stage in the hobby where I plan to introduce any additional complexity… I’ll have my hands full for the foreseeable future with the kit I have coming in tomorrow. It’ll hopefully be a good day!

TYVM for the reply. It’s greatly appreciated.

Edit: I’m now sensitized to your point on the 231s though. If I pick up any difficulty tomorrow, I know where one potential issue may live. Thanks again for the heads up.
 
I looked up the specifications of your set. Of course you should go for configuration 2. Now I fear you could run into the same troubles as I did. Your chain will be totally unbalanced like mine and the emotiva power amp is quite sensitive as well. The pre-amp can deliver 4 Volts so turning up the wick as far as possible and turning down the input gain of DBX might do the trick. The Emotiva is less sensitive than the ICEpower. In my case however even with the gain fully turned down I could hear noise from the speakers. Hence the attenuator. I'm sorry I didn't check this before assuming you were fine. You won't need expensive cables but I would advice against using a mono 6.3 mm Jack on the output as that will short-circuit the unused channel. It probably won't hurt the DBX when you have used a mono 6.3 mm for the input or when you have made sure you didn't connect the negative input as in that case there should be no signal on that output. You could always try an attenuater like I did, as it only requires 4 inexpensive resistors to make it.
I couldn't find an affordable digital equalizer that also featured unbalanced analog connections and the balanced professional system have been designed for higher signal levels and can have higher noise levels without the associated penalty.

Succes with with your trails.
 
I looked up the specifications of your set. Of course you should go for configuration 2. Now I fear you could run into the same troubles as I did. Your chain will be totally unbalanced like mine and the emotiva power amp is quite sensitive as well. The pre-amp can deliver 4 Volts so turning up the wick as far as possible and turning down the input gain of DBX might do the trick. The Emotiva is less sensitive than the ICEpower. In my case however even with the gain fully turned down I could hear noise from the speakers. Hence the attenuator. I'm sorry I didn't check this before assuming you were fine. You won't need expensive cables but I would advice against using a mono 6.3 mm Jack on the output as that will short-circuit the unused channel. It probably won't hurt the DBX when you have used a mono 6.3 mm for the input or when you have made sure you didn't connect the negative input as in that case there should be no signal on that output. You could always try an attenuater like I did, as it only requires 4 inexpensive resistors to make it.
I couldn't find an affordable digital equalizer that also featured unbalanced analog connections and the balanced professional system have been designed for higher signal levels and can have higher noise levels without the associated penalty.

Succes with with your trails.
Would I be better served to buy XLR to RCA cables? Am I at any risk of doing damage to my equipment using any cables? Just cautious now… TYVM.
 
There is no risk of damaging the equipment. Buying RCA to XLR will make no difference and then you have dangling open plugs which I certainly don't like. The output however always has signal on both outputs only in anti-phase. The unused outputs must be left open or terminated with a resistor with same value as the load on the other output. The DBX manual more or less states that everything is okay.
 
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