Equalizers Equalizers are used to fine tune a system, not to fix design flaws. If you have to use a lot of equalization, there is a problem with the system that should be solved first by relocating speakers, changing crossover frequencies, amplifier gains, etc. In competition, a measurement is taken on how flat the response of a system is. More points are given to a competitor with a flatter response. In a real system, a flat frequency response is a starting point, but does not ultimately mean perfect sound since human ears are not sensitive at the same level to all frequencies.
Many people believe that an equalizer is to boost power by raising signal levels.
In a well designed system the settings on an equalizer should not be too far from the zero dB line. The lower the frequency, the slower the signal oscillates. Q Q is a measurement of how much the equalizer band affects a range of frequencies. Looking at the image on the right, Q is the thickness of the affected frequencies. A smaller Q means a wider range of frequencies boosted or cut, while a larger Q is a narrower shape.