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
You just repeat the obvious in every thread you start..nothing is ever original just something you read nothing of your own. 

Best,

T



You just repeat the obvious in every thread you start..nothing is ever original just something you read nothing of your own.

I'm so glad you agree with everything I've posted.  Would you prefer a T-shirt with my face on it, or a signed picture??

Best,

E

No Eric, I have the original issue CD and an incredibly vivid memory of Biamping the BIG ADS 2030 with 4 Hafler power amps ( because we could ! )....
erik, I am certainly not the one to argue as I use the best tone controls ever made, full spectrum room control. I can adjust the frequency response any way I want and see the actual results on the computer that controls the system by impulse test. It gets even better. I have dynamic loudness compensation. The system will follow the appropriate loudness curve depending on the actual volume so no matter what the volume the music sounds exactly the same. Various curves are stored in memory to cover specific problems. As an example I have a curve with a notch filter centered on 3000 Hz. I use it for sibilant voices and such. The unit is a Tact 2.2X. Tact went out of business. Trinnov and Anthem make units that are good but do not quite make it to the level of the TACT. I could never live without it. Fortunately the Tact is very well made but if it died I would probably go with the Trinnnov Amethyst.