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From: gvcormack@watdaisy.UUCP (Gordon V. Cormack)
Newsgroups: net.audio
Subject: equalizers
Message-ID: <7351@watdaisy.UUCP>
Date: Wed, 17-Jul-85 16:19:53 EDT
Article-I.D.: watdaisy.7351
Posted: Wed Jul 17 16:19:53 1985
Date-Received: Thu, 18-Jul-85 02:29:48 EDT
Distribution: net
Organization: U of Waterloo, Ontario
Lines: 30

It is my impression that almost all differences between reasonable
quality stereo components can be attributed to differences in
frequency response across the audio spectrum.  Therefore, I have 
decided that I should buy a multi-band equalizer.

I would like to have answers to two questions:  First, what makes and
models are recommended and for what reasons?  I am interested in at
least 1-octave resolution;  1/2 octave would be better if it doesn't
cost 10 db more.

Second, I don't see how one could possibly calibrate the system by
ear.  It seems to me that one would want to measure the SPL generated
by a known source.  The source is (relatively) easy to come by; one
can buy or build a tone generator.  Once upon a time, I saw a test
record with a number of tones on it as well.  One can also build a
SPL meter with a microphone and a volt meter, but that would measure
the frequency response of the microphone more than anything else.
Do there exist such meters at reasonable price?  If so, where can they
be obtained?  Alternatively,  if I had a known source, I could 
calibrate my own.

Perhaps I am being unfair to calibration by ear.  What are normal
methods for setting up equalizers by ear?  I do not regard listening
to my favourite record and diddling it 'till it sounds good acceptable.
I can't even do this with the 3 tone controls I have.  I have tried
from time to time and am sometimes happy for a while, but invariably
am happier with them all in the "flat" position.
-- 
Gordon V. Cormack      CS Department, University of Waterloo
   gvcormack@watdaisy.uucp     gvcormack%watdaisy@waterloo.csnet