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Equalizer recommendation

jozeppy26

jozeppy26

Active Member
I’ve decided to stop searching for a vintage pioneer equalizer and buy new. I’d really like one with a spectrum analyzer and dynamic loudness function, whereby it increases highs and lows dynamically depending on volume level (if this even exists).
 
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It sounds like what you want is a laptop with a professional mastering program installed on it, not an equalizer. I've never heard of a frequency dependent "dynamic loudness function" on anything, let alone on home audio equipment.
 
Poinzy said:
It sounds like what you want is a laptop with a professional mastering program installed on it, not an equalizer. I've never heard of a frequency dependent "dynamic loudness function" on anything, let alone on home audio equipment.
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Darn it! I was hopeful because I’ve read posts where the loudness curve on some stereo receivers is automatically not applied past a certain volume.

Other than the presence of a spectrum analyzer, is there no benefit of a new equalizer vs a vintage silver-faced pioneer, say an SG-9500 or SG-9800, if the number of frequency bands are the same? How does the harmonic distortion compare?
 
Poinzy said:
I've never heard of a frequency dependent "dynamic loudness function" on anything, let alone on home audio equipment.
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There are a number of units that have what is commonly called "variable loudness compensation". I believe that may be what the OP is referring to.

In its most basic function it will vary the amount of compensation by a fixed amount depending on the position of the volume control. Others have a separated control to provide variable compensation that is not solely dependent on the position of the volume control.
 
There are differences. Most earlier graphic EQs were essentially boosted passive Bessel filters. With this type of filter the width of the affected band varies according to the boost or cut applied. They work inversely to how you would think in that the lower the boost or cut, the wider the affected bandwidth, and conversely, as the boost/cut increases the band width gets narrower. More recent EQs use state variable filter topology using IC based gyrator circuits with vanishing low distortion levels. These are of much higher accuracy and maintain a fixed bandwidth regardless of the level of boost or cut. Also, by using gyrators the only part of the signal to pass through a filter element is that part where boost or cut is applied. The rest of the signal passes straight through. I have a Behringer stereo 15 band EQ with improved PSU which I use occasionally to 'help' poor recordings.
On the subject of automatic tone control, these types of dynamic systems are available in commercial studio and stage equipment, but I have never heard of a domestic version, although there are some amplifiers still made with a loudness function which fades away as volume is increased. I have a Denon PMA720AE which has a loudness bass/treble enhancement filter that is only effective at lower volume levels.
 
The loudness is often built into a receiver or preamp, not the EQ. Unless I'm missing something many loudness switches activate a feature much like described here. Some however just boost bass and treble a fixed amount. Not sure which is which. An EQ usually goes in a "tape" or "processor" loop (which is unattenuated line level) so there's really no way that it could know at what volume your preamp is set.
 
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