Quote Originally Posted by bldozier View Post
The electronic crossover having presidence.
That would be precedence. Anyway...

The two have unique purposes:


  • A crossover separates band passes (using your selections for filter type, slope and knee) for each element in your sound reproduction/reinforcement system (e.g., speaker cabinets).



  • EQs (PEQ or GEQ) are used within each band pass to (most typically) reduce energy you are introducing into the listening environment which has frequencies coincident to resonances in the room/stage/system.


But, looking back through this thread, and focussing upon EQs, suggests we need more information on your signal path, and desires. What are you trying to achieve?

Most PA systems (my realm) commonly deploy both PEQ and GEQs, or, two of the former. The systems are "tuned" (and time-aligned) using DSPs with PEQs. After system tuning/aligning, in signal path sequence, either PEQs or GEQs are inserted to allow guest engineers (or even me!) to quickly notch a troublesome f as it arises during a show. In our situations, T and humidity constantly change, sometimes drastically - we must have the option to tune for that occurrence while not changing the system tuning/timing (provided it was done well). Coincidentally, Dave Rat addresses this simply in the recent LiveSound "Something In The Air".

Back to your living space, if you're considering going bi-amped, you'll need the OEM guidelines on crossover points, slopes, and phasing for the elements in your "cabinets" (for lack of knowing what you're considering), and a crossover with the needed band passes and number of amp channels sufficient to get it done. Once done, you'll need an RTA and source of Pink to approximate a good measurement system to calibrate what you're hearing and use PEQs to flatten each band pass. Re-check your time alignment because each and every filter you use - be they crossover knees or bells/shelfs in your band passes - impart delays to the signal. These are additive. So, you need to be mindful of the time alignment of each element in your system (unless you've grown fond of smeared arrival times and comb filtering).

So, tell us what you're trying to do, what you're doing it with, and why it's all so needed. Maybe, you're doing just fine with the gear at-hand, and going deeper can often bring compounding headaches! Trust me on that. Although, if you've got the willpower to acquire the knowledge and gear to get it done, it is like experiencing air conditioning for the first time...