Toole and why I like Tone Controls


In another thread I was pointed to a really excellent paper by Dr. Floyd Toole (he doesn't use the Dr. but it is well earned) on getting to neutral.

So I want to go back with a little history. In all of audio reproduction theater sound reproduction is among the most rigidly controlled areas of audio. From the needs of Dolby Surround playback, to introduction of acoustic decay requirements introduced by THX, and more, the attempt to deliver a uniform theater experience has been a subject of serious effort by many, and continues to be so.

That's in sharp contrast to consumer music.

So while this article focuses heavily on theater sound, it also touches on just how difficult it is for even theater sound experts to get to neutral. If they can't do it, imagine how hard it is for music!

And, yes, I'm going to hijack Dr. Toole's paper to plug tone controls. With all the guessing that goes on, not using tone controls, and not having great tone controls to use is folly.  Quote me. I said FOLLY!

http://www.aes.org/tmpFiles/elib/20200201/17839.pdf

Also, personal request, if anyone knows how I can get in touch with him and be a fan boy, please let me know. :) I'd love to hang with him, and it turns out he's a local.
erik_squires

Showing 1 response by prof

Erik 

I agree that tone controls can make good sense and suit the needs or desires of many people.   And also I think the fear many audiophiles have of contaminating the purity of their signal are likely overblown.  Personally I’d never decry anyone’s choice to use tone controls or and EQ.

That said, I had a “transparent” digital eq in my rack for years and years (RDP-1).   I found that I essential found I never felt the need for it.  Once my speakers are dialed in nicely I tend to enjoy pretty much everything played through them.  Also, my CJ tube amps may be acting as a subtle tone control for my speakers.  If so, it’s a set-and-forget tone that I seem to like across the board :)

Further, I don’t really like the idea of fiddling with EQ per track.  That’s a more fidgety approach to music listening than I want to engage in.  Simply accepting the sound as it is leads me to focus on the music more.  (Though when I DO want to play with the sound I tend to do it via acoustics, whether it’s pulling a curtain on the side wall for a more or less spacious lively sound, putting a pillow behind my head or the like).

But that’s just an account of the approach I take.  Someone else may be the opposite where if, for instance, they find a track too shrill or lacking bass it would detract from their musical enjoyment so they activate tone controls.