Equalization

I was in the Mapleshade exhibit with Pierre and Ron Bowman with Ron’s novel amp that had no tone controls OR volume control. The volume was preset electrically and less obtrusively. The resulting sound through the Nakamichi Dragon CD System and Gallo Ref. Speakers was VERY open and dynamic and smooth. I immediately jumped off the tone control train. 🚂 🏃🏻‍♂️ I doubt tone controls are a shortcut to Xanadu.

Snake oil is good for the hobby. 🐍 It greases the wheels of progress and makes everything run smoother. Obviously not everyone is on board the progress train and that’s OK. 🚂

Most balance and frequency problems are actually produced by room anomalies. Comb filter effects, echos, first and second reflections, too much absorption, etc. A balanced program of tube traps, diffusers, resonators, Mpingo discs and other room treatments will get rid of the problem rather than covering it up. 🙈 First you need to map out the room including the 3D space to locate all sound pressure peaks that are at least 6 dB higher than the average SPL in the room when playing a test tone at moderate level. Of course there is the additional worry of the room walls flexing and vibrating like drum heads. More about that later.