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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
jeffjoeblob
6 posts
 
Dude, I have an ancient (ca 1963) Macintosh c20 preamp. It has tone controls as well as a built-in parametric equalizer for different recording co. standards (the preamp dates to before RCIA standards, which normalized recording equalization across major music publishers, so it's suitable for 78s, etc.)

Some people will tell you that tone controls degrade clarity, etc. If so, I can't tell. My old Mac is the clearest, most honest preamp I own, and I own numerous more modern choices.

So once again, musical quality, clarity, etc. comes down to manufacturing quality, not features. I understand the "purest signal" argument - if nothing else, a simpler circuit provides less opportunity for screwups - but in reality, tone controls well done are fine, and they're quite helpful, user friendly, and will actually permit you to listen to and appreciate more music, especially badly recorded stuff. 
noble100's avatar
noble100
2,419 posts
 
Hello jeffjoeblob,

     
     I'm just curious about how you tend to use your tone controls and built-in PEQ, do you have the controls set at specific positions and generally keep them there or do you find yourself adjusting them from song to song or album to album?
    
Tim
uberwaltz's avatar
uberwaltz
13,381 posts
 
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.
erik_squires OP
16,363 posts
 
Some people will tell you that tone controls degrade clarity, etc. If so, I can’t tell.


I have found that this is very preamp specific, plus now that we are in the digital world, I do my tone controls before my DAC. I feel like I’m cheating.
erik_squires OP
16,363 posts
 
I tend to find myself boosting the bass a little on vinyl and cutting the treble on cds.


Speaking of which, we've all heard how bad early CD's were. From Talking Heads to U2, some of it was crap. The bass sounds like a sheet drying on a clothesline. Adjusting for the sensibilities of the times is also a real thing.
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