Parametric EQ
Definition
Parametric EQ
A parametric equalizer provides independent control of three parameters per band: center frequency, gain (boost or cut in dB), and bandwidth (Q factor). This precision makes parametric EQ the standard tool for corrective system equalization, feedback notching, and targeted frequency response adjustment. SonaVyx AI diagnostic recommendations specify parametric EQ settings derived from measurement data.
Bandwidth (octaves) = 1 / Q × √2 ≈ 1.414 / Q for constant-Q filters
How It Is Measured
Parametric EQ settings are derived from transfer function measurements. SonaVyx identifies deviations from the target response, recommends center frequency (where the peak or dip occurs), gain (matching the deviation magnitude), and Q factor (matching the width of the deviation). After applying the recommended EQ, re-measurement confirms the correction achieved the target response.
Practical Example
SonaVyx transfer function reveals a +8 dB peak at 315 Hz spanning about 1/3 octave. The AI diagnostic recommends: center frequency = 315 Hz, gain = -8 dB, Q = 4.3 (approximately 1/3 octave bandwidth). After applying this single parametric filter, re-measurement shows the response within ±2 dB of flat through the previously problematic region.
Q Factor Explained
Q factor defines the bandwidth of a parametric filter. Higher Q values create narrower filters: Q=1 spans approximately 1.4 octaves, Q=4 spans about 1/3 octave, Q=10 spans about 1/7 octave. For corrective system EQ, Q values of 2 to 6 match most broad room and speaker response deviations. For feedback suppression notch filters, Q values of 8 to 16 provide surgical precision with minimal tonal impact.
Parametric vs Graphic EQ
Graphic equalizers use fixed frequency bands (typically 31 bands for 1/3 octave) with adjustable gain only. Parametric equalizers allow the center frequency to be set precisely where the problem occurs, with adjustable bandwidth. Parametric EQ requires fewer bands for equivalent correction because each filter can be precisely targeted. SonaVyx recommendations always specify parametric parameters because they are more effective and introduce less phase distortion.
Phase Effects
Every EQ filter introduces phase shift around its center frequency. Minimum-phase parametric EQ creates predictable phase rotation that increases with gain and decreases with Q. At the center frequency, a boost introduces phase lead and a cut introduces phase lag. These phase effects are generally benign for single filters but can accumulate problematically when many filters are applied. Linear-phase EQ avoids this but introduces latency.
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