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Re: How do we listen?

Subject: Re: How do we listen?
From: madl74
Date: Sat Aug 17, 2013 8:07 am ((PDT))
> What I mean is, do you listen to them with the default amp setting, or wi=
th either bass/treble or equalizer adjustment?
> In my particular case, when listening to either edited or commercial soun=
d, I adjust via graphic equalizer (computer) or bass/treble (hi-fi), to com=
pensate mainly for high frequency hearing loss. What I find odd is, that it=
 was only yesterday for the first time, that I did this while editing!

Max,

I could write an essay on the subject but I'll spare the list. :-)

With all recording you have to "calibrate" your ears. Playback systems,
headphones and especially loudspeakers in rooms, have a variable frequency=

response and we all have to compensate for this at least.

Find a listening setting that sounds natural and monitor using this setting=
,
including the volume level. However, you also need to check some examples o=
f
original recordings using a power spectrum. With a hosepipe or compressed
air or rain, you should get an idea of the natural HF rolloff. Also look at=

some recent recordings of water on Soundcloud. I also like to see active
sounds on a spectrogram above my ears' HF cutoff.

When it comes to equalising recordings, many hature sounds they can benefit=

with a gentle LF rolloff to reduce anthropogenic noise. My default HPF is
800Hz 0dB; 400Hz -1dB; 200Hz -3dB; below that -3dB per octave. Unless you
have to compensate for a mic fault or a rig hiccup, the rest is often best=

left flat.

Once you are happy with your listening equalisation, stick to it. Also ask=

others with their own hearing oddities (we all have them) to comment.

David Brinicombe







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