Set all sliders to a neutral setting of zero dB. The zero dB setting is located in the middle of each slider. At this setting, no one frequency is made louder than any other. However, since bass and treble frequencies can sound indistinct through bad speakers or in large rooms, we will boost the gain of each to create an inverted bell curve.
Boost the gain of the bass frequency sliders. Set the 32 Hz slider to +8 dB, the 63 Hz slider to +4 dB and the 125 Hz slider to +2 dB. The gain meter on an equalizer is usually marked by fours, so be sure to position the 125 Hz slider on the marker between 0 and +4 dB.
Lower the gain of the middle frequency sliders. Keep the 250 Hz slider at 0 dB. Lower the 500 Hz slider to -2 dB, the 1 kHz slider to -4 dB and the 2 kHz slider to -2 dB. This creates the lowest point of your bell curve, lowering the gain of middle frequencies commonly found in guitars and voices.
Raise the gain of the high frequency sliders. Set the 4 kHz slider at +2 dB, the 8 kHz slider at +4 dB and the 16 kHz slider at +8 dB. This boosts the high frequency sounds of instruments like the piccolo and oboe.