equalizer?

[Rob 515]

Graphic equalizers come in two distinct flavors; variable-Q and constant-Q.

Constant-Q
Years ago (before modern audio analyzers) an audio manufacturer made a name for themselves and convinced many that the constant-Q was the way to go. This type of eq paints a very pretty picture on a 1/3rd octave audio analyzer. The filters are very steep and choppy at boost/cuts less that 6 - 8 dB. More boost/cut and the filter looks like . . .

Variable-Q
All of Altec Lansing equalizers (up to and including the "programmable" 8000 series) are variable-Q. Each filter overlaps the adjacent filters. The more you boost/cut, the more frequencies are affected. Gentle boost/cuts are suggested. In fact, most recommend cut only for a playback system.

The 1753A was the last 1/3rd octave eq offered by Altec and it is nice piece. A pair of Altec 1653 equalizers would be worth big-time bragging (1/3rd octave, cut-only).

Please keep in mind that most Altec electronics were sold and used for professional/commercial applications. Most used units have likely been running since they were new and they typically start having contact/component issues after ten years of steady use.

Hi, I bought a pair of Altec 1653A equalizers and are these variable Q ? cut only or boost and cut?
I see above says variable Q and cut only, but seller says boost and cut. I'm hoping cut only.

thanks
rob

[LICORNE]

Constant VS Variable should not be in a competition . All professional studio mixer use variable Q . Each channel is treated seperately. The constant Q is more suited for playback purpose of a recording.

Radio stations Constant Q Ex : Eventide

TV broadcast audio output Constant Q

Recording studio :Variable on mixer and constant on outboard.

[Rob 515]

Constant VS Variable should not be in a competition . All professional studio mixer use variable Q . Each channel is treated seperately. The constant Q is more suited for playback purpose of a recording.

Radio stations Constant Q Ex : Eventide

TV broadcast audio output Constant Q

Recording studio :Variable on mixer and constant on outboard.

playback only for me with A5 setup 299-8A and 515-8GHP

[whitebroncoii]

Hi, I bought a pair of Altec 1653A equalizers and are these variable Q ? cut only or boost and cut?
I see above says variable Q and cut only, but seller says boost and cut. I'm hoping cut only.

thanks
rob

1650 = cut only
1653 = boost/cut
both are variable Q

[Rob 515]

1650 = cut only
1653 = boost/cut
both are variable Q

great... so these (1653a) probably won't be the best choice for home audio playback system then? correct?
I can always use these till I find something better and then use these on another system I have.

thanks

rob

[whitebroncoii]

great... so these (1653a) probably won't be the best choice for home audio playback system then? correct?
I can always use these till I find something better and then use these on another system I have.

thanks

rob

The 1653A is a professional 1/3rd octave equalizer and a pair of them would do a remarkable job on a home stereo. The 1653A has unbalanced in/out unless the following transformers are installed; 15335A input / 15356A output. Jumpers must be installed in the transformer octal sockets when they are not installed.

[Rob 515]

The 1653A is a professional 1/3rd octave equalizer and a pair of them would do a remarkable job on a home stereo. The 1653A has unbalanced in/out unless the following transformers are installed; 15335A input / 15356A output. Jumpers must be installed in the transformer octal sockets when they are not installed.

Great, can't wait to get all this together. I can remove the transformers and install jumpers if needed.

Thank you for all the help! Couldn't do it without you that's for sure.

rob

[Rob 515]

The 1653A is a professional 1/3rd octave equalizer and a pair of them would do a remarkable job on a home stereo. The 1653A has unbalanced in/out unless the following transformers are installed; 15335A input / 15356A output. Jumpers must be installed in the transformer octal sockets when they are not installed.

Hi, I can't find any manuals or anything anywhere on the net for the altec 1653A only for 1753a. Would you happen to know of anyplace where I could download or view that online. Trying to figure out how I should set the high pass and low pass filters using 299-8a and 515-8GHP, but would be nice to have schematics, specs and all.
thanks
rob

[whitebroncoii]

Hi, I can't find any manuals or anything anywhere on the net for the altec 1653A only for 1753a. Would you happen to know of anyplace where I could download or view that online. Trying to figure out how I should set the high pass and low pass filters using 299-8a and 515-8GHP, but would be nice to have schematics, specs and all.
thanks
rob

The 1653A is an equalizer, not a crossover. You use the 1653A to shape the entire audio spectrum going to your speaker(s) or crossover. A typical 299/515 electronic crossover would be set for 18db/octave slopes and a crossover frequency of 800Hz.

[Rob 515]

The 1653A is an equalizer, not a crossover. You use the 1653A to shape the entire audio spectrum going to your speaker(s) or crossover. A typical 299/515 electronic crossover would be set for 18db/octave slopes and a crossover frequency of 800Hz.

I know it's an equalizer but it still has high pass and low pass filter adjustments. Obviously these were used one unit per driver instead of one unit per 2 way speaker, since it has the low and high pass filters?