Best Equalizer Settings for Perfect Setup in 2023

If you’re someone that loves music and values quality, you’d definitely want to learn everything there is about equalizers. Primarily, they were only used by DJs and other professionals, but with the advancement of technology, you can now use an equalizer on all of your devices.

What are the Best Equalizer Settings - Perfect Setup

The use of equalizers isn’t just limited to devices like phones, tablets, laptops, desktops, and recording studios – even your cars and TVs may have an in-built equalizer.

If you’re unsure of what an equalizer is and how it works, you’ve come to the right place.

What Is An Equalizer?

Put simply, an equalizer is a hardware or software filter through which you can either increase or decrease specific frequency ranges, resulting in enhanced sound quality. The human ear is capable of hearing sounds that lie between the frequency range of 20hz to 20,000hz.

APO Peace

Back in the day, equalizers were actual physical consoles with gears and buttons that you would control in order to change certain frequencies. Those days are long gone, and now an equalizer is available pretty much everywhere – some headphones even come with an in-built equalizer.

Basic Terms

If you’re new to the concept of the equalizer, it would be helpful to know what these basic terms mean, because you’re likely to come across them quite a bit.

  1. Frequency: Sounds are actually waves or vibrations which run through the air. When those vibrations reach our ears, we can listen to various sounds. Now, frequency is the number of complete cycles that occurs in one second. Frequencies are measured in Hz
  2. Decibels: Volume level or loudness is gauged in decibels or dB. In Equalizers, you can get a slider, or in software, you can see a button to adjust the decibels. If you raise the decibels, the sound will come in higher frequency, and if you lower the decibels, then the sound will be reduced
  3. Frequency spectrum: It is the basic range of frequencies that we all humans can hear. Equalizers help to adjust each frequency with different settings.
  4. Filters: A filter is also a very common element that can boost or pass a certain range of frequencies. Usually, three filters are there: low pass, high pass, and band pass. The first two are used to remove too high or too low-frequency sounds.

How Do Equalizers Work?

Equalizers work by giving you control of audio frequencies. They use frequency ranges or “bands” – also referred to as bass bands or treble bands. Generally, the more bands your equalizers have, the more control you have over the sound quality.

For example, good sound systems have may have anywhere between three to twelve bands, and professional music equipment have anywhere between twenty to thirty bands. To sum it up, an equalizer divides the sound into bands that you can tweak to experience better sound quality.

Tweaking the equalizer settings isn’t that hard, all you have to do is slide some bars. With the best equalizer settings, your favorite songs can become even more likable. That being said, let’s learn about frequency ranges so you can easily get the best equalizer settings.

What Are Frequency Ranges?

Bass Boosted

You’ve heard the term “frequency range” multiple times, and here’s some more about it. Audio frequencies generally refer to the number of times sound waves repeat themselves. All sound comes under a frequency range, lower frequencies lie in the bass or sub-bass range.

Audio frequencies of the bass or sub-bass range require bigger speakers to be heard, whereas higher frequency audios can easily be heard through smaller speakers. For a better understanding, here’s a table explaining all of the frequency ranges.

Frequency SubsetRangeDescription
Sub-Bass16-60HzThe low musical range that contains tuba, bass guitar, and upright bass.
Bass60-250HzThe normal range of human vocals (speaking)
Lower Midrange250-500HzBrass instruments like alto saxophones
Midrange500 – 2kViolin & Piccolo
Higher Midrange2k – 4kTrumpets amplified 4 times
Presence4k – 6kHarmonics for Violin & Piccolo
Brilliance6k – 20kSuper high-pitch, Cymbals.

Now that you have a better understanding of the frequency range, all you need is an equalizer so we can get to tweaking the frequencies for a higher-quality experience.

Best Equalizer Settings

Here are the best equalizer settings for your favorite genre. Keep in mind that all songs/audio are generally set to flat by default so you can hear the original sounds that were recorded. Changing bands of these sounds can result in superior sound quality.

Best Equalizer Settings For Acoustics

Acoustics Equalizer
Acoustics EQ Settings

Keep in mind that acoustic music is best heard in its natural form – the way it was recorded. However, you’re still free to experiment, as you may be able to amplify the sound quality with a little bit of trial and error.

When listening to acoustic instruments or music, you should try to give a little push to the bass instruments (bass & sub-bass). Additionally, you can also boost mid-range so the vocals can have more presence.

Also, feel free to tweak the brilliance range as well, as it could quite possibly give the acoustics an amazing touch. If the audio sounds a bit murky, it could be due to changes in the bass range. You should be able to find the right spot by tweaking the lower midrange to fix it.

Boost SubsetFrequency Range
Bass & Sub-bass12 – 250Hz
Mid-range500 – 2000 Hz
Brilliance6000 – 20000 Hz

All in all, acoustic instruments and music is generally supposed to be heard in their naturally recorded form, so there’s no questioning that acoustics sound amazing, even without the equalizer settings.

Best Equalizer Settings For Hip Hop

Hip Hop Equalizer
Hip-Hop EQ Settings

Over time, Hip-hop has really progressed. In order to get the best experience of this genre, it is recommended that you give a boost in the 64Hz region (bass), just so you can get more kick out of it.

Also, the lyrics are really important too. Make sure that you boost anywhere from 1000-2000Hz (midrange) as well. This will balance the bass and the lyrics, providing you with a higher sound quality.

Boost SubsetFrequency Range
Bass & Sub-bass12 – 250Hz
Mid-range500 – 2000 Hz

In terms of the brilliance range, you don’t really need to make any changes. Most hip-hop songs do not really depend on it, so you’re going to be fine either way. You’re still free to go through a little bit of trial and error though.

Best Equalizer Settings For Electro/Techno

Techno EQ
Electro EQ Settings

People that love techno or electronic music know the importance of bass. In order to get the best sound quality, you’ll have to give a boost to the 32Hz to 125Hz range (bass & sub-bass).

Boost SubsetFrequency Range
Bass & Sub-bass12 – 250Hz
Mid-range500 – 2000 Hz
Higher Mid-range2000 – 4000 Hz

High-frequency sounds are also important, so make sure that you give a boost to the midrange and higher midrange as well, somewhere between 1000Hz to 3000Hz. You’re also free to tweak the lower midrange (250Hz to 500Hz), as it could make the sound quality better.

Best Equalizer Settings For Pop Music

Pop Music Equalizer
Pop EQ Settings

The best EQ settings for pop music lovers can be achieved by tweaking the bass, brilliance, and higher midrange bands. Say, anywhere from 60Hz to 200Hz, 8000Hz to 16000Hz, and 1000Hz to 3000Hz respectively.

Boost SubsetFrequency Range
Bass & Sub-bass12 – 250Hz
Higher Mid-range2000 – 4000 Hz
Brilliance6000 – 20000 Hz

Since pop music is generally all about vocals, you really need to go for high-frequency sounds. The sound quality should definitely improve with the right settings, as upper mids (higher midrange) are where the vocals start.

Best Equalizer Settings For Classical Music

Classical EQ
Classical EQ Settings

If you’re a fan of classical music, you should definitely try tweaking the midrange and higher midrange. The sound quality will be immersive, and classical instruments such as pianos and violins generally operate in that range.

Boost SubsetFrequency Range
Mid-range500 – 2000 Hz
Higher Mid-range2000 – 4000 Hz

Not to mention, classical music is definitely amazing, even without the tweaking. Artists such as Chopin, Beethoven, Mozart, and Bach have made classical music that is immortal, their works are still heard throughout the world.

Best Equalizer Settings For Rock Music

Rock Music Equalizer
Rock EQ Settings

When it comes to rock music, everything goes. It is a music genre that uses multiple instruments, and the vocals are equally important. Generally, you can simply start with the lower mid-range frequencies, but there’s so much more to that.

In order to get the perfect sound quality, you’re going to have to know about the ranges of all of the instruments that are often used in the rock music genre. You can scroll below to check our instrumental frequency guide.

Best Equalizer Settings For Gaming

Fortnite Equalizer Settings
Fortnite Equalizer Settings

Picking the right headphones for gaming is really important, but so is picking the best equalizer settings for gaming. The difference can literally help you stay alive in-game, especially in FPS games where every sound of the footsteps matter.

While you cannot blanket a general gaming equalizer setting, you can still divide and use different profiles. For example, the settings that you have for FPS games may not be that good for MMPORG games. Hence, here are two basic equalizer settings for gaming.

FPS GamesStory Based Games
Higher Mid-rangeLower Frequencies
2000 to 4000Hz16 to 500Hz

For FPS games, hearing the footsteps is essential. Boosting the higher midrange will definitely help, from 2000Hz to 4000Hz. On the other hand, story-based games will require a boost in the lower frequencies, helping you feel the environment more.

Best Equalizer Settings For Podcasts

If you’re a person that loves audiobooks and podcasts, you’ll have to optimize your EQ for human vocals. There are different frequencies between the voices of male adults, female adults, and children.

Due to the different frequencies, you can’t really blanket podcasts and audiobooks under one equalizer setting. You may have to have different equalizer settings for all of the different sound frequencies.

Boost SubsetFrequency Range
Adult MaleBass125Hz
Adult FemaleBass200Hz
ChildLower Midrange250 to 400Hz

Those frequency ranges above can be used for a better listening experience. Keep in mind that every person has a slight deviation in their tone, so finding the “perfect” equalizer settings for podcasts and audiobooks is really hard.

Best Equalizer Settings For Instruments

Here are the best equalizer settings for all sorts of instruments. The frequency range is mentioned along with the intended effects that boosting could have. From different types of drums to vocals. Let’s begin.

Kick Drums

40-60HzContains the tone reverberation, tread lightly, boost slightly
60-100HzBoosting will show the most effectiveness
100-200HzBoosting slightly can improve
200-2kHzBoosting may give some quality issues, tread lightly
2-4kHzA small boost would be optimal

Snare Drums

200-400HzBoosting can give the snare
400-800HzCut a little bit for more quality
2-4kHzBoosting will add more sound of the stick hitting the head

Toms

100-300HzBoosting can give a bit more “boom” to the sound
3-4kHzBoosting will give more sound of the stick hitting the head of the toms

Cymbals

200-300HzBoosting can add more “chink” sound
6kHz+Boosting will improve the “tsss” sound

Bass

40-80HzBoost slightly
80-200HzBoosting will show the most effectiveness, cut anywhere between 180 to 200hz if the bass is too much
200-600HzBoost this range to make the bass cut through on smaller speakers
800-1.6kHzBoosting can definitely improve quality, especially in rock music
2-5kHzA small boost would be optimal

Electric Guitars

90Hz and belowCutting would be beneficial if it’s a busy mix
150-200HzCan cut if you’re looking to improve solos or leads
300-1kHzBoost this range for more quality
1-2kHzIf it sounds too harsh, cut it
3-8kHzA small boost would be optimal

Acoustic Guitars

100-200HzBoost slightly for solo acoustic guitar, cut if its too boomy
200-400HzContains thickness and body, don’t cut a lot
2kHzFind a good balance, don’t cut, slightly boost.
7kHzBoosting can definitely improve quality

Keyboards/Piano

100-200HzIf you’re using a solo piano, boosting could help. If it’s an EQ piano or a busy mix, cutting will help.
3kHzBoosting could help, but proceed with caution

Vocals

20-100HzCutting will help, generally contains floor vibrations, rumbles, etc.
100-250HzBoost for female voices, and cut for male voices.
800-1.5kHzIf the vocals are not clear or intelligible, boost moderately.
2-4kHzBoost to give more energy to the vocals, but not too much.
4-8kHzA small cut could help
10kHz+Can make the vocal sound expensive, but tread lightly

Extra Helpful Tips!

Getting the equalizer settings right can be tough on the first try, so here are a few tips to help you get the perfect setup from the get-go!

  1. Know what genre of music you are listening to. Being aware of what music genre you are currently listening to can help you switch between or program the EQ settings perfectly, as opposed to blindly increasing and decreasing frequencies.
  2. Making your music in mono is helpful, as you would be able to remove space and other separations from your audio easily. This way, you can notice any phase issues, and it will be easier to do range allocation.
  3. Usually, all kinds of electronic devices have built-in EQ presets. You can make use of those presets. You can choose the genre, and the EQ will be set according to the genre.
  4. Even if you are done with the EQ settings, there are scopes to change if you want to boost your musical bass or reduce the tone. So, you can tweak it to change the vibe of your audio. Remember that there is not a one-size-fits-all option. So, it is your choice to set the configuration according to your hearing ability, playback quality, background sounds, and, most importantly—your choice.

FAQs

What are the best equalizer settings for the car?

While in the car, you will most likely be listening to a number of genres, so the best equalizer settings are neutral settings. However, if you’re someone who listens to a particular genre while in the car, use our guide above to select your equalizer settings.
Pro tip: With good speakers, the bass sounds pretty good. So, if you like bass-heavy songs, crank up the low-range frequencies by a bit!

Can an equalizer improve sound quality?

Yes, most definitely! Sometimes, through cheap headphones or speakers, the sound produced may seem a bit flat. Hence, using an equalizer can boost some parts of the songs which will provide a bit of a kick. This can also help you boost the instruments that you particularly like, resulting in a better listening experience.

Can you have too much EQ?

Unfortunately, yes. Too much EQ can mess with the sound of your speakers or headphones. The vocals may start sounding worse, which will lead you to try and “fix” it. However, in order to do so, you may just start adding more EQ. In the end, you’ll just be left with a much worse product than you started with.

Summing Up

Now that you know what the best equalizer setup for your favorite genre is, implement it now and get the best out of your device. However, do not let these suggestions restrict you. Play around and try different settings to see what works best for you, that is the perfect setup for you!

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