why do some systems need higher volume settings to sound good

[P.I.]

https://www.scribd.com/doc/126637588/44298994-Leo-L-Beranek-Acoustics-pdf

I send this to teach Recording 404 at UNM in the '90's.

[Nick B]

My system requires I crank up the volume to sound the best. I am wondering if this is mostly a function of the speaker design and the driver materials used. Or do the components have more of an effect than the speakers?

Hi Nick,

I attached a graph of perception ability vs frequency. X axis is frequency and Y axis is
how many db it takes for the average person to perceive. If the system is a little lean, I would think it
would take higher spl to "fill out" the music, across the board.

Hope this helps Nick.

steve

Thanks, Steve. Certainly an interesting chart. I haven't measured SPL recently, but I guess my average listening level might be 80-85 dB. Will have to check again.

As an aside, that RCA 6NS7GTB is sounding very nice...

Nick

Hi Nick,

It is rather interesting and difficult if I may say as the recording may be thin, or full to begin with
depending upon the recording equipment, including mics replacement etc.

For individuals just entering the audio world, a little example of
science and audio perception. (I have not heard of audio perception being taught
in any college classrooms.)

For example, at 80 db spl, an average person can hear/perceive down to ~30hz,
and the midrange sounds louder than the bass. One might turn the graph upside
down for clearer picture of what we really hear.

As spl lessens (the volume reduces) the average person perceives the midrange even more
than the bass, so sounds leaner/thinner.  Inversely, when the volume is increased, the bass
increases vs the mids/highs.

What happens is that there is an spl recording level where the frequency response we
perceive is the flattest from bass through midrange and highs. It also depends upon the
quality of the recording, including mic placement, room acoustics etc. Some 50% of the
musical quality is determined by the recording process.

I hope this helps every one.

steve

 

Yes, Steve. That's helpful and makes sense. When I occasionally attend a formal performance or just a band playing at a small gathering, some of the "good stuff" gets drowned out by poor acoustics or ambient noise. For me, I enjoy hearing the details that were present in the studio. In those venues, it's usually the midrange that gets my attention.

Nick

[Nick B]

https://www.scribd.com/doc/126637588/44298994-Leo-L-Beranek-Acoustics-pdf

I send this to teach Recording 404 at UNM in the '90's.

Thanks, Dave. Some very technical stuff with equations too. A lot to learn....