EQ software

Discussion in 'Computer Audiophile: Software, Configs, Tools' started by logscool, Oct 19, 2015.

  1. logscool

    logscool Friend

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    What's your favorite EQ software or plugin if you use one and why? Do you have anything against software EQ?
     
  2. bixby

    bixby Friend

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    I used foobars built in eq plugin. It's okay but I think I lose overall resolution and depth when I use it. I stopped using it and my plan was to change cans to get closer to the sound I wanted. I may try it again on the new cans, but just to cut a frequency or perhaps try to shelf down some highs.
     
  3. OJneg

    OJneg The Most Insufferable

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    I find Jriver's DSP suite to be very good.
     
  4. rhythm is life

    rhythm is life New

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    On my laptop I use EqualizerAPO + Peace GUI. Also I use the Foobar bs2b crossfeed plugin. On my iTouch I use Neutron Music Player.
     
  5. Chris F

    Chris F Boyz 4 Now Fanatic - Friend

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    DMG Equilibrium is really really really good but it's also really really expensive
     
  6. atomicbob

    atomicbob dScope Yoda

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    Currently evaluating:
    AIXcoustic Electri-q
    EqualizerAPO
    Sonarworks
     
  7. NoStream

    NoStream Acquaintance

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    EQ is used in producing every modern album and has been the norm for decades. Even classical albums get EQ'ed. Even nearly all of the minimally mic'ed, minimally compressed audiophile recordings out there see EQ. EQ's also standard in high-end rooms to fix modes, and it should be standard in headphones to fix whatever can't be fixed with modding. (Ringing and distortion require mods, but FR aberrations without those issues should respond very well to EQ.)

    Most built-in EQ algorithms are pretty imperfect. High-quality algorithms from VST plugins do better. Minimal phase adds phase distortion, and linear phase adds pre-ringing. Well-implemented EQs can keep these to a minimum. I personally tend to prefer linear phase, since phase issues can cause smearing pretty easily.

    I use Fabfilter Pro-Q 2, which has a lovely UI, tons of features, and sounds great:
    http://www.fabfilter.com/products/pro-q-2-equalizer-plug-in
    (I personally use linear phase max latency.)

    Ozone is another great one. It's designed for mastering, so the algorithms are designed with sound quality rather than CPU efficiency in mind:
    https://www.izotope.com/en/products/mixing-mastering/ozone/

    I also use Sonarworks in linear phase mode:
    http://sonarworks.com/try-now/

    I'm pretty sure all three of these have free trials. Grab jRiver or another VST-enabled player and try them.
     
  8. atomicbob

    atomicbob dScope Yoda

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    On the pro size Ozone is very good. So are Voxengo, Sonnox Oxford and several good ones in the Waves collection.
     
  9. logscool

    logscool Friend

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    I was actually using the free trial of this and also found it very good. My trial ran out and I figured I would buy it until I realized how pricey it is, it's actually what spawned me to start this thread. This thread is definitely giving me lots of ideas for alternatives to try out.
     
  10. meloman

    meloman Acquaintance

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    I have nothing against EQ, but it is a very delicate process. All EQs are not created the same. Even things like a processing phase can make a difference. In the end, the improvements can be more significant than an amp/DAC upgrade. Here are my current settings with unmodded HD800:

    Low Shelf at 150Hz, +1dB, Q=1.5, 12db/octave
    High Shelf at 5000Hz, -3dB, Q=0.8, 48db/octave
    Natural Phase, -2dB output level
    https://i.imgur.com/tdmk0uv.jpg
     
  11. johnjen

    johnjen Doesn’t want to be here but keeps posting anyways

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    I fussed with various EQ setups and was never really happy with any of them.
    I wound up just adding some bass boost at 15Hz with a broad Q (0.17) so it tapered off at ≈100Hz.

    But then Sonarworks popped up over on Inner Fidelity in the comments about EQ post during the BS 2015 series, and it has really helped.
    I did add very low bass boost, again from 15Hz and up to compensate for their 35Hz cut off.
    Until they sent me an 'average' HD800 compensation curve without this bottom end cut off.

    Big improvement.

    I still add +2dB at 15Hz with a much sharper Q of 4.32 to bring up the subsonics to compliment the 20Hz and up improvement.

    The results are very nice, and I still am aiming at a custom curve for my modded 800's, just to hear what differences there will be.

    I mean who would have thought that a 'flat' FR curve from headphones was even possible?

    Exciting times in audio, indeed.

    JJ
     
  12. The Alchemist

    The Alchemist MOT: Schiit - Here to help!

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    I use iZotope Ozone 5 and Ozone 6 EQ plugin for my DAW and for JRiver Media Center 21
     
  13. atomicbob

    atomicbob dScope Yoda

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  14. cooperpwc

    cooperpwc Friend

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    I too use Ozone 5, in my case with Foobar using George Yohng's VST Wrapper.
     
  15. The Alchemist

    The Alchemist MOT: Schiit - Here to help!

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    Can you post your Ozone 5 EQ settings and what headphones you use your EQ with?
     
  16. cooperpwc

    cooperpwc Friend

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    I am mostly using Ozone 5 with the HD800 so it is the EQ setting that you saw before. I attach it again. The other headphones that I sometimes listen to at home are the FAD 1601SC and 1602SS (PFIX). I have a milder treble reduction setting that I can use with those (-1.5db). I attach that also.

    Otherwise I have played with some bass boost settings. These are easily implemented by activating a V Low Shelf Filter at 24.3 Hz with a Q of 0 and the desired boost (2db or 3db usually). This can also be added to the treble reduction settings I posted. You should then properly lower the input volume to avoid distortion. Anyway I rarely use these. I do not feel the need to boost bass - and certainly not with the HD800.

    I am afraid that I am not a very sophisticated Ozone user. I just love the sound quality to accomplish a specific task: reduce 6 Kh peakiness.
     

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  17. The Alchemist

    The Alchemist MOT: Schiit - Here to help!

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    Yes now I remember seeing your post before, I apologize for asking again -I have been so busy checking out threads and moderating etc. so I just forgot. But I sincerely appreciate you posting it again, thank you cooperpwc :bow:

    Here is mine for the HD650's (keep in mind some of the EQ nodes are High-pass and Low pass filters. I know my EQ'ing may look insane to most audiophiles.

    HD650's Ozone 5.jpg

    Ozone 6 HD650's.jpg
     
  18. cooperpwc

    cooperpwc Friend

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    My pleasure! \/
     
  19. The Alchemist

    The Alchemist MOT: Schiit - Here to help!

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    I put my Ozone 5 and Ozone 6 settings for the HD650's in the post before your recent one because you replied quicker than I could edit it!
     
  20. cooperpwc

    cooperpwc Friend

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    Well that is interesting!

    It looks like upgrading to Ozone 6 gets you an alien spaceship in the package. Very cool. :)
     

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