How to Set the Eq for an Electronic Drum Set

A properly dialed-in EQ is important for optimal sound.

If your electronic drum set has an equalizer (EQ), it is likely able to produce superior sound quality. Generally, an EQ adjusts the high, low and mid-range gain of sound produced when the drum heads are struck. The equalizer also equalizes the sound of programmed music tracks written into the brain of the drum's controls. The following steps will help you adjust your equalizer correctly and to your specifications.

Instructions

Preparation

1. Prepare to power up your controls. Depending on the brand of your drum set, the power button may be located on the control brain and clearly marked (see Resources). With your headphones or monitors plugged into the phone jack, turn the volume all the way down and power up the brain.

2. Pick a programmed song. Scroll through preprogrammed tracks and pick one that allows you to clearly hear low, mid-range and high frequencies. Increase volume to the half-way point on the sound control dial.

3. Locate the equalizer knobs. Your equalizer is likely located on the front of the drum set brain. Depending on which make and model you have, the equalizer slider knobs should be displayed in order according to which frequency they control:
   1. Low-Range or Bass. Bass frequencies travel slowly, at around 150 Hz down to about 15 Hz. They provide the "punch" of a track and intensify other frequencies.
   2. Mid-Range. Mid-range frequencies represent the bulk of fundamental sounds and are most audible to the human ear.
   3. High frequency or Treble. High frequencies travel swiftly and are picked up very quickly by the human ear.
   Your EQ control panel may also contain controls that represent "Mid Bass" and "Mid High." These controls are usually mid-range controls that complement the high and low sound controls at your discretion.

Setting the EQ

1. Dial in bass controls. With your programmed song playing and controls set in the neutral position, slide the low-range controls to the 60 Hz point on the board. If bass sounds are not punchy enough, increase the frequency, not exceeding 90 Hz. Generally, bass frequencies are best heard between the 60 Hz and 90 Hz range.

2. Set your mid-range dial. Slide your mid-range dial to the 300 to 400 Hz position. You will start to hear the music come together, evening out bass frequencies and allowing some highs to cut though. You should also begin to hear an increase in volume. Do not exceed 2.5 kHz. Doing so will drown out lows and highs and cause the sound to become muddy and distorted.

3. Adjust the high control. Move the treble control to the 5 kHz position. You will begin to notice the sounds become slightly "crisp" as you increase high frequencies. The optimum amount of highs will be produced in the 5 kHz to 20 kHz range through a pair of solid speakers or headphones. Exceeding these levels will be extremely unpleasant to the ear and drown out other frequencies.

4. Test drum sounds. After you have set your EQ levels for a mixed music playback, turn off the music track and test the levels by striking the drum heads and cymbals. You may need to tweak the EQ for a desired sound from drums only. However, exceeding the recommended levels previously stated could negatively alter sound quality. Use your own judgment until you find frequencies you are comfortable with.

Tips & Warnings

• Consult with an electronics expert or your drum set dealer if you are unsure how to set up your kit and operate its brain.

• Always follow instructions indicated on product guides. Refrain from playing extremely high-pitched frequencies through headphones. Doing so could permanently damage your hearing.

Resources

• Roland V-Drums