In the audio industry companies try their best to create products for all types of listeners, such as studio producers, audiophiles, as well as the general consumer. Therefore the way they tune their speakers and audio will differ from model to model depending on the target consumer. The general patterns of how sound is output from these products are called sound signatures. Besides custom tuned signatures, there are 4 main frequency response types:
Analytical
The analytical sound signature is rather bland and to most seem somewhat lifeless.
Midcentric
The midcentric sound signature focuses in on vocals especially in the mid range, but the bass and highs may sound distant.
ANALYTICAL:
Certain companies create speakers and headphones specifically for monitoring purposes. This sound signature is generally honest and will not artificially inflate or deflate any part of the frequency range. Even though it makes high quality recordings sound better it also exposes bad recordings and makes them sound worse. Its a double edged sword really.
MIDCENTRIC:
Products that incorporate this sound signature generally aim to make acoustic music sound better, especially with vocals. This signature is not as detailed as the analytical type signature. The sound stage is generally smaller but it is also the type of signature that causes the least listener fatigue. Great for listening marathons.
Bass Boost
The bass boosted signature is that of which the bass is inflated to be more prominent. It makes most electronic, rock, and pop music sound more fun.
Balanced / V- Curve
Balanced sound tends to emphasize bass as well as treble. Along with the bass boost signature this signature is mostly found in average consumer products.
Bass Boost:
The bass boost signature is most commonly found in products aimed at listeners who listen mainly to bass heavy music such as hip hop and and electronic music. With an emphasis on bass quantity and quality, it often lacks detail in the higher ranges, as shown by the sudden drop in frequency on the graph. Commonly referred to as ‘fart cannons’.
Balanced / V-Curve:
The balanced sound is mostly found in products aimed at average listeners who listen to a variety of music. It does not seemingly excel at any frequencies however the overall sound is warm and colorful. Most of these don’t offend the listener on any part of the spectrum except purists. The perfect all rounder.
Sometimes if you think a song or soundtrack is poorly produced you must consider that it might not be the track itself, but it might be the way the drivers are tuned inside the system. And that’s when equalizers help to counter any faults of audio output.