Re: Frequency Response/Contour EQ in full range systems.
I agree with Tim - 'flat' has all sorts of (often negative) connotations, so the term I use is 'accurate'. If I'm tuning an installed system and they have a knowledgable tech, I'll give 5 minutes overview of dual channel FFT, and how we start with an accurate system from about 100Hz on up. Very similar to what Ivan does. After that, I don't mind some light tweaking, based on their preferences, usually how much sub boost and maybe some HF rolloff they prefer. Maybe even a couple presets in the DSP for 'low SPL' and 'rock!'.
If it's a generic system, IE a neutral canvas for many FOH mixers (med/large churches here), then the flat above 100 typically works well.
Someone I was talking to recently said a non-neutral PA sounds like a hold-over from old times. Front loaded 18's, 15's, and 2" horns - lots of 50-110, sloping down to 1kHz, some 1-6kHz, then rolling off above that.
Caleb
