Altec Lansing 9860A
A professional active equalizer with 26 1/3-octave filters designed to correct room acoustics
Overview
The Altec Lansing 9860A is a professional active equalizer built for precise acoustic correction in listening environments. Developed specifically for professional use, it enables detailed shaping of sound by adjusting frequency response across 26 narrow bands. The unit works in conjunction with a pink noise generator and calibrated microphone, using a frequency analyzer (like the 8050A) to measure and correct room anomalies—a method known as Acosta Voicing.
Specifications
| Format/Use | 26 active filters with 1/3-octave widths |
| Frequency characteristic | 20 Hz to 20 kHz ± 1 dB |
| Input level | +18 dBm maximum |
| Output level | +15dBm |
| Distortion factor (THD) | 0.5% or less |
| Noise level | -67dB or less |
| Control range | 26 slide filters from 40 Hz to 125 kHz, 1/3 octave, up to 15 dB per filter |
| High pass filter | OFF, 40 Hz, 80 Hz, 160 Hz 18dB/oct |
| Low pass filter | OFF, 6 khz, 12.5 khz, 16 khz 18dB/oct |
| Power requirements | 120 VAC / 240 V, 50Hz/60Hz DC24V/28V |
| Power consumption | 35W |
| External dimensions | Width 483 x Height 133 x Depth 203 mm |
| Weight | 7.7kg |
Design
The 9860A was engineered to improve the acoustic characteristics of listening rooms using 26 active filters with sharp shoulder responses and 1/3-octave bandwidth. It supports the Acosta Voicing method: a calibrated microphone captures system response at the listening position while a pink noise generator and frequency analyzer (such as the 8050A) guide adjustments for optimal room correction.
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