Cabs and volume

[SimonK]

39 minutes ago, Phil Starr said:

I suspect you already knew this   but it's a spot on observation, though I think you meant to say increase the mids

 

I did indeed - I think evolution is the reason why we need to be very sensitive to quiet rustling in the undergrowth (which is roughly mid frequencies). As things get louder everything balances out as per the graph, so if you are "used" to hearing more mids they need to be boosted as opposed to the smiley EQ that people use at lower volumes.

[Chienmortbb]

2 hours ago, SimonK said:

I did indeed - I think evolution is the reason why we need to be very sensitive to quiet rustling in the undergrowth (which is roughly mid frequencies). As things get louder everything balances out as per the graph, so if you are "used" to hearing more mids they need to be boosted as opposed to the smiley EQ that people use at lower volumes.

The equal loudness curves are "upside down" compared to a typical frequency response or transfer function graph. So although it looks like a smiley face on those plots, to achieve a natural sound you need to dial in a smiley face on your pre-amp/amplifier at low volumes to get a natural sound. In a gig situation, smiley face, where the Lows and Highs are boosted, is not ideal.

Edited January 21 by Chienmortbb

[tauzero]

Once upon a time, a "Loudness" button was a common sight on hi-fi amps. The idea of it was that it would reduce mids when at low volumes (or boost lows & highs, same difference really).

[Bill Fitzmaurice]

It also only fully worked at lower volumes, the effect being reduced as the volume control was raised.

[Bassmonkey2510]

I am assuming this is perceived the same in IEMs despite the volume being so much lower due to proximity of the driver. 

[Phil Starr]

13 hours ago, Bassmonkey2510 said:

I am assuming this is perceived the same in IEMs despite the volume being so much lower due to proximity of the driver. 

It's a function of your ears and brain not the technology so that's absolutely right

 

The only bit I'd mention is for safety's sake. The volume at your ears from in-ears can reach the same level as huge speakers much futher away and can do the same damage so keep the levels reasonable.