Car Graphic Equalizer
The car graphic equalizer is one of the least understood parts of any car audio setup. While most car stereos come with some form of equalization, very few people understand what it does and how they can use it to improve the overall sound quality of their audio system. Here is a brief rundown of what a graphic equalizer is and how it can be used to refine your listening experience.
Basically, a car graphic equalizer is an expanded set of tone controls for your car audio system. Most car stereos allow you to boost or reduce bass or treble frequencies. These are the deepest low frequencies of bass drums or electric/acoustic bass, and the higher frequencies of cymbals and tambourines. When a sound system sounds "too bright," it usually means there's too much treble present. Similarly, when the sound is "boomy," there is too much bass; when "muddy", there's a lack of mid-range. Graphic equalization lets your fine tune these areas of the tonal spectrum with more precision.
Many of the more recent car stereos offer preset "audio profiles": rock, jazz, etc. that the listener can choose when listening to music. These presets are examples of graphic equalization. Equalization, originally developed for broadcasting, is applied to any musical source in the recording studio to bring out the full-frequency spectrum of the musical performance. In simple terms, it improves clarity and spatial separation, allowing the listener to better hear every instrument and voice. When you employ graphic equalization in the car, you are tailoring the output of your car stereo system to your own personal listening preferences. This graphic equalization also helps you correct for any idiosyncrasies (drop outs, spikes, etc.) caused by the shape and interior of your car or truck, and/or the deficiencies in your speakers.
For most listeners, the number of EQ presets that come with their factory installed stereo is usually more than ample. For those who want a true concert experience while driving, graphic equalization can be a valuable tuning tool and can help bring out all of the best qualities in the music you listen to.
