Reverberant fields sound bass-heavy and require context-specific equalization

Evidence

In many performance spaces, the reverberant field does not have a flat frequency response, as discussed in Section 6.1.7, and therefore subjectively colors the perceived sound if distant miking is used. Typically the bass response of the reverberant field rises more than is ideal, resulting in a bass-heavy recording. Again, the use of some bass-cut can help to reduce this effect. However, if the reverberation is longer at other frequencies, for example in the midrange, then the reduction should be applied in a way that complements the increase in sound level this causes. As in these cases the bandwidth of the level rise may vary, this must also be compensated for— usually by adjusting the bandwidth, or Q, of the equalizer. — David M. Howard, Jamie Angus, Acoustics and Psychoacoustics, 2431

Categorization

• DEFINE: Explains what ‘Q’ (equalizer bandwidth) is in the context of compensating reverberant-field coloration.
• XREF: connects to: A gentle bass rise in reverberation adds perceived warmth to acoustic music — David Howard, Jamie Angus, coustics and Psychoacoustics, 2266