2. misc-audio
  3. 174997-163433

It comes with a balance knob?!?! I'll take it!

...said no one ever! I've been researching new gear and it hit me. Why, just why, do pieces have a balance knob? The only time in my life I can remember using said knob was to mess with the music and irritate my friends. You know, because it was cool to make every song sound like that classic Led Zep track. I think it was the 80's and on my Sanyo "boom box".

What is the point? To look retro? Do people actually use it and why?

Thought this might be fun to discuss and learn something new.

128x128izjjzi
ticat's avatar
ticat
332 posts
 

+1 @oldhvymec 

...the voice of experience...

itsjustme
681 posts
 

hey eric - joke aside its right there int he sound control panel.

 

Cleverly labeled 'balance" at least in MacOS 12

sns
3,003 posts
 

My pre has dual Amtrans selector switch  dual transformer based volume control. I found this invaluable in extracting  a stable, consistent center image that no longer requires balance adjustments. Whenever I hear off center image now know due to recording or ear wax buildup.

cakyol's avatar
cakyol
940 posts
 

Room geometry & acoustics.

Balance control & loudness/tone controls are absolutely necessary.

Look at your birthday & Fletcher Munson curves if you do not agree.

 

bondmanp
1,792 posts
 

@izjjzi Yes, a balance control can center a vocalist within the soundstage.  I do it all the time.  Sometimes, the vocals are panned to the left or right intentionally.  In these cases, centering the vocals will produce a lopsided sound stage.  Not only can you center most vocals, but I find that vocal transients coming at me from the left or right can sound harsh, but this harshness lessens or vanishes when the vocals and transients are centered.

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