EQ in line of speaker cables?

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DrummerMan
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EQ in line of speaker cables?

Post by DrummerMan » Sun Apr 26, 2020 1:06 pm

This is probably a stupid question but maybe there's an answer i haven't considered...

Is there a way to EQ a signal between an amp and speaker?

Here's my situation (and it has nothing to do with recording): I've got a stereo system that has 2 different "Zones" speaker outs, but you can only EQ Zone 1. The problem is, Zone 2 has some small in-ceiling speakers that don't produce much low end. So things in that room are pretty tinny by comparison (not terrible but worth trying to improve if possible). I feel like even if I could cut some specific mid/high frequencies that it would even things out a lot. There IS separate volume control over the 2 rooms.

Any thoughts on how to fix this? Ideas I may have overlooked?

PS - When we installed the Zone 2 speakers (many years ago) I already saw this as a potential issue, so I had them installed near the room corners with the angle of the speakers facing the corners to help mitigate the likely issues. I think it's better than it would have been, but it could still be better. I am not opposed to other physical solutions if they are not too ugly to look at...
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Re: EQ in line of speaker cables?

Post by Scodiddly » Sun Apr 26, 2020 4:55 pm

Totally possible, and it's often done in passive speaker crossovers.

Bear in mind that it's cut only, no boost.

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Re: EQ in line of speaker cables?

Post by DrummerMan » Sun Apr 26, 2020 5:22 pm

Scodiddly wrote:
Sun Apr 26, 2020 4:55 pm
Totally possible, and it's often done in passive speaker crossovers.

Bear in mind that it's cut only, no boost.
Is this a thing that I could buy cheaply, or would I need to make it? I'm imagining now basically like a guitar tone knob, but ideally I would have something graphic.

I see some passive EQs in the car stereo world but not sure if that would work.

I'm also a decent solderer so would be happy to build it.
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Re: EQ in line of speaker cables?

Post by Scodiddly » Sun Apr 26, 2020 7:02 pm

Generally you have to design it, and then make it. And not much adjustment possible.

Also the components have to be able to handle power, which means bigger heavier and more expensive.

Go over to Parts Express and look at the passive crossover stuff. They have a ton of resources for this kind of thing.

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Re: EQ in line of speaker cables?

Post by vvv » Sun Apr 26, 2020 7:44 pm

I'm thinkin', me, first I'd look at changing the speakers ...

And since your zone is volume adjustable, you could bring a really low (use an inline pad mebbe) signal to another amp, mebbe with it's own EQ.
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Re: EQ in line of speaker cables?

Post by The Scum » Mon Apr 27, 2020 12:30 pm

You're kinda describing the Vidsonix Virtual Crossover. It was intended for speaker DIY-ers as a tool to tune crossovers, eventually replacing it with actual passive components.

Review by Mr Pass:
https://audioxpress.com/files/attachment/2625
We like the VCB-100 a lot, and recommend it highly.
Apparently now discontinued.

Somewhere inside the amp are line-level signals that would be more agreeable to EQ with whatever active EQ you've got handy.
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Re: EQ in line of speaker cables?

Post by TapeOpLarry » Mon Apr 27, 2020 4:07 pm

"I had them installed near the room corners with the angle of the speakers facing the corners" if I'm not mistaken, this would likely introduce comb filtering/phase cancellation and would affect lower frequency energy more than high end...
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Re: EQ in line of speaker cables?

Post by DrummerMan » Tue Apr 28, 2020 12:33 pm

TapeOpLarry wrote:
Mon Apr 27, 2020 4:07 pm
"I had them installed near the room corners with the angle of the speakers facing the corners" if I'm not mistaken, this would likely introduce comb filtering/phase cancellation and would affect lower frequency energy more than high end...
Interesting. I was thinking of it like how some bass cabinets and other systems using small speakers will have the speakers facing the floor or some other physical barrier to artificially enhance the low end, but you could be right. Rotating the speakers' directions would be the easiest of all solutions to try probably...
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