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Experiment: Level Matching Frequencies

For fun, from my listening position, I experimented with a Radio Shack SPL meter and a demo disc. Using the ROON equalizer, I level matched frequencies at 80dB (50Hz, 63Hz, 80Hz, 100Hz, 125Hz…etc.) This took a few hours and the results were not good.

Of interest, I corrected a peak of +12dB @ 80Hz, a dip of -8dB @ 100Hz,  and a peak of +6dB between 160-200Hz. Other frequencies up to 10kHz needed minor adjustment of +/- 1 to 3dB.

With adjustments, music sounded terrible. For example it was very thin in the mids, compared to no EQ. This experiment was a waste; I expected and hoped these adjustments would improve the sound. Please note: I am a recreational listener, not and EE nor majored in music which means this experiment was ad hoc and  unscientific.

Have any of you tried this or have thoughts as to why level matching frequencies this way had poor results?

4hannons
gdnrbob
2,421 posts
 
Eric, I recall that you build speakers. Right?
Do you think my assessment regarding crossover/wiring affecting hound level balancing correct?
Bob
elizabeth
6,726 posts
 
IT is true, plenty of cheap microphones have far far worse frequency response than speakers!
erik_squires
5,268 posts
 
@gdnrbob2
Not really, assuming you have a decent SS amplifier and reasonable speakers, the crossover and EQ won't interact very much, but your point that EQ should be used sparingly is not wrong.

Using EQ well is an art. In the bass, you want surgical precision. In the midrange and treble  you want to be delicate.

You can only adjust a speaker so far, and the idea of using an EQ to make up for it's deficiencies never works out well. What EQ does well is in the mastering process, or to help correct for certain room problems.

Also, using them as tone controls, with grouped, and gentle adjustment is a good thing.

Best,
E
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