AER amp - what's a voice filter?

[Monsum]

In the specification of the AER amps it says "Voice filter (referred to 10 kHz): -10 dB at 270 Hz". What's that?

My understanding is that it cuts out some frequencies around 270Hz. Why would they that?
Is it wise to remove these frequencies without knowing if the sound contains anything unwanted in this area?
And why 270Hz? Is it always a problematic range for vocals?
Also, what does "referred to 10 kHz" part mean?

[RogerPease]

Which AER model are you referring to and where did you see the specification you are looking at?

Thanks, _Roger

[Monsum]

On the AER website, the Compact 60 amp manual says that.
But some other AER amps and also the Udo Roesner Da Capo 75 (which is closely related to the Compact 60) have the same feature.

[Monsum]

Originally Posted by Monsum

In the specification of the AER amps it says "Voice filter (referred to 10 kHz): -10 dB at 270 Hz". What's that?

My understanding is that it cuts out some frequencies around 270Hz. Why would they that?
Is it wise to remove these frequencies without knowing if the sound contains anything unwanted in this area?
And why 270Hz? Is it always a problematic range for vocals?
Also, what does "referred to 10 kHz" part mean?

Does anyone know the answers to these?

[dnf777]

Originally Posted by Monsum

Does anyone know the answers to these?

No, and honestly I missed that filter hote when I skimmed my manual. I know the 75 increased power slightly, and changed the treble control to a HF shelf, which I dont think was the case on the AER.

I know he works with artists to fine tune the sound and circuitry of that amp, and assumed the actual filter profile was proprietary. Cant really comment further. Might write customer service and see if they reply

[ljguitar]

And why 270Hz? Is it always a problematic range for vocals?
Also, what does "referred to 10 kHz" part mean?

Hi…
Don't know…but they sound amazing.

[martingitdave]

Filters like the Mic Mechanic from TC Helicon also clean up these frequencies.

Found Online from 343 Labs



https://www.343labs.com/vocal-eq-cheat-sheet/

Here are five ways to fix these problems using EQ:

– Use a high-pass filter or low shelf to reduce the proximity effect.

– Reduce Sibilance by cutting frequencies around 10kHz.*

– Reduce nasal tone by boosting frequencies around 200Hz and 3kHz.

– Reduce brittleness by boosting frequencies between 500Hz and 8kHz.

– Remove harshness by reducing the level of frequencies in the 5-8kHz range.

*Please note that sibilance can also be treated dynamically with a de-esser.

[martingitdave]

Filters like the Mic Mechanic from TC Helicon also clean up these frequencies.

Found Online from 343 Labs



https://www.343labs.com/vocal-eq-cheat-sheet/

Here are five ways to fix these problems using EQ:

– Use a high-pass filter or low shelf to reduce the proximity effect.

– Reduce Sibilance by cutting frequencies around 10kHz.*

– Reduce nasal tone by boosting frequencies around 200Hz and 3kHz.

– Reduce brittleness by boosting frequencies between 500Hz and 8kHz.

– Remove harshness by reducing the level of frequencies in the 5-8kHz range.

*Please note that sibilance can also be treated dynamically with a de-esser.

From Another article:

Creating a vocal EQ cheat sheet helps you quickly enhance vocal tracks. Here's a guide for essential frequency ranges:

Sub-Bass (20 Hz to 60 Hz): Usually rolled off, as it rarely contains useful vocal content.
Bass (60 Hz to 250 Hz): Careful boosting adds warmth to male vocals. Use sparingly to avoid muddiness.
Low-Mids (250 Hz to 500 Hz): Cut to reduce muddiness, especially in boomy or nasally vocals.
Mids (500 Hz to 2 kHz): Essential for vocal clarity. Boost or cut depending on vocal presence and mix context.
High-Mids (2 kHz to 4 kHz): Adds intelligibility. Boost for clarity, but beware of harshness.
Presence (4 kHz to 6 kHz): Enhances vocal presence. A slight boost helps vocals cut through the mix.
Brilliance (6 kHz to 20 kHz): Adds airiness and sparkle. Light boosting enhances breathiness and the upper harmonics.

The second list comports with my experience. With a good vocal microphone, you can usually set things flat. Many companies, like Bose, have a similar filter for their PA speakers that was designed with the characteristics of the most common dynamic mic, the Shure SM58.

[Monsum]

Originally Posted by ljguitar

Hi…
Don't know…but they sound amazing.

For vocals - yes.
But the voice filter is also engaged when I use the amp XLR input to power the LR Baggs Session preamp and I don't need -10dB at 270 Hz for my guitar.

[Monsum]

Originally Posted by martingitdave

...
The second list comports with my experience. With a good vocal microphone, you can usually set things flat. Many companies, like Bose, have a similar filter for their PA speakers that was designed with the characteristics of the most common dynamic mic, the Shure SM58.

That would make sense if it's designed to address a specific problem with the most common microphone like SM58.
It just seems a bit random - 270 Hz

[Monsum]

Originally Posted by dnf777

No, and honestly I missed that filter note when I skimmed my manual...

I noticed that my guitar sounded different depending on whether my preamp Session DI was powered via a battery or the amp's phantom power.
So I checked the specs and the voice filter might be responsible for that change.

[dnf777]

Originally Posted by Monsum

I noticed that my guitar sounded different depending on whether my preamp Session DI was powered via a battery or the amp's phantom power.
So I checked the specs and the voice filter might be responsible for that change.

Makes sense, but since they call it a “voice filter”, it *may* not activate with a 1/4” TS plug. It may sense an XLR connection to activate. Seems they would mention that, but Ive seen stranger things…

Thats an amazing amp, isnt it? Its my favorite acoustic amp of all the ones Ive owned and played

[Monsum]

Originally Posted by dnf777

Makes sense, but since they call it a “voice filter”, it *may* not activate with a 1/4” TS plug. It may sense an XLR connection to activate. Seems they would mention that, but Ive seen stranger things…

Thats an amazing amp, isnt it? Its my favorite acoustic amp of all the ones Ive owned and played

Yes, the voice filter only activates via XLR not the jack but you cannot use the phantom power then.

The Udo is a great amp, I like the extended low end compared to the AER and extra EQ control - the mids on channel 2 and high pass filter.