http://www.linkwitzlab.com/reference_earphones.htm
Full Version: Reference Earphones
that guy is pretty crazy...
Crazy? Why? I think not. Just a typical sound technician.
He explains clearly why headphones should be equalised.
Well, you don't need to use analogue equaliser, try a digital one.
Parametric would be best, but normal graphic should be good enough.
He explains clearly why headphones should be equalised.
Well, you don't need to use analogue equaliser, try a digital one.
Parametric would be best, but normal graphic should be good enough.
I didn't want to use equalisation because I didn't want to colour the sound but if you use equalisation for a better reference, it's interesting.
The next question is a question of quality of the equaliser. If the benefit is lower than the damage created by the equaliser, then it doesn't worth it.
Anyway, using my ety for mixing, I'm quite attracted by the idea.
The next question is a question of quality of the equaliser. If the benefit is lower than the damage created by the equaliser, then it doesn't worth it.
Anyway, using my ety for mixing, I'm quite attracted by the idea.
It's described in great detail how to build the filters, but little on how to determine the frequency response of it. Only to use a sine sweep. But how to find a tone generator that can compensate for the varying frequency response of my own ears? If you don't, you'd have to use some other method than he does for getting the "smooth auditory response".
Erik, you should do it by ear, it's by far the easiest. (the other method is a thorough audiological examination, then measuring the response of the headphone - it won't be much more accurate, if at all)
Your auditory frequency response shouldn't vary too much except usual 'age lowpass'. (excluding accidents and illnesses [like techno-patries
])
Try this: use tones with frequencies same as ones at the equaliser, set the volume, so that 1kHz is precieved as not being too loud (this should be ~70 dB SPL), play the tones at the same frequencies as the bands, equalise to 'equally annoying' response.
(Yes, it's totally unscientific)
If you can't hear 20 kHz at 0, don't bump it up for your own health.
With foobar2k it's easy and its equaliser is of high quality. (hint: tone://hz)
My curve with Senn HD497 suggests that these are a bit on the bright side. (or my ears )
Your auditory frequency response shouldn't vary too much except usual 'age lowpass'. (excluding accidents and illnesses [like techno-patries
])Try this: use tones with frequencies same as ones at the equaliser, set the volume, so that 1kHz is precieved as not being too loud (this should be ~70 dB SPL), play the tones at the same frequencies as the bands, equalise to 'equally annoying' response.
(Yes, it's totally unscientific)
If you can't hear 20 kHz at 0, don't bump it up for your own health.
With foobar2k it's easy and its equaliser is of high quality. (hint: tone://hz)
My curve with Senn HD497 suggests that these are a bit on the bright side. (or my ears
)
But... wouldn't this be catch 22? First you calibrate the sine wave source using your headphones, then you try to calibrate (other?) headphones with this? What is it I'm missing here...?
I find it interesting that he tested out the E2s, but not the higher-end E3s and E5s. I'm a musician who's been looking for in-ear monitoring for a while, but the local music store only has the E2s, and I was holding out for E5s ($500 new, $300 on Ebay) since I want the best sound... But if an Audiophile says the E2s are good...
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