Maximizing the Art of Experimentation: Part 5 - Other Things to Consider

In order to "Maximize the Art of Experimentation", we should consider the avenues open
to us: some physical, some aural, some psychological, some neurological and of course,
some technological.  I've written ad-nauseum about the indirect neurological effects of
Stereo-CW and the different DSP and analog-IC filters that can shape our listening experience.  

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In his recent presentation to the Amateur Radio Club of Alameda (ARCA), Bob Heil shared live demonstrations of the subtle (yet powerful) effects that can be had by running the audio through
an equalizer unit, boosting the more desirable audio frequencies (such as 600hz to 1000hz for
Cw and 2000hz to 2400hz for Ssb), while attenuating undesirable frequencies (such as those
below 100hz and above 3000hz).  I recently wrote a Blog about how using equalization can
enhance the Stereo-CW concept.  ([CLICK HERE] to read that.)

For the July NAQP RTTY contest, the Radio Shaft Equalizer is back in the audio lines, which is
great for Ssb & Cw but worthless for RTTY unless I can install a switchable "intercept" in the audio line between the Rig Expert PLUS audio line and the computer.  (Stay Tuned as I figure out how to
do JUST THAT).  In the meantime, thanks to the IF-placement of the FT-2000's Contour control, it is possible to "shape" the RTTY signal BEFORE it is sent to the RiGExpert PLUS.

The equalizer unit shapes the final audio AFTER it exits the pair of Autek QF-1A filters that
are literally PARKED in between the transceiver and the mixing boxes.  For CW, the QF-1A filters
are set to PEAK; with Ssb they are set to LowPass and HighPass.  For RTTY, because the QF-1A's are currently at the END of the audio line, I adjust the Frequency settings for the proper balance of the two RTTY tones (one peaked in each ear).

An advantage of the QF-1A (and MFJ 752) audio filters is that they possess individual auxiliary
notch filters, useful for knocking out stray signal artifact junk out of the audio passband

As you can see, there are dozens of different IF and audio filter combinations that can put some shape (and therefore improved readability) into what is destined for our ears.

Have you attempted any form of audio experimentation?

What results have YOU discovered?