How to choose either a X-Over or EQ

We just picked up a Alphasonik EQ/Line driver and we are just not getting the same or even close sound wise. I had a MA 3-way cross over with Visonik line driver and the system was slamming. We put the EQ\Driver (5-band) and I have the sub amp about 45hz and the EQ about the same I would guess, I move the dial on the EQ and nothing sounds different on the subs except volume. It seems like I am getting some mid bass or something coming through to the subs. The mids and highs don't sound the same and I can not even get them close. I would just like to know if I should put the X-Over back in or if anybody has some ideas about the EQ that would be helpful. I just don't like the idea of not having separate inputs from the EQ. Its Main in and sub, right and left out. Where as my X-Over had 3ins and 3outs. Any help would be great.

Thanks
Wade

You need a crossover, even if it is the crossovers built into the amps.  You do not need an EQ.  If you are trying to perform crossover functions with an EQ, it will not work.  I suggest getting rid of the EQ unless you know that you need it.  But whatever you do, you must use some sort of crossover on a subwoofer.

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That is what I thought. Why would they make such a thing then? I guess I don't get it. Thanks for the help man I really enjoy this place.

Thanks
Wade

Well an EQ is a very powerful tool for the function it's designed to perform.  It tailors the sound by boosting or cutting certain frequency bands - it's a large bass and treble control.  An EQ is designed to help compensate for poor sound quality after an installation is complete.  A crossover on the other hand is a device that "splits" the incoming signal and eliminates certain frequency bands.  The full-range signal comes in and the crossover electronically eliminates everything above a certain frequency and sends only the remaining low frequencies to the "sub" output, and then eliminates the low frequencies and sends only the highs to the "main" output, for example.  All speaker systems use some sort of crossover.  Does that make it more clear?

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Yes, that makes a lot of sence. Now my next question, could I run the sub out of my new deck when I get it Monday to the main of the EQ and out of the sub side to my sub amp and bypass the sub in/out on the X-Over? What I would do to be more clearful is run front and rear out of the HU to the inputs of the X-Over then front and rear out of the X-over to the 4ch amp next i would run the sub out of the HU to the main input of the EQ and the sub out of the EQ to the sub amp? Would that make any sence?

Thanks
Wade   

Why do you think you need to EQ your subwoofer?

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One it will eliminate my other line driver because this unit has a built in unit and second I lost the bass control for the amp and when I put the cross over back in I will not be able to access it while driving. Yes, I know I can just turn the sub signal down at the deck but, I am lazy to be quite honest. Well to ask another question when would you use a EQ? I have been asked a few times about EQs and all I really could do is like what you said its just a big bass/treble device. And since I have used X-Overs before and raither use them that is what we usally install if anything other then the amp.

Thanks
Wade

Wade,

an eq allows you to make changes to how the system sounds.  Let's suppose you were going to compete for sq, so you wanted to achieve a flat tonal response.  You set up a microphone/rta and you find that your cloth interior eats much of the sound from 3-4 kHz.  The eq allows you to adjust for that.  Or let's suppose that road noise gave a peak to your sound around 120 Hz.  Again you can adjust for that as well.

Since every car is different, an eq gives you a great deal of flexibility.  Many people use an eq for the wrong reasons, though- they try to compensate for speaker deficiencies, rather than using the right speakers for the application.  This is akin to adding a capacitor to your system because your head lights are dimming.

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Nice explanation, geepherder.

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Build the box so that it performs well in the worst case scenario and, in return, it will reward you at all times.

That makes good sence. My system with the X-Over sounds great and the speakers are clean and I can get them loud and still clean. I am going to nix the EQ and keep the X-Over. This car is just for SPL and when we get to the blazer we will utilize the EQ. My dad is a sound guy and knows how to RTA a system the blazer will be the SQ project. Thanks for all the help and its always a joy to get the right answers to my questions. This place is great.

Thanks
Wade