Loudness compensation reduces effectively to a bass tone control

Evidence

Listening at sound levels below the “original” or intended level causes timbral changes and a progressive loss of low bass unless corrective measures are taken. Unfortunately, because music has dynamic range, the corrections cannot be correct for all components of the original sounds. Strongly amplitude compressed music would respond more favorably to such correction, though, meaning that much modern music would certainly qualify. It is possible to choose a compromise loudness correction, catering to the needs of the louder portions of programs. When this is done, the substantial loudness compensations are at low frequencies—essentially it is a bass tone control. — Toole, Floyd E, Sound reproduction- the acoustics and…, 919

Categorization

• XREF: Connects to the loudness-vs-level discussion in earlier chapters and to Fletcher-Munson curve applications in consumer audio.