Graphic Equalizers remain one of the most mysterious pieces of gear to musicians today. I have met many players that just quit using them altogether because they just could not seem to understand how to use all of the associated knobs and levers to place their instrument appropriately in the mix. Fortunately, Alesis has taken the guess work out of equilization with their introduction of their rack based DEQ230 Digital Graphic Equalizer. This unit allows even the novice to put a professional edge on their sound that was previously only attained by much practice, trial and (more often than not) error.

The DEQ230



The DEQ230 is digital graphic equalizer that sports two separate 30 band equalizers. This dual channel functionality allows it to fit in one rack space, saving room for additional rack components. This should be compared with other dual channel equalizers which often use two spaces because the room needed for the sliders.

This unit is small, sexy, and all digital.

Alesis uses LED lights instead of slider controls in the DEQ230 to represent the gain position on each channel. This in turn allows the bands to be placed closer together than would otherwise be possible with analog controls. Simply press the button below each band you want to edit and use the up/down edit button on the center control panel to boost or reduce the gain on that channel. The LED will move up or down relative to the direction you select to display the current setting.

The lights on the DEQ230 also fit another aspect of this unit that I really liked. It is easy to see your EQ curve on a dark stage. While many graphic equalizers incorporate lights in their sliders the DEQ230 goes one step further. Alesis made sure that the center detent light on each bandwidth was green. All lights above and below the center detent are yellow. By doing this, they made it very easy to take a quick look at how far above or below the center you are on any given frequency provided that you have at least one of the 30 bands on center detent. This can be a very handy thing as you gain more experience with graphic equalizers. When you are in a dark environment it can be difficult to see a piece of gear and gain a perspective of exactly where it is set.

To simplify the EQ process, the DEQ230 includes 30 preset EQ settings ranging from conservative tweaks to extreme effect style settings like "Telephone", "Megaphone", and "Cardboard Tube". It made me stop and think, and in true gear head fashion I asked myself "Who said EQ should not be used as an effect?" I found that this unit was a blast to play with as I explored the wide range of great sounds.

If you wind up purchasing this unit, try this trick. Set up your guitar for a specific sound (pedals and all) with no EQ, then have someone scroll through the different presets while you play and listen to how the different EQ settings change the dynamics of the sound you are getting. I think you will be amazed, and you just may find "that sound" you are looking for on your next big groundbreaking album!

However, if these presets do not work for you, you can dig deeper and use the 30 user programs to store your own custom settings. This is a great feature since it allows you to set up your equalization for various room types and song sets. I suggest keeping a notebook of which settings work best. This will significantly cut down on set up time for future gigs. How cool is that?

As I mentioned earlier, the DEQ230 is also great for novices with little experience with equalization. If you have no idea where to start with the EQ, you can scroll through the different presets until you find one that roughly suits your needs at the time. As you use the different presets you will in time be able to recognize specific EQ curves by sight and know exactly how they affect your sound. You will soon build up a visual database of sorts in your mind of your favorite EQ settings.

Even though the center control panel looks simple, it is really an easy interface to the complex technology that lies within the box. This interface has been designed to operate many functions within the unit using a minimum of control surfaces. Alesis limited the controls to five control buttons and a power button. Used in different combinations these buttons control the entire plethora of operations that Alesis amazingly shoehorned into this unit.

Here are just a few of the many extras that Alesis added:

Multiple Band Edit – This function allows you to choose multiple bands to edit at the same time. When you have selected all the bands you want to edit, the down/up buttons will move them all at the same time in relative proportion to their original settings.

The “Locking” Feature – The DEQ230 allows you to lock a specific EQ curve to ensure that it can not be changed inadvertently or by someone else who might want to play with the controls when you are not looking. This is especially handy when you have spent some time finding the perfect setting, and do not want to lose it until the project is done.

Audition Mode – This mode allows you to select the specific programs you want to scroll through, thereby instructing the unit to "skip" programs you do not want to test.

Demonstration Mode – This is more a fun mode than a functional one. In demonstration mode the DEQ230 will cycle through all of the presets displaying a mini light show. This mode bypasses the audio signal and therefore can not be used when playing. However, this mode looks pretty cool on a stage between sets or before the show starts!

In addition to the above listed features, you also have the ability to link, move, edit, and save EQ curves for a variety of applications. Not only is the DEQ230 great for guitar, but it would work equally well for many audio applications, including your home studio for mix down projects.

The manual for the DEQ230 is well written and goes far beyond the content of most gear manuals. Alesis shows you step by step how to use each function for best results, and explains the basics and the various applications for a graphic equalizer. It is a good read and full of great information and tips that will help lead you on your journey through the labyrinth of equalization and sound spaces. The simplicity of the explanations makes this a great reference to have on hand for the beginner and the EQ guru alike.

Alesis has done a superb job of making the DEQ230 as educational for a beginner as it is functional for a seasoned professional. I continue to be impressed with the thought and care that Alesis puts into their product line. The best part is the price. I would have expected to pay much more for a unit with the features this unit offers. For a graphic EQ under $300, the DEQ230 just can not be beat. I award the DEQ230 the Guitar Gear Heads Approval Award for 2005 as well as the Rig Ready Award since it has been added to our upcoming rack project.



Gary Allen

Copyright © 2005 Allen & Halberg Publishing, Inc.
All Rights Reserved
Guitar Gear Heads is a Division of Allen & Halberg Publishing, Inc.

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