Help me with my tone - too harsh sound

[EddieTheTrooper]

I am trying to make my tone loosely based on Iron Maiden sound. Here are my current setting

I could like this setting overall but there is a problem especially when playing louder( 1/2W, master volume around  4- 5 - it is quite loud ). Although the power chords sounds good the violin strings especially on higher frets sounds way too harsh and it hurts my ears badly. When i turn to volume  down there not as big problem and it doesnt hurts my ears so much. I can also cut down the treble and it fix this but kills overall sound. Is there any way to remove this harshness without cutting the treble?

[PaulTBaker]

This sounds like you are experiencing the Flutcher Munson effect where the sound changes depending on loud it gets.  There are tons of smart people on this site that have posted a lot of posts on the topic.  Search for those and/or google it.

 

The Fletcher-Munson curve, also known as equal loudness contours, is a set of graphs that illustrate how the human ear perceives sound differently at various loudness levels. At lower volumes, the ear is more sensitive to mid-range frequencies, while low and high frequencies are perceived as softer. As the volume increases, the ear becomes more sensitive to low and high frequencies, making them sound louder in comparison to mid-range frequencies. 

 

 

Key Points:

• Sensitivity to Frequency:

  The ear's sensitivity to frequencies changes with loudness. At lower volumes, mid-range frequencies dominate, while at higher volumes, low and high frequencies become more prominent. 

   

• Psychoacoustics:

  The Fletcher-Munson curve is a result of studies on how the human ear processes sound, a field called psychoacoustics. 

   

• Practical Applications:

  The curve is relevant in audio engineering, particularly in mixing and mastering, where it can help understand how listeners will perceive the final mix at different volumes. 

• Equal Loudness:

  The curves show the amount of sound intensity (loudness) required for different frequencies to be perceived as equally loud. 

   

   

  Hope that helps some.... so when playing soft, don't put as much bass or high end and you think you need.  The bass and high end will become more prevelant the louder it gets.   Remember the "Loudness" button on some stereos?  That increased the base when engaged and was meant to be used when playing your music at lower volumes.

   

  Some people have created an eq block to "fix" the curve at lower volumes.  They turn the eq block off when playing loud.  I did this for awhile.  Eventually I found that I could recognize (or get close) what it should sound like at lower volumes to still sound good when playing loud.

   

   

[rd2rk]

There's not a lot of documentation available regarding the interaction between the modeled Power Amp section, Master Volume and Presence.

Presence normally controls the high frequencies in the Power Amp section.

IF the modeled Power Amp section interacts with the Master Volume, then turning up the Master should emphasize the high frequencies.

Try turning down the presence when playing louder.

 

Another thing that is not well documented is that the 1/2w setting has Fletcher-Munson compensation built in.

That means that at lower volume the lows and highs are emphasized.

How that works in relation to the Master Volume sweep is anybody's guess.

You might try using the next higher attenuator setting (you didn't specify which model you're using) and then use the Channel Volume (which shouldn't affect the tone) to set the final spl level vs using the Master Volume. You'll need to experiment with the Master/Presence settings, but this takes the F-M compensation variable out - I THINK. Again, not well documented.

 

NOTE - while the Channel Volume SHOULDN'T affect tone, I have read in at least one place that it does. I don't buy it, but...

[EddieTheTrooper]

Thank you for explanation. I will investigate this subject more. I have noticed that this effect occurs mostly on Voltage amp. Other amp models do not cause such a big effect on my ears even with treble cranked up