The 9 Best Graphic Equalizers
Updated by · How we research
Live sound crews use a graphic EQ to tame monitor feedback. We compared 31-band and 15-band units from dbx, Behringer, Rockville and EMB; the dbx 231s is first. When users buy our independently chosen editorial picks, we may earn commissions to help fund the Wiki.
Each slider on a 31-band equalizer covers a third of an octave; on a 15-band unit it's two-thirds, less precise for notching out one ringing frequency. A graphic equalizer splits sound into fixed bands, each with its own slider, so the row of faders draws the tone curve. Live sound crews use one to tame monitor feedback; home listeners, for broad tone shaping.
From the manual
- Turn the power amps down before flipping the range switch; the manual warns the change can make an audible pop. p. 8
- Bypass drops only the sliders. The input gain and low-cut filter stay in the signal, so a before-and-after check still includes them. p. 7
- Use the XLR or the TRS jack on each input, never both; doubling up can unbalance the line or damage connected gear. p. 8
- The two-year parts-and-labor warranty covers only the original U.S. buyer, and it counts only if you register within 30 days. p. 5
From the manual
- Press FBQ and the fader of a ringing band lights while the rest dim; lower that slider until its light goes out. p. 14
- The bypass is a relay: when the unit is switched off or loses power, the inputs connect straight to the outputs. p. 14
- The subwoofer jack is one mono XLR fed by both channels, with a crossover you set from 30 to 200 Hz. pp. 14, 24
- Music Tribe's warranty runs one year, or three if you register online within 90 days; faders, switches and meters get one year either way. Music Tribe warranty
Compare the specs
Swipe the table sideways to see every column.
| Product | Bands per channel | Height (rack spaces) | Depth (in) | Cut filters | Feedback lights | Connections |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. dbx 231s | 31 | 2 | 6 | 50 Hz low cut | No | XLR, TRS |
| 2. Behringer FBQ3102HD | 31 | 2 | 5.9 | Sweep low and high | Yes | XLR, TRS, sub out |
| 3. Behringer FBQ6200HD | 31 | 3 | 5.4 | Sweep low and high | Yes | XLR, TRS, sub out |
| 4. dbx 215s | 15 | 1 | 6 | 50 Hz low cut | No | XLR, TRS |
| 5. Behringer FBQ1502HD | 15 | 1 | 8.5 | 25 Hz low cut | Yes | XLR, TRS, sub out |
| 6. Rockville REQ231 V2 | 31 | 2 | — | Sweep low and high | No | XLR, TRS, sub out |
| 7. dbx 1231 | 31 | 3 | 7.9 | 40 Hz low cut | No | XLR, TRS, screw terminals |
| 8. Rockville REQ42-B | 21 | 2 | 9.1 | None listed | No | RCA, front 3.5 mm jack |
| 9. EMB EB831EQ | — | — | — | — | — | — |
One rack space is 1.75 inches. "Sweep" means the cutoff is set by a knob; a single frequency means an on/off switch. The REQ231 V2 row comes from Rockville's REQ231 manual and V2 setup article, which give no depth. EMB publishes no manual or spec sheet for the EB831EQ, so its row is blank.
Sources
- dbx 231s and 215s 2-Series user manual (PDF)
- dbx 1231 12 Series operation manual (PDF)
- Behringer FBQ HD models Quick start guide, V 6.0 (PDF)
- Rockville REQ231 V2 Owner's manual, REQ231 (PDF) V2 setup article
- Rockville REQ42-B Owner's manual (PDF)
From the manual
- Each limiter's threshold runs from -6 to +22 dB; turned fully clockwise, the limiter is off. p. 14
- The pink noise switch blinks red while the test signal plays, and its own knob and meter set and show the level. p. 14
- The subwoofer output stays silent until you press its switch; only this model adds a sub level knob and meter. pp. 14, 24-25
From the manual
- Its sliders sit two-thirds of an octave apart on standard ISO centers, so each one moves a wider slice than a 31-band unit's. p. 8
- Input gain runs 12 dB up or down and stays active in bypass, along with the low-cut filter. p. 7
- dbx says it draws so little power it can stay on all the time; keep the rack below 113 degrees F. pp. 8-9
From the manual
- The low cut is a fixed 25 Hz switch rather than a knob, and there's no high-cut filter. pp. 14, 24
- Its bypass is electronic; the two larger HD models use a relay instead. p. 14
- The meter shows output level only, with no input/output switch. p. 14
From the manual
- The manual is titled REQ231 and never names the V2; Rockville's V2 setup article describes the same controls. V2 setup article
- Turning a cut-filter knob to its end stop, 10 Hz for low cut or 30 kHz for high cut, takes that filter out. p. 3
- The manual shows a 12-volt adapter jack on the back, while the V2 page lists a power cable; check what arrives. p. 4
From the manual
- To break a hum loop, remove the jumper between two barrier-strip screws, then wire the circuit-ground terminal to another system ground. p. 4
- If power fails, a relay links inputs to outputs; at power-up the equalizer waits about two seconds before switching in. p. 2
- The range and low-cut switches are recessed so a bump can't flip them; turn the amps down before changing range. pp. 3, 37
From the manual
- If moving the sliders changes nothing, the unit is in DIRECT mode; press EQ to switch the equalizer back in. p. 3
- Inputs are RCA, picked with front buttons for DVD, tape, tuner and aux, plus a front mini-jack; the record output is RCA too. p. 3
- Rockville covers it for one year. Rockville product page
Editor's Notes
November 4, 2026, by Ezvid Wiki Editors:
We read the makers' manuals for eight of the nine picks and added a spec table and manual notes under each of them. The buyer's guide now gives the right range of rack depths and credits Sweetwater's David Stewart for the ring-out method, and the FAQ quotes the signal-to-noise figures these units list. We also corrected the dbx 1231's ground lift, which is a strap rather than a switch, and the October note's claim that the Art EQ355 can't be found new.
October 18, 2026, by Ezvid Wiki Editors:
A long-running 31-band standard that does the basics well, the dbx 231s, now heads the list. Many units from the old version are gone. The BSS Audio Opal FCS-966, Klark Teknik DN370 and Yamaha Q2031B have been discontinued, and we couldn't find the DJTech Soundgraph 6102 or Behringer MiniFBQ 800 for sale new. [2026 update: the Art EQ355, which this note first listed as unavailable, is still a current ART model.] The original Rockville REQ231 has been replaced by the Rockville REQ231 V2, so that's here instead.
The Behringer FBQ3102HD is the value pick, and its sibling the Behringer FBQ6200HD adds a pink noise generator and limiters for people setting up a room from scratch. The dbx 215s and Behringer FBQ1502HD cover anyone short on rack space, and the dbx 1231 is for installs that run unattended.
We kept the list at nine. The other candidates were knob-style tone boxes, car units or unbranded digital equalizers with almost no documents behind them.
Be aware that evidence is thin here. We found no independent lab tests of current graphic equalizers, and the dbx and Behringer sites wouldn't load for us, so many specs come from dealer spec sheets. [2026 update: we have since read dbx's own manuals and Behringer's quick start guide, and the dbx and Behringer specs on this page now come from them.] Each entry says where a claim rests on owner reports.
Earlier notes
July 19, 2020, by Daniel Imperiale:
While the top performers in this category continue to be models aimed at use in recording studios or in live performance settings, there remain outstanding options that are equally suitable, if not even better, for use with home stereos and entertainment systems. The Art EQ355, for example, features RCA connectivity in addition to the more traditional XLR and 1/4-inch jacks, making it easy to hook up things like DVD players.
For pro audio use, the BSS Audio Opal FCS-966 is easily a top choice, not least of all for its contour shaping abilities. These can round out the curve around the 50Hz and 14KHz sliders, which are posts where there often need to be pretty hefty cuts to keep harsh high end or buzzy low end in check. The contour shaping makes those abrupt changes a little smoother.
We did get rid of the EMB EQB75 10-Band to make room for that BSS model, but also because it positioned itself as a home theater unit, but had slider leds that were so bright they could light up a space that, by design, should be as dark as possible. Without a closed theater cabinet, you're viewing experience would take a big hit.
July 9, 2019, by Daniel Imperiale:
Compared to a previous version of our selection, we've eliminated a pair of EQ units that were decent performers, but whose interfaces couldn't really be considered graphic. I'm talking about the models by Planet Audio and Clarion, both of which are intended for use in cars and boast nice features like gold-plated terminals and easy installation, but that ultimately had to make way for a wider selection of EQ systems with truly graphic interfaces, all of which are intended for use in audio racks, either in recording studios, live performance venues, or home theaters. Many modern car stereos feature excellent built-in equalization capabilities, anyway, so this is not much of a loss for the list.
In place of those models, and in addition to those already featured, we've included some excellent offerings from the likes of Klark Teknik and Yamaha, the former of which features illuminated LED rings around its high-pass, low-pass, and swept notch filters, so you can see them more easily in a dark studio or performance space. Another illuminated model, the EMB 10-band, fell all the way to our ninth spot, as the brightness of its LED faders, while convenient in some settings, is consistently too bright for practical use in a home theater.
Special Honors
Room EQ Wizard Room EQ Wizard is free acoustic measurement software for Windows, Mac and Linux. With an inexpensive measurement microphone, it shows the frequency response of your speakers in your room, so you can see which peaks are worth cutting with a graphic equalizer before you touch a slider. roomeqwizard.com
31 Bands Or 15, And What The Range Switch Does
At 6 decibels, the same slider travel covers a smaller change, so you get finer control.
A graphic equalizer gives you a row of sliders, each tied to one fixed frequency band, so the slider positions draw the curve you're applying (TechTarget). A parametric equalizer lets you move the frequency and width of each band instead. That's more surgical, but slower to read at a glance.
The standard pro layout is 31 bands per channel, each 1/3 of an octave wide, at fixed ISO points from 20 hertz to 20 kilohertz. The dbx 231s is the common example. Narrow bands let you pull down one ringing frequency without dulling everything around it. A 15-band unit such as the dbx 215s uses bands 2/3 of an octave wide. That fits in one rack space and works for broad tone shaping, but each cut takes more of the sound with it.
Most pro units have a range switch. At 12 or 15 decibels, each slider covers a big correction. At 6 decibels, the same slider travel covers a smaller change, so you get finer control. Good practice is to cut more than you boost and keep most moves under about 6 decibels. Big boosts eat headroom and can push amplifiers into clipping.
Ringing Out Monitors Without Wrecking Speakers
The main live-sound job for a graphic equalizer is ringing out stage monitors before a show. David Stewart, Sweetwater's service department manager and a live sound engineer, describes the usual method in an undated article for the retailer's SweetCare knowledge base: set the open mics to the same level, turn the monitors up until they feed back, pull down the ringing band, and repeat. He stops after five to seven rounds, or once more than three frequencies feed back at the same time. The result gets loud but may not sound great, so the monitors then come back down for finer tweaks.
Feedback can jump in level very fast, and Stewart warns it can fry components and ears. Keep a hand on the master fader and work at moderate volume.
Finding the right band by ear takes practice. Behringer's feedback detection lights the fader of the band that's ringing, and its quick start guide says to lower that slider until the light goes out. A limiter, built into some units, caps sudden peaks before they reach the amplifier. A pink noise generator plays a test signal you can measure with an app or a real-time analyzer. Neither replaces careful gain setting.
Connections, Levels And Rack Space
Check how the equalizer connects before you buy. Pro units use balanced XLR and 1/4-inch TRS jacks at the +4 dBu level that mixers and amplifiers expect, and balanced cables reject hum over long runs. Home receivers and preamps use RCA jacks at the lower -10 dBV level. The dbx units here have no RCA jacks; their manuals list XLR and TRS jacks, plus screw terminals on the 1231, so home use means adapter cables and a check that levels match. Hi-fi roundups such as Shutter Groove cover small stereo-shelf equalizers with RCA jacks.
Rack gear is 19 inches wide, and height is counted in rack units. One unit is 1.75 inches, two are 3.5 inches and three are 5.25 inches. Depth varies from about 5.5 to 9 inches among the units here, so measure your case. Use a grounded outlet, leave space for air, and try the ground lift, where the unit has one, or balanced cables if you hear hum.
An equalizer can't fix a bad room or a poor speaker. It can smooth a peak or tame a boomy bass note, but deep dips caused by the room won't fill in no matter how far you push a slider. Measuring first, for example with free software like Room EQ Wizard and a measurement mic, shows you which moves are worth making.
How we researched this
We compared 19 graphic equalizers and screened nine in depth. For the picks we read dbx's 2-Series user manual (231s and 215s) and 12 Series operation manual (1231), Behringer's Ultragraph Pro HD quick start guide, which covers all three FBQ models, and Rockville's REQ231 and REQ42 owner's manuals; EMB publishes no manual for the EB831EQ. Beyond those, Sweetwater's SweetCare article on ringing out monitors and Music Tribe's warranty terms shaped the guide and the notes. Searches of the CPSC recall database and Health Canada's recall site on November 4, 2026 found no recall for dbx, Behringer, Rockville or EMB equalizers.
Sources (13)
- TechTarget: graphic equalizer definition
- dbx: 2-Series (131s, 215s, 231s) user manual (PDF)
- dbx: 12 Series (1215, 1231) operation manual (PDF)
- Behringer: Ultragraph Pro FBQ6200HD/FBQ3102HD/FBQ1502HD quick start guide (PDF)
- Music Tribe (Behringer): limited warranty (PDF)
- Rockville: REQ231 owner's manual (PDF)
- Rockville: REQ231 V2 setup article
- Rockville: REQ42-S/REQ42-B owner's manual (PDF)
- Sweetwater SweetCare: the best way to EQ stage monitors (David Stewart)
- Shutter Groove: best equalizers for hi-fi
- Room EQ Wizard
- CPSC recalls
- Health Canada: recalls and safety alerts
Frequently asked questions
What is a graphic equalizer?
It's an audio processor with a row of sliders, each tied to one fixed frequency band. Moving a slider boosts or cuts that band, and the slider positions draw the tone curve you're applying.
Should I get a 31-band or a 15-band equalizer?
Get 31 bands for ringing out monitors, where you need to cut one narrow frequency. A 15-band unit is fine for broad tone shaping and fits in one rack space.
What's the difference between a graphic and a parametric equalizer?
A graphic equalizer has fixed bands and widths, which makes it quick to read. A parametric equalizer lets you choose each band's frequency and width, which is more precise but slower to set.
Do I need a graphic equalizer for a home stereo?
Not usually. It can tame a boomy bass note or brighten dull speakers, but it can't fix room problems. If you want one, pick a unit with RCA jacks, or use adapter cables and check levels.
Does a graphic equalizer add noise?
An analog equalizer adds a little noise, and big boosts make it more audible. The pro units here list signal-to-noise figures of about 90 to 97 decibels, and the home-stereo Rockville lists 80. Keep sliders near center and use the bypass button to compare.
