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.Β  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 5 responses by uberwaltz

The Cello Palette is an incredible piece but prices are out of this world too.
$5000 for used if you can find one but what a preamp!
They can be used as either speaker cables or interconnects. But be sure to watch for the correct directionality.
Ha!
AndΒ  here I have been using zip cord all this time!
Now I know why my system needs tone controls!
Just to add something pertinent
I use in my second system an old Sanyo receiver, circa 1970 something, all silver shiny faceplate, big tuner analog dial and lots of switches and knobs, ooh shiny things......

It has bass and treble and loudness button, hi filter cut and low filter cut.

Do I use them?

Heck yes indeed!

I tend to find myself boosting the bass a little on vinyl and cutting the treble on cds.

So yes I am constantly adjusting, there is no good one setting fits all.

So in theory it should translate to the main rig that there cannot be just one setting ( neutral or wherever the amp designer has voiced the preamp section) that fits all genres and sources.

Part of the reason I use a Jolida bass expander in the analog section of my main rig, now seriously considering best way to implement a complete DSP type of setup down the road.