About & band EQ and Normal Bass, Mid, Treb knobs

[badboy1984]

I like the simple knobs on amps that allow me to adjust the bass, low mid, middle, high mid and treb easily without messing around too much on the 7 band EQ.

What i'm experience at the moment is when i at home i use ashdown amps which i turn the bass knob on full and low mid on half to allow me to get good sound. But when i at church i use Trace Elliot amp (i didn't buy it) which have 7 band EQ on the amp. I've not got a clue how i can get approx the same setting on the Trace to get the sound i wanted.

It always seem the sound i getting is too bass with no high at all which make the high note sound crap or the sound coming out is too trebly with no bottom sound at all.

The amp consist 1 pre sharp button, 7 band EQ and compressor.

[bongomania]

Originally Posted by badboy1984

I like the simple knobs on amps that allow me to adjust the bass, low mid, middle, high mid and treb easily without messing around too much on the 7 band EQ.

So 5 is fine but 7 is too much?

In seriousness though, there are two things to learn: one is what each of the seven bands "sounds like" in comparison to the five bands of bass, low mids, etc. The other is what each amp is "pre-voiced" like. Each amp has an EQ voicing or "shape" even when you set the EQ controls flat. One way to discover what that's like for each amp is to set both of them flat, and then adjust one by small increments until the EQ "shape" sounds similar to the other one. Either way it's all about using your ears. If you are stumped by EQ, set it flat and turn up the master volume, you'll sound great. Let whoever is handling the PA monkey with EQ'ing you.

Avoid the pre-shape button and the compressor until you've learned exactly how they work.

[Swift713]

So your Ashdown has a 5 band and the Trace has a 7? What are the frequencies? If they're not labeled on the Ashdown you should be able to get the specs from their web site? Once you know what you're cutting and boosting at home you should be able to approach it with the Trace. Of course you may need different settings for a different room and possibly different volume, not to mention the two amps are likely to sound different to each other when set flat.

[JanusZarate]

The other guys nailed it.

Know the natural "flat" voicings of each amp (they're never truly flat).

Know the frequency centers of each EQ control.

Use that to your advantage to make them sound somewhat alike. Don't forget that the cabinets and room WILL have a significant impact on the result.

BTW... you're cranking the bass on your Ashdown to full? Your bedroom settings will not translate well in a loud, live setting.

Never be afraid to CUT, either - it can sometimes be the key to what you're looking for. Boosting isn't always the answer!