The "perfect" iTunes equalizer preset?
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I've been trying to tweek my computer speakers to get the best sound output. I don't have crappy speakers (Harman/Kardon shielded sticks with a pretty good sub-woofer), but they are almost too fancy. There's presets that I can tweek with the speakers, and then there's the iTunes equalizer that I can also play with. Given all those choices, I ended up with a pretty good bass sound, but the vocals turned muddy.
So what's a girl to do?
I did research online and found this article that boasts having the "perfect" iTunes preset. Let's just say it was an excellent place to start. I've since restored the factory presets on the speakers and entered in the "perfect" preset in the equalizer. I've got to say I'm off to a pretty good start. I thought I'd give you the heads up...to see if anyone else has a reaction to the "perfect" preset.
This hint is really only for iTunes, and I found it in MacFormat's September 2004 Issue. It was submitted by an anonymous user.
Are you somewhat disappointed with the output from iTunes? If so, you might try using the equalizer (Command-2, or the third button from right at the bottom of the main window) to modify the output levels at various frequencies. There are a number of pre-defined settings, but the MacFormat tip contained a different set of suggested levels.
Open the equalizer, and from the pop-up menu, select "Make Preset." Call it "Perfect," because it is, and set the following levels, from left to right (skip the Preamp section):
db +3, +6, +9, +7, +6, +5, +7, +9, +11, +8 db
The image to the left (full-size image) shows about what it should look like when you're done. Make sure you check the "On" box to activate the equalizer, too. These settings produce absolutely the best balance I've ever heard. My home computer speakers are ablaze with sound now.
[robg adds: I realize that there's no such thing as a 'perfect' equalizer setting, hence the use of quotes in the title. I further realize that the use of any equalizer setting other than "flat" means that you're no longer listening to the music as recorded on the master.
However, due to the varying quality of computer speakers, signal loss due to MP3/AAC encoding, and non-ideal speaker setups, you might find that your music does sound better to you using a non-flat equalizer setting. I've been using the above settings for a week or so now, and I must say that my music now sounds better -- it may be less "true" to the original, but it sounds better to my admittedly untrained ear ... and that's what counts.
Comments (18)
WOW. what a difference, actually. I usually don't like to fuss with EQ's, but this might be worth it. Sounds good.
I share because I care. I thought if anyone would appreciate this it would be fellow audiophiles.
I have always used the classical setting but that setting flat lines the mid tones. I like this setting better. My problem is that I have made mp3's from albums and singles and that changes the sound too and listening in the car with the ipod and the cars EQ has caused some distortion. I find it a work in progress. I guess its a long way from my first stereo that only had treble, bass and mid tone dials. nice post
Good news for those not into the Apple juggernaut: This preset also sounds quite lovely with Winamp.
Cpeter - I haven't worried too much about the iPod eq settings. I just wanted to first focus on the home and move on to portable worries later.
Dale - I knew you would have something to say about this being all "apple-y"...but I'm glad it translates to your "window-y" world too.
WOW!! Thanks ... that makes a huge difference on Itunes!! :)
so nice of you to care :-)
Cin - Glad it makes a dif...I noticed it right away.
Rummy - Back at cha!
"March" from "Raiders of the Lost Ark" is my test track for EQ settings. (Watch out for that monster boulder!) Indy sounds a lot better, as does Eva Cassidy, Robert Goulet, Etta James, Ray Charles, Shawn Colvin, Harry Chapin, Hiroshima, The Isley Brothers, Linda Ronstadt, Jim Croce and Mary Chapin Carpenter.
So... basicly everything sounds better with this setting. Hey Dale, There is a Windows version of iTunes, if you want to venture into the Apple-y world- Safari too.
Thanks for the tip, Annie! I have crappy computer speakers but I pipe sound through my stereo (and headphones) and I've been looking for a perfect setting. I'm a gonna try this one.
i dont use itunes, but i copied the eq settings to my realtek audio manager, and ya. sounds good. a little clearer anyways. in my car however, i set the subs to bleeeed. ya... im that guy.
i must admit, i'm real happy for you guys and i'm getting a kick out of this thread since i make records and do sound for a living.
looking at the curve, it's a rendition of what might be called a "loudness" curve, giving a little boost to the highs and lows without overdosing your subbass. it's interesting that EVERY frequency's boosted a bit.....when you turn it on it's also going to be a hair louder already, which will make it seem to sound better. but putting that aside, it's a relatively safe and well tested eq curve structure for general use and "home improvement".
cpetersonart3: my bet is that this eq setting does not affect your recording at all, just the playback. if you're carrying the iPod from home to car and back, it's quite possible that this EQ curve isn't compatible with both locations and their inherent setups, but the odds are that your actual recordings are still clean.
aiea48: interesting choices and it's all personal. over the years, tracks that have gone through periods of much use to tune PA systems at concerts from clubs to arenas include anything from Donald Fagen's "The Nightfly" to "Owner of a Lonely Heart" by Yes. of course it depends on the act and there are MANY other choices, but judging by your list these might apply well. personally, i've often used "Hats" by the Blue Nile, but more often rely on a vocal mic and say "TWO" a lot. when i'm making records and working in foreign studios, i have a variety of tracks i bring with me and use what's most applicable to the particular project to get used to foreign surroundings.
My first thought on seing the curve was "This boosts everything", but I look forward to giving it a try. I have not messed with the EQ for my car hookup either and that one could use some tweaking. Thanks!
Rex: NO APPLE! Even my iPod doesn't use iTunes. Go Rockbox go!
I tried this out and do like it - I also tried the preset "Loudness" setting and used the preamp to pump it up...fun experiments!
Aiea - Just realizing your name is Aiea...as in my favorite hike evah...the Aiea Loop Trail. Completely off the subject I know, but I've spent many days in Aiea...way back when.
RX - That's the thing..it's supposed to work with the most basic of speakers...that's the best part.
Sam - Are you that guy that the officials write noise laws for? Those kids with the loud speakers disrupting my peace....
Darla - It was fun, wasn't it.
Dale - Don't worry, we aren't here to assimilate you....YET!
Robin - You professionals know what's what, but I don't. And when you start looking around on how to get a fix on things there is a mention of buying an expensive sound gage or gadget. I need to start at monkey level basic...well maybe a bit higher...maybe chimp level. As to Night Fly, it's one of my favorite albums...Going to give it a go on the new settings shortly.
super- wieder was gelernt
http://www.dj-service-bayern.de
no no no. im just rockin the lot.