equal loudness curves

[blackbeast250]

Hi folks , further to my incessant posting and questioning on rtas and pink noise generators , I have done some more research and discovered equal loudness curves, (which I know you are all familiar with) my understanding is that these are what you use after you have achieved a flat response from your system , to compensate for the fact that peoples ears dont hear all frequencies at the same level , it is also my understanding that they are just a guideline and there is no substitute for ears, however does anyone have some examples of these , not in graph form but simply written down as the frequencies on a std dual 31 band graphic , and how much to cut or boost at the different frequencies and different volumes . Also are there different curves suited to different typeas of music , ie rock , folk etc ,

thanks , Robin.

[Simon Lewis]

my understanding is that these are what you use after you have achieved a flat response from your system , to compensate for the fact that peoples ears dont hear all frequencies at the same level

 

No, the curves show you that for a low frequency tone to be heard at an equal loudness to a 1kHz tone, the LF tone needs to be at a considerably higher intensity.

 

However, if you look at the curves around 70 - 90 dB, you'll see that the curves are quite a bit flatter.... and this is the level that most of your listeners will hear at. Therefore, I'd suggest that for now you look at these curves and note how the ear behaves, but do not try to alter your eq to compensate.

 

, it is also my understanding that they are just a guideline and there is no substitute for ears, however does anyone have some examples of these , not in graph form but simply written down as the frequencies on a std dual 31 band graphic , and how much to cut or boost at the different frequencies and different volumes . Also are there different curves suited to different typeas of music , ie rock , folk etc ,

thanks , Robin.

 

There are some "house curves" that can vary for different styles, but again I'd suggest you start off using the eq to minimise problems between the PA and the room, and run from there. After all, it's not easy to change eq on the fly to account for dynamics...