Method and apparatus for generating decoupled filter parameters and implementing a band decoupled filter

A method (100) and data processing system (120) for filtering unfiltered signals (134) to produce filtered signals (136) in accordance with desired filter control parameters (124). Adjusted filter control parameters (130) are generated based upon user provided filter control parameters (124) and operational characteristics (128) of a filter (132) to be implemented. The adjusted filter control parameters (130) are provided to the filter (132) which filters the unfiltered signal (134) to produce the filtered signal (136). Using the adjusted filter control parameters (130), the filter (132) has a filtering function that agrees with the desired filter control parameters (124) to effectively band decouple the filter from bands of surrounding filters. A graphic equalizer (250) implements a multi-band digital filter function that substantially reduces the effects of interband coupling, producing a more accurate match to the original filter response specification.