How abt getting some backgrd knowledge on how our ears hear... Tho it'll not really tell u wat's gd or bad bass but it may help us reason why certain ones do n prefer things certain ways... It's a bit long tho... : )
Frequency response varies when listening at different levels. Check out Fletcher Munson Curves theory. At low and mid SPL (sound pressure level), we tend to miss out hearing the Low's n Hi's.
Hence tat's why commonly ppl wld boost the Low's n Hi's on the graphic equalizer on their mini-combo system (if u've say 5-band EQ sliders), HiFi system, and even PA systems (schools, malls, churches, small outdoor setup etc) to compensate wat is perceived as lost or insufficient during the listening process of a sound source or program.
Some tech crews (whom i believe isn't quite trained in audio nor understand wat each component they tweak constitute to wat consequence) i came across whom i believe hv no real clue wat a Equalizer does n don't even bother to "tune the room/venue", so by default - zoom right in to the graphic equalizer sliders n set a 'Smiley face' setting, or a 'V' setting. i.e. the lowest frequency boosted way up n create a gradual dip for the rest of the EQ sliders towards the middle section of the EQ bands n then create a gradual boost up till the highest frequency hits the top. Faint!
B'cos of the way our ears hear, n the need to look for compensation of levels for those frequencies perceived as lost, our instinct is to boost what we think r lacking n need to be added back in. According to the Curves theory (which is pretty true), as the SPL goes higher, the lesser we make-up for the percieved frequencies lost. As we seem to hear it more flat (or even) across the whole frequency spectrum as the sound level reach a certain (loud) SPL.
I guess we cld all hear most of the instruments and vocals at live concerts or theatre performances (indoor/outdoor) cos usually of the hi SPL pumping out from the sound system. Unless the sound guys are zzzzing during their sound mixing or busy checking out sweet young thing next to the control booth
So, imho, we usually begin with our search for some form of frequencies compensation, whether we're doing leisure music listening, auditioning a system or headphones. Then, the rest is up to individual sound preference as sound can b quite subjective. Our music appreciation can date back to our childhood times (late beginner dones not apply here). Wat our parents/relatives/siblings/frens listen to may hv some influence on wat we like to hear now. If e.g. one is exposed to chinese wayang stuff since young day in day out, perhaps (not definite), tat person don quite like much bass freq response or may not see the need for it cos most of those instrument n vocals in chinese wayang don exhibit Low's. But for another, who's involve in say Lion Dance, he may b all out for 'Smiley Face' EQ setting cos Lion Dance drum produce Low's n the clapping of cymbals produce the Hi's. Barely any Mid's in tat. Well, my e.g. somewhat extreme lah. But i was trying to drive at the "influence" n the impact it may hv on us -- our listening preferences.
I've a few links here, if u're interested in the technical explanations and wana find out more on Equal Loudness Curves or Contours.
http://www.webervst.com/fm.htm
http://www.sfu.ca/sonic-studio/handbook/Eq...s_Contours.html
http://www.allchurchsound.com/ACS/edart/fmelc.html
Btw, i'm bass player too for more than a decade. I love the bass frequencies region. Info for those who don play bass - doesn't mean bass guitar goto only tune or EQ Low frequencies (may b between 30Hz - 500Hz). No, in fact bass guitar has as much Hi-Mid range (approx up to 8Khz) as well. Some bass amps provide up to 12-15Khz of EQ! The Hi's can cause the upper harmonics above the root frequency to shine n bring clarity n characteristics to the over all tone. Bass players oso do solos on upper frets register, play chords, create harmonics, slap/pop techniques (like Marcus Miller for e.g.) etc. Without those Hi-Mid EQ bands, the notes wld sound muddy n dull, most likely the absent of clarity. Blending with other instruments in the song mix, it wld further disappear in the mix n can b perceived as 'bad' bass tone or freq. This applies to Drums or other instruments which produce Low freq. When listener can't hear it well on their headphones, some quickly considered the set has poor bass response. The mix, the individual instrument tone play a part too.
Hope i din bore u to death with tis post.
