Recommendations on how to adjust the equalizer

Surprisingly, the simpler, it would seem, the question, the more difficult it is to get an answer to it. If it is obvious, then nobody is in a hurry to consider it. One such question, asking at the thematic forums is "how best to adjust the equalizer." And this topic is so comprehensive that it covers both computer multimedia equipment and individual sound devices, but it is interesting both for beginners and for users with "experience". In this paper, we will consider one of the special cases - how to properly configure the equalizer in the Windows operating system environment.

In the distant 2008 in the computer store I bought an audio adapter (sound card) from the famous firm Creative called Audigy 4. The reason for this purchase is simple: the sound of the "kopeck" solution on the motherboard based on the morally outdated AC97 codec did not suit. Of course, it was impossible to say that the sound was like a barrel, but the high quality and enjoyment of listening to audio compositions could not be remembered. Apart from being a gourmet in sound technology, I did not really want to listen to "such". It was decided to seek an answer to the question "how to adjust the equalizer" on the forums.

Sound is an air fluctuation of a certain frequency. Frequent fluctuations (up to 20 thousand hertz) are perceived as sonorous, and rare, up to 16 hertz inclusive, as deaf. Accordingly, the name: high and low frequencies. The middle range is located between them. If in the composition of some frequencies are not expressed, then the sound seems incomplete. This is affected by: the quality of speakers and audio cards, as well as the features of the perception of the listener. Developers of components for a long time have understood, that it is possible to change everything, except ears ...

It has been suggested programmatically to selectively increase the required frequencies. Therefore, you need to know how to adjust the equalizer. It is built into each player and is additionally contained in the driver that is installed for the device.

Obviously, it's pointless to give advice on how to adjust the equalizer, because one person likes the predominance of high frequencies, and the other, on the contrary, low. One of my friends specially cleaned the low ones, and strengthened the voiced ones, as a result, the sound cut through his ears like a knife, but he liked it. Here it is - the individuality of perception.

So, how to set up the equalizer? Most often the procedure is performed according to the following scheme: it is better to do this in the driver settings, because in this case the sound in all applications will be corrected.

Owners of the popular HD Audio solution adjust the equalizer simply: in the taskbar next to the clock there is a brown speaker icon (not system white). We go into the properties and get into the driver settings. The equalizer sliders are below the environment selection window. Turn the composition on and start rotating them one at a time.

First, the rightmost slider (high) is shifted up to the limit. Then, if necessary, second from right, but only half. If ringing enough, then strengthen the low frequencies: up the leftmost, then the previous one. Usually there is no need to regulate the middle frequencies: the fact is that even the cheapest speakers reproduce them well. Equalizer presets and ambient effects are best not to include. Again, because of the features of hearing, each person will have their own settings.

The equalizer can be helped if you set a higher sampling frequency. On the speaker icon, press the right button and follow the "Playback Devices". We highlight the device by default and call its properties. In the additional section, set the high default format. Sometimes this way it is possible to make the sound cleaner and more sonorous. If the effect is the opposite (also possible), then these settings are restored.

By the way, if anyone is interested: after the acquisition of Audigy, the need to adjust the sound with an equalizer, as it was on AC97, disappeared. And if you take into account that this is a 2005 release card, you can only guess at the sound quality of modern high-grade solutions (not AU and HD).