Accuphase C-200 "COMP" button - What does it do?


Any ideas as to what the "COMP" button on my Accuphase C-200 does?

I mean, I can hear that it boosts bass and treble (so I guess I've kind of answered my own question), but what precisely is it doing - and what does it stand for? "Compensator"?

Thanks,
Mark
ballywho

Showing 1 response by nsgarch

To add to the above:

Hearing acuity is subject to (if I remember correctly) the Fletcher-Munson Law. This is a measure of the reduction in hearing sensitivity to the high and low frequency extremes as the volume goes down.

According to anthropologists, the reason for this has to do with survival. i.e., predators produce mostly mid-range (crunching leaves, heavy breathing, etc.) and so by accentuating your sensitivity to the midrange at low levels (like at night for instance) you have a better chance of getting away before you get eaten.

For a similar reason, our visual sensitivity shifts to blue in low light at night (the color of moonlight.)