hi, ive recently started playing in a bar at university, and they have a very large equalizer (i dont know much music terminology but it looks like the one in winamp). i see some of the guys on before me using it now and again and i wanted to ask, what is the optimal settings?

there is no optimal setting. It is just personal preference. Most people have it in a sinusoidal shape where as others have it in just a cosign shape...

Have everything set to zero and then test it out. See what you like. some like more bass, less mid more treble. others are different. It also depends on the sound system and the set up. Having EQ settings for you bar would most likely be different from another bar just down the street.

it depends on the shape of the room, speakerplaceemnt, materials etc. when i equalize, i just turn up or down a frequency until it doesnt stand out anymore...to try to get it as balanced as possible to my ears. try turning each frequency up to get a feel for its range and then slowly turning it down until its lacking...and then turn it back until it sounds balanced. i donno if thats the correct way but it certainly works for me.

remember-- adjust it to suit the sound on the dance floor/main floor space- NOT the dj booth

it may sound shite from the booth when it sounds awesome on the floor due to acoustics or the system or whatever- but thats part of the job

Agreed,

If you can get there early and set it before hand whilst in the middle of the dance floor. If that means going back and fourth a few times it will be worth it.
Chances are when most people touch one of those things they have no clue what they are doing anyways.

In a club situation it's always worth being a little generous with bass as bodies absorb it (again this can depend on venue).

Scientific fact.
When people hear bass they become happy and 'stimulated'. When they hear too much treble they become aggressive.

Cheers
Nem

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