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Car Equalizers

Anything and everything can--and will--affect the sound of your car audio system: engine noises, road noises, the interior design of your car, the type of windows you have, your second cousin's body temperature...everything. Your audio system is in a constant battle with these outside hindrances, and the peace of Sound Domania cannot be restored without an equalizer.  It is up to you to bring back high quality sound, to tame some frequencies and set others free.

Types of Equalizers

Digital Equalizers 

Digital equalizers use a menu screen which provides you with more adjustment flexibility and precision than your typical analogue version. They also let you store different settings--very useful if you listen to a wide variety of music or take part in car audio competitions.

Graphic Equalizers 

A graphic EQ is the standard (5-12 slider controlled) equalizer. The side controls allow you to boost or cut certain frequencies, and they give you a high level of control over the tonal quality of your music.

 

Parametric Equalizers 

Parametric equalization gives you an extremely precise control of the tonal balance in your car audio system. They are more versatile than graphic equalizers, which have fixed centre frequencies and bandwidths.

Digital Signal Processors 

DSPs combine features of both the equalizer and the crossover,  with enhancements such as adjustable listening positions and sound fields. DSP modules can be connected directly to external amplifiers, or they can be routed back into a receiver and stored out of sight.

Installing an Equalizer

There are two basic types of equalizers: dash mounted equalizers,  which are installed in the factory radio location--or below the dash with a special kit--and trunk-mount equalizers  which can be installed in out of site places (i.e. trunk, cargo), and controlled via remote.

When installing either of these types of equalizers you'll need:

  • Connections for 12-volt power, ground and a turn-on lead.
  • Feed signal from your receiver--usually a single set of patch cables. 
  • If your receiver doesn't have preamp outputs, you'll need an output level converter  to adapt the receiver's speaker lines to a preamp connection.

And these tools:

You may also need: Drill, Socket Wrench set,  Soldering Iron,  Wire ties 

Now to Install

Connect the equalizer to your amplifier with patch cables--the number of patch cables you use depends upon the type of EQ and amps, but you'll need at least one set of connections per amp. If your equalizer is up front, be sure to run your patch cords down the same side of the car as any speaker lines, but not on the same side as the power cable  to your amplifier--this will create unwanted noise.

Click here to view a more comprehensive description of how to install an equalizer.

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