The natural crossfeed filter
In principle, digital soundprocessors can simulate all the mechanisms for directional listening but the
results are, thus far, not very satisfactory. In particular, pinnae-reflections are very complex and
listener-specific and impossible to simulate accurately.
Fortunately, the main directional information is provided by the time delay and level of attenuation of
the sounds that reaches the opposite ear. The
CORDA EARTUBE-1
can electronically simulate this
process and, with appropriate attenuation and delay, add some of the right audiosignal to the left
channel and vice -versa. This considerably reduces the adverse symptoms of headphone listening.
A unique feature of the crossfeed circuitry of the
EARTUBE-1
is that it “recognizes” the virtual
positions of the instruments and singers in a recording. The sound of an instrument in the middle of
the soundstage will be equally present in both audio-channels and isn’t given any crossfeed. A
crossfeed signal is only generated for instruments that are not placed at the center. The more off-
center the instrument is placed, the stronger the crossfeed and the longer its delay. This feature is
called “natural crossfeed”.
Activation of crossfeed
The crossfeed filter can be activated by the second left switch at the front of the amp.
Lower position STEREO.
In this position there is no crossfeed on the headphone outputs. We recommend this position for
recordings with a narrow soundstage.
Upper position LOW level crossfeed
This setting is especially recommended for recordings with a relatively high level of reverberation
(orchestra, choir) or extreme spatial positioning. Although the difference to the stereo position may not
be discernable to you at first, after longer periods of listening you will find the crossfeed position much
more relaxing.
While activating the crossfeed the listener may notice an apparent lack of bass. In stereo mode, lower
frequencies seem to be much more present. This is a psycho-acoustical effect and does not represent
a limitation of the crossfeed filter. Lower frequencies heard by one ear only are much more unnatural
to our brain than higher frequencies and therefore in stereo mode are more noticeable. Crossfeed
integrates the lower frequencies in a more natural way into the soundstage which makes them less
noticeable.
Summary of Contents for CORDA EARTUBE-1
Page 1: ...EARTUBE USER MANUAL...
