And now for something actually useful:
Works like a charm. Here's how to set it up.
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. -- macosxhints.com
Don't forget to choose "Make Preset" from the list box and label this so you can get back to it later.
Then.... kick back and CRANK those speakers!
[Via Merlin Mann's invaluable 43 Folders]
Posted by Vanderleun at August 7, 2008 7:54 PM | TrackBackWow! I tried the perfect Equalizer setting and it is just so great that I set all my iTunes songs to it.
Posted by: mistersurefire at September 23, 2007 12:02 AMThe image of your equalizer doesn't match up to the numbers listed in the post. Specifically the 500, 1k, 2k appear to be at 3, 2, and 5 respectively rather than 6, 5, 7 as is listed in the post.
Posted by: josh Bradley at September 23, 2007 7:55 AMYou're right.
Premature screen grab.
Fixed now. Thanks.
Posted by: vanderleun at September 23, 2007 9:23 AMThat's pretty good, yeah.
Posted by: See-dubya at September 23, 2007 12:33 PMI went to change my settings to "Perfect" and found that my manaul settings were withing 1 notch on every level. (I'm cereal).
Posted by: JohnO at September 23, 2007 7:01 PMTry this one - it is optimised for Bose QC2 headphones
3.5, 7, 7, 6, 7, 7, 7, 6, 5, 3
and live WSP
Posted by: Robohobo at September 23, 2007 8:23 PMHmm, I posted another set of numbers that I use that I have optimised for Bose QC2 headphones and it disappeared.
Testing 1...2...3...
Try 3.5,7,6,6,7,7,7,6,5,4 and some live Widespread Panic - Red Rock night #1 from this year is on right now - 'All Time Low'
The 'Perfect' settings are pretty good tho'
Okay, yeah, that's REALLY nice.
I hadn't done anything with my levels since I rarely listen to iTunes and I've got a set of ancient miniature speakers, but the difference is amazing.
Posted by: B. Durbin at September 24, 2007 11:05 AMsongs are already set to the proper levels in the studio, therefore, you shoudl just leave it flat and not change the songs at all...
Posted by: Greg at September 24, 2007 6:54 PMYou, sir, have changed my life.
This is awesome. And to think I scoffed, scoffed, when I saw the word "Perfect" for the equalizer preset.
From Aerosmith to Celtic Woman (I'm not gay), this preset is great.
Thank you.
Posted by: jkrank at September 25, 2007 2:57 PMICK! If you have to EQ more than 3db either way at any frequency, seriously reconsider the accuracy of your speakers.
Posted by: a. at October 6, 2007 2:47 PMI tried running some Todd Rundgren through this setting, and I can vouch that it sounds pretty damn good.
Posted by: Jake Was Here at October 15, 2007 8:59 PMthis is like the old 80's and 90's pull out the trebble and crank the base and highs.
Posted by: at May 14, 2008 5:26 PMYou are deaf. That eq setting is horrific.
Posted by: Music City at August 8, 2008 12:02 AMWorks for me.
Posted by: vanderleun at August 8, 2008 9:03 AMTried this while playing some '80s hits, and the difference was noticeably better with each additional change.
Only problem I had was that I had to set everything first, then go through the "Make Preset" process.
It's posts like these that make me appreciate the InterTubes.
Posted by: Bill Peschel at August 9, 2008 3:32 PM"It is impossible to speak in such a way that you cannot be misunderstood." -- Karl Popper N.B.: Comments are moderated to combat spam and may not appear immediately. Comments that exceed the obscenity or stupidity limits will be either edited or expunged.