This is an interesting question. Mainly because everyone has a different point of view as to what is a good sound.  Some like it bass-thumping, while some like more highs in their mix.  So if nothing I advise you to do makes your system sound like you want it to, then simply change the settings.  A sound system is only as good as it sounds.

The goal of a sound system

The ultimate goal of the system is to be as transparent as possible so that it reproduces the sound of the instrument of vocal it is picking up.  In order to achieve this, the system needs to have minimal distortion in all the components plus have minimal installed equipment and connections that could change the sound of the source.  A tube compressor can sound nice but couple it with an EQ, another compressor, a separate gate, and anything else you can add and the end result could be a complicated and potential buzz creating trap.

Setting the EQ

First:

When setting an EQ for the mains I start out flat then go from there.  I avoid the smile, frown face or any other emotion.  These are always too generic of an approach for pro audio because the complexities of a room and system can vary greatly.

Next step:

Find trouble frequencies.  You can do this several ways.  You can listen for the exact frequency and get so good that you know what frequency you want to change.  You can buy expensive analyzers that will help you find the problem frequencies or you can simply turn up a mic until it starts to ring and find the problem frequencies.  Any way you choose is fine,if the end result is a system that sounds good and does not ring every time you turn a mic on.

Finally:

It can be tough to get the EQ set just right, so turn up your favorite band and enjoy your hard work!

These techniques can be used on mains and monitors.  Monitors take a little more time because they generally have a speaker aimed directly at the mics and ringing can be a quick problem, so make sure you take great care when setting them up.

Call me or email me today if you have any specific questions on install or selection advice for EQ’s  910-658-7893  ryan@brackmanconsulting.com

You can also use my contact form