A smiley face curve or mid scoop[1] in audio signal processing is a target frequency response curve characterized by boosted low and high frequencies coupled with reduced midrange frequency power. This curve is often attained by users employing a graphic equalizer, which shows a graphic representation of a "smile" using its frequency band faders to form a curve that sweeps upwards at each end of the frequency spectrum. Smiley face curves have been popular with some car audio enthusiasts, disc jockeys, electric bass players, home stereo owners and sound reinforcement operators.[2][3] Though the graphic equalizer was intended to tailor a system's response to compensate for venue and performance conditions, the smiley face curve is sometimes applied as a purely stylistic effect.[4][5]
- ^ Diverse Devices. Video and Audio Abbreviations and specialised terms
- ^ Harmony Central Musician Community Forums. Recording Forum. "Smiley face" EQ curve... feelings? Posted by Elements6259 on March 18, 2004. Archived May 21, 2011, at the Wayback Machine "I see (non-recording) people do it on their cars and stereos all the time..."
- ^ Media College. Audio Forum. Getting Rid of Feedback. Post by fstfwd74 on September 8, 2007. "My biased perception ...is much the same as seeing a soundman's eq set to "smiley face" setup... it's an indicator of inexperience or maybe last resort..."
- ^ ActiveBass: The Online Bass Community. November 7, 2002. Kelly Marsh. How to EQ Your PA
- ^ Ampage.com. Tube Amps / Music Electronics. Archive of vintage threads from the first ten years. Re: Settings for Peavey XR600F. Posted by Enzo on October 15, 2004. "Some folks even tell you to set the smiley face before you even turn it on."