Graphic equalizers are found in just about every sound application, from room contouring to feedback control and general audio sweetening.
Traditionally, much general EQ'ing takes place on the faders alone, but this restricts the use of the faders at each end of the scale for further precision eq work. So dbx provided the Opal FCS-966 with separate LF and HF contour filters which can change an overall sound balance without disturbing a detailed room or loudspeaker response.
These filters are very musical gentle boost and cut shelving filters which can be used to add (or remove) room effects that change with temperature, audience numbers or humidity.
All these effects can be easily made without disturbing the critical fader settings already made.
Constant Q FiltersThe modern generation of graphic EQs use the Constant Q topology, pioneered by dbx, which means that the filter width is constant whatever the fader gain setting.
Compared to the earlier 'gyrator' style of filters, Constant Q filters provide a smoother and more predictable interaction between adjacent faders and the resulting EQ curve more closely resembles the actual fader positions.
More Gain Control Per FilterEach EQ fader has +/-15dB of adjustable gain, more than many competitive graphic EQs. The faders are long-throw 45mm types for precision control.
High Pass FilterAlso provided on the FCS-966 is a sweepable high-pass filter which can be used very effectively to restrict the low-energy output for better amplifier and loudspeaker performance. Stage monitors also benefit from the application of a high-pass filter to remove bass signals e.g. from vocal-only wedges.
Meteringdbx believes in providing engineers with information, and the FCS-966's 8-segment led meter shows output level and warns of signal clipping within the EQ. When the unit is switched to bypass, the meter will read the input level, allowing accurate matching of the 'dry' and equalised signals using the gain control.
Centre BypassWhen any EQ fader is in its center detent position, the filter is automatically bypassed, for optimum performance.
Input/OutputsAll the inputs and outputs of the FCS-966 are electronically balanced, with optional transformer balancing. To make installation of the FCS-966 easier, dbx has provided three differerent interface connectors: XLR-type, 1/4" TRS jack and Phoenix/Combicon screw terminals.
Relay BypassThe EQ IN buttons switch the EQ path into circuit. When switched out, or power fails, a high-quality relay switches the input signal directly to the output connectors.
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