Behringer FBQ800 Ultra Compact 9-Band Graphic Equalizer with FBQ

No longer available at zZounds
Shape your sound and eliminate feedback fast with this 9-band graphic EQ. Behringer's FBQ Feedback Detection system lights up the band that needs to be cut.

If it was a perfect world, there would be no need for audio equalization. Sound systems would be perfect and would reproduce perfect signals in all their glorious perfection. Also, everyone in that perfect world would like the same amount of bass, midrange and high frequency, and there would be no such thing as feedback. But the world isn't perfect, is it? Even the best sound system can benefit from the use of a good EQ -- like the Behringer FBQ800.

Features:

- Compact 9.5-inch graphic equalizer for studio and stage applications
- Revolutionary FBQ Feedback Detection system instantly reveals critical frequencies and can also be used as Audio Analyzer
- Additional Low-cut filter removes unwanted frequencies, e. g. floor rumble
- Accurate 6-segment LED input/output meters and Level control for precise level indication
- High-quality illuminated faders, potentiometers and illuminated switches for long-term reliability
- Low noise audio operational amplifiers offer outstanding sound performance
- All Mini Series models can be stacked on top of each other to create an compact signal processor solution
- High-quality components and exceptionally rugged construction ensure long life
- Conceived and designed by Behringer Germany

How Does it Work?

Imagine the frequency range of the sound you hear as a highway, a very wide one with nine lanes. Each of these "lanes" represents a single octave of the sonic spectrum. The first four lanes, labeled 63 - 500 (Hz) contain the really read more low frequency sound content, mainly bass, bass vocals, and the kick and tom drums. The three lanes labeled 1 k, 2 k and 4 k (Hz), make up the fundamental zone of most musical instruments and the male and female vocals. 8 k and 16 k cover the frequency range of cymbals, snare drums and higher pitched percussion instruments. The FBQ800 allows you to control the flow of audio traffic in each of these nine lanes. When properly applied, EQ makes it possible to hear all of these frequency ranges equally, thus the term equalization.

Feedback Elimination

When a specific frequency, or range of frequencies, reaches too high a level, feedback occurs--that all-too-familiar squeal or howl you get when the mic is too close to the speaker. Basically, feedback happens when there is so much of a particular frequency that it is picked up by the mic and run through the system again. That's why feedback typically gets louder and louder the longer it's allowed to occur. Needless to say, this kind of feedback is very undesirable.

This is where the FBQ800's Feedback Detection System really works its magic. In this ingenious circuitry, LEDs on the individual faders light up when that frequency band is approaching the danger zone. All you need do is lower the illuminated slider until the LED blinks out -- voila, feedback problem solved. What once required a highly trained ear is now an activity that even a child can master.

Sonic Toolkit

That really is the best way to describe the FBQ800. With its nine frequency bands, you easily fine-tune your sound and instantly eliminate feedback. And each fader can be used to boost or cut the frequency range it controls by as much as 12 dB (and that's a lot).

Special attention is paid to the low frequency zone. In addition to low frequency faders, the FBQ800 features a Low Cut fi lter for removing unwanted low frequencies such as fl oor rumble, room resonance, electrical hum, etc. This is especially handy if your system is being used for speech rather than music.

To Boost or to Cut, That is the Question

Raising and lowering specific frequency bands can improve the frequency response of any room's acoustics. For instance, if the room you're in is "bass-heavy," lowering the 63 and 125 Hz faders can help eliminate an overall "boomy" or "muddy" sound. Likewise, gently boosting the 8 and 16 k sliders can add sparkle to a somewhat "dark" mix. Are the vocals getting lost in the mix? Raising the level of the 1 k slider can help bring them out.

It's important to note that raising a single fader level is not always the best solution; it's often better to lower the bands surrounding the frequency you want to bring out, and then boost the overall volume level to achieve better headroom.

Built for Accuracy and Reliability

Speaking of headroom, FBQ800's 6-digit LED Input/Output meters and level control are provided for precise level maintenance. Longterm reliability is ensured, thanks to high-quality illuminated faders and switches, and the low-noise audio operational amplifi ers provide outstanding sonic performance. In addition, all Mini Series components may be stacked to create a compact signal processing solution.
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For support or warranty questions, please contact the manufacturer:
Web: https://www.behringer.com/service.html

Reviewers gave this product an overall rating of 5 out of 5 stars. (2 ratings)
Submitted March 30, 2011 by a customer from charleshurley.com

Behringer FBQ800 EQ Customer Review

Overall: 5 out of 5 stars
(see rating details)
Verified Customer zZounds has verified that this reviewer made a purchase from us.
Sound
I bought this with several different uses, and I have come up with more since getting it. In live sound, I can use it as an EQ for a guitar. Also, I can run the main signals through my regular 31-band EQ, then into this, for two reasons: 1) I don't have the ear to know the feedback frequencies; I can pull down the FBQ800 band that is lit up, then figure out which band on the 31-band to pull down. 2) I use the 31-band for feedback; I can use the FBQ800 to shape the overall sound for the room. I want to cut the feedback with as little impact on the music as possible. Also, this has allowed me to run in stereo (with a 2nd FBQ800), so I don't necessarily have to cut both sides to solve feedback. Since I got this, though, I use it on one input of my TV (the main input, or the DVD player), and I can do a much better job with the sound than just the 2-band (bass/treble) TV EQ. I can definitely notice the difference. I want to get two more of these just for the TV.

Features
What is great are the FBQ lights, which show which band is getting feedback, or which band is getting the activity. The thing is $60, though, so it has none of the frills of a serious EQ. Also, having both 1/4-inch and RCA inputs is a big deal.

Ease of Use
If you know how to use a graphic EQ, it's simple.

Quality
It is made of plastic, and has a cheap feel. I don't care, as long read more as I don't step on it. I don't know what would happen if I dropped it on a hard floor.

Value
Very definitely worth the price. I would like to buy 5-6 more.

Manufacturer Support
I have a number of Behringer products, and I have never had to deal with the company. Not that I think I won't, some day...

Musical Background:
promoter, live sound.
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