Phonitor 2
29
Operation
Alternatively you can keep the Crossfeed adjustment identical
(thus keeping the interaural level difference), but for example in-
crease the Speaker Angle. This way the interaural time difference
is increased, which in turn has the effect of a broader image. The
interaural level difference is only slightly altered. Do not be misled
by the scaled Speaker Angle degree numbers so that you think you
need to follow only those exact values given for your loudspeakers.
These values are to be considered as approximations for the deter-
mination of interaural time differences. In an individual installation,
a loudspeaker pair set up at a 30° angle may in fact be perfectly
represented with a 40° Speaker Angle switch adjustment at the
Phonitor 2.
If you are uncertain about the angle your loudspeakers are set up,
you can calculate this as follows: You‘ll need a pocket calculator
with pi functions (in this case ‚arctan‘ = arc tangens) and a measur-
ing tape. Measure the distance between both loudspeakers, that is,
between the cone midpoints, and divide the distance by 2. We call
this result A. Now measure the distance between the loudspeaker
centers and the location of your ears at the listening position. This
result we call B. The angle W, in which the loudspeakers are set up is
calculated according to the formula: W = arctan A:B.
5.
After you have set up Crossfeed and Angle you can then determine
your Center Level setting. Although at normal hearing levels over
headphones the center signal generally seems too quiet, after
Crossfeed and Speaker Angle processing it then can seem too loud.
Therefore the center level can be lowered to avoid this effect.
After finishing these adjustment you should have achieved a
very good initial headphone equivalent of your loudspeaker
reproduction.
But as a final bit of advice we‘d like to emphasize that monitoring
over loudspeakers remains important. Every studio offers alterna-
tive monitoring with distinctive sounds (near field, mid field and
full range). Experienced engineers hear a mix on the portable radi-
os and through car and home stereos. And everywhere a mix will
sound different – just as it will over headphones. But for mixing, the
Phonitor 2 gives results with headphones that are as close to (near
field) monitoring as possible.