How do I set a 4 band eq?

[EzekialPhoenix 10+ year member]

So, I just bought a new Kenwood KDC-X990 headunit and it comes equipped with a 4 band eq. I have no rta, no additional equipment whatsoever, and I was wondering if anybody knows how to set it ideally so there are no "holes" in the sound. I understand that there is no perfect way and that it at least partially has to do with individual preference, but I guess I just want all your opinions. Here's the eq features:

Band 1 60/80/100/120/160/200 (Hz)

Band 2 250/315/400/500/630/800/1k (Hz)

Band 3 1.25/1.6/2/2.5/3.15/4 (kHz)

Band 4 5/6.3/8/10/12.5/16 (kHz)

Additionally, each band has a decibel level setting that goes from -9 - +9

Any help or advice you can give would be appreciated.

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[EzekialPhoenix 10+ year member]

Nobody?? wow, well I guess I don't feel so bad not knowing how to do this, lol

 

[KleanAkkord 10+ year member]

I have mine set up like the following...

Band 1 = 100hz +2db

Band 2 = 1Khz 0 db

Band 3 = 4Khz 0 db

Band 4 = 12.5Khz -1db

I try to keep them flat as possible...but that is my preference.

 

[GrnEydDvl 10+ year member]

This will be completely install/car/listener dependant. Without having access to your car and system no one will be able to help you.

For example, it could be that your system is perfect (//content.invisioncic.com/y282845/emoticons/smile.gif.1ebc41e1811405b213edfc4622c41e27.gif) and needs absolutely no eq'ing at all - but we wouldn't know wihtout hearing it. Plus what sounds perfect to one person you might not like at all.

You could try finding someone with an RTA and who knows how to use it. That will get you along the right path to balanced sound.

Or cheaper and easier - You can just start picking and trying out frequecies and see how it sounds when you boost/cut them. Experiment. You can alway undo what you have done and start over if need be. Remember, cutting is better than boosting.

If your headunit allows you to save certain eq settings why not just start from flat, pick some frequencies, boost/cut them, save it, and then try it all over again saving to a new spot. Then flip through your saved eq's - see which one you like best.

 

[EzekialPhoenix 10+ year member]

Thanks, I appreciate the help. I guess another question I have is, what exactly does is mean when I select the frequencies? Does that mean that sound is cut off below that frequency on that band? Does that even make sense?