Klarinet Archive - Posting 000281.txt from 2005/04

From: ormo2ndtoby@-----.net (Ormondtoby Montoya)
Subj: [kl] Interesting suggestion (was: Proposal for new test)
Date: Sun, 17 Apr 2005 17:29:07 -0400

Jim Lande wrote:

> I propose that people retake Dan's test, this
> time identifying those pieces where the
> clarinet tone is "dark". [snip] vagaries of
> recording technology

Jim, substituting "darker" for "dark" would reduce the variables to some
extent since each respondent would hear all of the samples on the same
sound system.

It would not, however, eliminate the possibility that two different
sound systems emphasize or add artifacts to different portions of the
spectrum, thereby destroying even relative comparisons. That is, one
sound system might add artifacts which would reverse the respondent's
opinion if he/she had heard the recording without these artifacts.

Another 'plus' to your proposal is that it would make irrelevant whether
the recording engineer tweaked a particular performance with various
bypass filters or microphone placement or whatever. Each respondent
would be judging the sound without caring to what degree the performer
vs. engineer vs. auditorium vs. equipment was responsible for the
sound's character.

Dan *did* invest substantial effort is making the recordings available
to us. Many (most?) of us don't have the sort of library that
apparently Dan has. It makes sense (imo) to make further use of this
investment (and to thank Dan!) --- ESPECIALLY since the "darkness" test
would reduce the variables somewhat. AND we would all know in advance
precisely what factors we were testing. If these factors doesn't
interest you, then don't participate.

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