I NEED a tone control to control bass.


The problem is, I'm living in an NYC apartment with suspended hardwoods and a downstairs neighbor with very sensitive ears. I have no interest in rolling off treble, but bass is another matter, as it varies from recording to recording, track to track, and gives me peace of mind to be able to adjust it on the fly, especially late at night. I know tone controls are taboo in this day and age, but wondering if any one has any suggestions on a way to introduce a high-quality bass control, probably subtractive, without degrading the signal path too much and without breaking the bank? Anyone know of a possible custom builder for this? Would also consider a bass-and-treble control if there's a good alternative out there these days...
cfluxa

Showing 1 response by martykl

A subwoofer and sub-controller (like the Velodyne SMS) is one viable solution. The SMS is +/- $400, and if you have 2 pre-outs (or an active x-over like the NHT X-2 @ app $300),you can keep the EQ unit out of the main signal path. It will work in the main path, but it uses ADC prior to room correction/EQ, so, given your stated preference, I suspect that you'd be happier isolating it.

Digitally room corrected subs are a wonderful thing! One more nice benefit - multiple presets. You can store full , room corrected bass response under one preset and polite, rolled off, neighbor-sensitive bass response in another. Switch in the bass when the neighbors are out, play nice when they're at home.

However, you need a sub/main speaker set-up to make it work.

OTOH, I lived on the 32nd floor 60 E. 8th st for 16 years and I never found a truly good solution.

Good Luck,

Marty