Speck Electronics EQ16 - Manual (Page 29)

If the headroom is exceeded, it will be necessary to either reduce the
amount of "boost" and/or reduce the input level. Reducing the level to
the equalizer channel is usually the preferable option.
When the channels of the Model EQ16 are connected to a mixer's insert
points, the level to the input of the EQ16 is adjusted by the controls of
the mixer's input channel. When equalization is accentuated as part of
an integrated mixing system, it is reflected as an increase of level on the
mixer's input channels, buss outputs, and stereo outputs and ultimately
on the VU meters. Be aware of these level increases when using the
EQ16 with your mixer.
25 Chapter 4 Operation Section