Monday, January 20, 2020

Cinema Engineering 4031-B EQ versus Pleiades Filter


The Cinema Eng. 4031-B program equalizer is possibly the finest on the planet.
A search may reveal that it was used for the breath taking Motown vocals.
It is also described in the Audio Cyclopedia - Tremain.


Inspired by Martin's Mitchel's AKG D170 description:
https://martinmitchellsmicrophones.wordpress.com/tag/how-to-take-apart-an-akg-d170/


and looking at the datasheet link, after seeing the 4dB rise at about 3KHz for dialog presence it was decided to try the Cinema Engineering EQ with the AKG D190.


Signal path:


AKG D190E - Cinema Eng. 4031-B (or Pleiades (130Ω,40mH)) - Sony TC-D5 Pro - Seenheiser HD580


With EQ out sound is very bass heavy as expected.
Same of course with EQ in and settings at 0.


Then the bass reduction knob was turned counterclockwise. It is a joy to hear bass heaviness gradually disappear and a nice voice coming through.


There was some hiss as expected as the Sony was underfed.


Then the other switch was set at 3KHz and control advanced to +4.
Very. nice sound. Bringing voice forward.


Then the Pleiades filter was substituted.
It sounded much more loud as it does not attenuate. Sony rec level knob was reduced from 10 to 7 and there was no hiss.
Sound was perfectly clear too.







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