Graphic equalizers : How much bandwidth is affected by the fader slider knob ?

[d l x r e v e r b]

On a six band graphic equalizer like the MXR and the Danelectro Fish 'N Chips how much bandwidth is affected by a single fader slider knob ?

For instance the Danelectro has a fader slider knob for 400 Hz. Is just the volume of 400 Hz affected by sliding the knob , or is an area above and below 400 affected ? For instance does the knob's number actually mean "400 , including a certain amount of Hz above and below the number ?" If yes, how much is the plus/minus amount ?

A parametric equalizer allows the user to specify the plus/minus amount around the number. Does a graphic equalizer also have a plus/minus amount but unadjustable for the user ?

[Lolaviola]

The frequencies on a graphic do have a 'preset' area around them which is affected above and below the target freq. The width of this area is commonly called the 'Q' .

[Heady Jam Fan]

The frequencies on a graphic do have a 'preset' area around them which is affected above and below the target freq. The width of this area is commonly called the 'Q' .

Yep - ie parametric I think probably suggests having set parameters, or Q values, for each frequency range. However, there are some with adjustable bands/Q values, particularly software EQ.

[semi-hollowbody]

this is why I am leaning away from my graphic eq's and wanting a parametric eq...I already have a barber barbq (parametric) before dirt, and an mxr 10 band after dirt...I want to replace the 10 band with a parametric...but the empress and frommell are either ridiculously expensive, or too long a wait (respectively)

[Randingo]

I believe the "Q" on a graphic isn't determined/specified in hertz but in octaves. Each doubling of the frequency in Hz is one octave, and I imagine that is pretty much the Q of each slider on the Fish and Chips.

[whoismarykelly]

Imagine stringing a rubber band between two points and pushing it up in the middle. Notice how the points beside the point where you are pushing are affected? Its like that.

[Blues Lyne]

this is why I am leaning away from my graphic eq's and wanting a parametric eq...I already have a barber barbq (parametric) before dirt, and an mxr 10 band after dirt...I want to replace the 10 band with a parametric...but the empress and frommell are either ridiculously expensive, or too long a wait (respectively)

The Barb EQ isn't parametric. It's just a 3 band eq with knobs rather than sliders. For it to be parametric it would have to let you choose the center frequency that is boost or cut, and in a full parametric, it would also let you choose the Q.