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Stereo Separation, Subwoofers, and Headphones (2008)

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Re: Stereo Separation, Subwoofers, and Headphones (2008)

#11
post #3

Nitpick: often we refer to "omnidirectional" bass because, given that subwoofers are usually much smaller than bass wavelengths (around 16 ft at 60 Hz), they have an omnidirectional radiating pattern. Live sound is usually highly artifical, with the heavy use of compression, EQ, effects, and a very exagerrated bass. For instance, all reverb is usually digital, because instruments and singers have to be close-miked to…

You still want stage level to be consistent between instruments. Open-back guitar cabinets are less beamy than closed-back cabinets, and have less acoustic suspension fake bass to boot.

Live sound does not have to be particularly artificial at all so long as the venue has decent acoustics. You probably don't need the reverb or compression, and EQ is really only any good as a mixing tool.

Re: Stereo Separation, Subwoofers, and Headphones (2008)

#12
Certain recordings seem to have too much stereo separation on headphones and they sound unnatural (this effect is discussed in the article). There are a variety of analog and digital methods for adding in a small amount of "crossfeed"[1] to reduce this effect and make headphone listening more comfortable.

[1]

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