How to EQ Your Room with the Behringer X32 (or Midas M32)

Summary

The video explains how to use a Behringer X32 or Midas M32, a reference microphone, and the mixer’s built-in RTA (real-time analyzer) to tune a room’s overall sound. The goal is to reduce prominent frequency buildups, create a more balanced sound, and potentially help address feedback.

Make adjustments to the Main mix EQ, not the reference-microphone channel.

Room-EQ Procedure

1. Set the Main mix EQ to a neutral starting point

Select the Main mix and open the Equalizer view. Reset its EQ settings, then leave the EQ activated so you can use it during the tuning process.

2. Configure the X32’s RTA

Press METERS and navigate to the RTA tab. Set:

• Peak Hold: 3 seconds
• Decay: 1 second
• Auto Gain: On

3. Position and configure the reference microphone

Place the microphone in the middle of the listening area, at ear height—about five feet off the ground. Point it toward the stage, parallel to the floor.

Connect it to an open mixer channel and select that channel. Turn on 48V phantom power, then turn off the channel’s Low Cut, Gate, Compressor, and Equalizer. Turn off all bus sends, and deactivate both Mono Bus and Stereo Bus for the channel.

4. Generate pink noise and set the microphone gain

Open the oscillator settings and select the Oscillator tab. Set the oscillator type to Pink Noise and its destination to Main L+R.

Turn on the generator and adjust its level until the sound fills the room at roughly the level of a normal service. Set the reference-microphone channel gain so its meter stays mostly around −18 dB.

5. Use the RTA to adjust the Main mix EQ

Keep the pink noise running and view the reference-microphone channel’s EQ/RTA display. Look for yellow bars that rise noticeably above the others; these indicate frequency ranges that stand out in the room.

Cut those ranges using the Main mix EQ. An iPad can make it easier to adjust the Main mix while watching the RTA. Otherwise, switch between the reference-microphone channel and the Main mix using their Select buttons.

EQ Guidelines

• Prioritize cuts; boosting frequencies is usually not the right approach when tuning a room.
• Use PEQ filters only. Avoid high-cut, low-cut, and shelving filters for this task.
• Start with a Q value around 4, then use the highest Q value that achieves the desired result.
• Keep adjustments moderate. A cut greater than about 6 dB may be too aggressive.
• Don’t chase a perfectly flat display; focus on ranges that are significantly out of line.
• For a warmer, punchier sound, frequencies around 400 Hz and below may register somewhat higher than those above them.
• Make sure you adjust the Main mix, not the reference-microphone channel.

Check the Results

After addressing the major issues, play a familiar song through the system and compare the sound with the Main mix EQ on and off. Also listen while the band is playing. If the result is not working, reset the Main mix EQ and try again; getting it right can take time.

Speakers and Sources Featured

• Presenter: An unnamed host speaking on behalf of the Collaborate Worship channel.
• Behringer X32 Mastery: Mentioned as the video sponsor and training resource.
• DBX RTA Microphone: Identified by the presenter as the reference microphone used in the demonstration.