TOP 7 Best free equalizer programs for the Windows 7/10 operating system

Yaroslav Dragun 11/25/2021

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Equalizer for Windows

In fact, there is such a thing as an equalizer in any decent music file player. But it only works when playing a single song. What if you need to fix the sound throughout the entire operating system? This is why we need equalizers from third-party developers. Among them there are both free applications and paid solutions with an additional set of options. In this material we will look at the best options for home use. Many audio experts do not recommend using equalizers, as they distort the actual sound picture. But this statement is only true if you have acoustics that cost several thousand dollars. And cheap speakers have certain flaws that can be corrected by an equalizer. You just need to choose the best one. That's what we'll do right now. Let's start with the free options.

No. 1. Equalizer APO

No. 1. Equalizer APO This is the coolest of all free equalizers. Its functionality is not limited to banal frequency correction. The program includes a 31-band parametric equalizer, a gainer, and supports VST plugins.

This software product is capable of changing the sound on your computer beyond recognition, and support for VST plugins allows you to use the most popular effects without any problems.

The most valuable thing about this equalizer is that the user can create their own filters based on certain program settings and connect them instantly. Truly, this is the best free equalizer for Windows 10.

PROS:

• The program is completely free
• There is an advanced parametric equalizer with 30 bands
• VST plugin support available
• You can create your own filters
• The utility hardly loads the computer
• Gainer included
• Informative display of equalizer settings
• Simple and intuitive interface

MINUSES:

• No Russian language

Phase-frequency response[edit]

Analog equalizers introduce a frequency-dependent time shift into signals. In other words, different frequency components of the signal are delayed for different times. As a rule, this is an undesirable effect, because... If a pulse signal (a sharp blow or click) is received at the input, then it is desirable to receive a pulse at the output that is not spread out in time.

The phase-frequency response (PFC, phase response) shows how much the phase of the signal changes when passing through the equalizer. If the phase changes by an amount proportional to the frequency, then this corresponds to a simple time shift of the signal, without changing the signal shape. Equalizers that implement such a phase response are called linear-phase EQ. All analog equalizers have a non-linear phase response, while digital equalizers can have both linear and non-linear phase responses.

For most analog equalizers, it is possible to construct a phase response based on a known frequency response. In this case, the greatest changes in the phase response occur in places where the frequency response rapidly changes. This means that the stronger the interference in the frequency range, the stronger the phase distortion will appear - in common parlance it is often said that the equalizer “twists” the phase.

Digital equalizers can have a linear phase response and a constant group delay (group delay time, that is, a time shift of various frequency components of the signal); such equalizers are called linear. Disadvantage of such equalizers:

• Frequency response ripples in the passband;
• Incomplete suppression in the suppression band;
• Limited slope of change in frequency response;
• Signal delay.

The signal delay of linear equalizers does not always appear; many modern audio editors and sequencers compensate for this delay, which allows them to be used along with non-linear equalizers.

The figures below show the phase response and group delay of equalizers, with different quality factors (Q) of the filters. It can be seen that a higher value of the equalizer quality factor corresponds to sharper jumps in the phase response and group delay. Linear equalizers do not have these disadvantages.

• Quality factor Q = 25.
• FFC (in degrees).
• Group delay (in samples, at a sampling frequency of 44.1 kHz).

• Quality factor Q = 2.8.
• FFC (in degrees).
• Group delay (in samples, at a sampling frequency of 44.1 kHz).

No. 2. Viper4Windows

No. 2. Viper4Windows Another good multifunctional equalizer for the Windows 10 operating system . The program has support for some filters and effects (low frequency enhancement, crystallization, and so on). The interface is extremely simple and clear.

In addition to the advanced parametric equalizer, there is also a post-processing processor, surround sound settings, and the ability to add echo and reverb . Very useful effects for those who know exactly why they are needed.

The utility is completely free. You can easily download it on the official website of the developer. But the Russian language is not in the interface (and is unlikely to appear). So you will have to improve your knowledge of English. Although you can do just fine without this.

PROS:

• The program is completely free
• There is a simple and intuitive interface
• Surround sound customization options available
• Some effects can be applied
• Setting up the equalizer is very easy
• With use, the sound quality improves noticeably
• There are special modes for watching movies
• There is a bass boost option

MINUSES:

• No plugin support
• No Russian language

Music Groove

The application was created exclusively for “Ten”. The utility allows you to edit sound with a built-in equalizer. To do this you need:

1. Open the application through search in the Start menu.

1. Go to settings using the gear.

1. Go to the marked section.

1. A frequency adjustment bar and a menu with a selection of presets will appear here.

No. 3. PC Equalizer

No. 3. PC Equalizer A small free equalizer for Windows OS. It does not have a rich set of “improvers” and various effects, but it significantly improves the sound quality. The software includes a high-quality graphic EQ with 10 bands.

A special feature of the utility is that it allows you to manage delays. There is a separate tab on the main window for this. There are also simple effects . In general, the functionality of this equalizer is acceptable.

As expected, there is no Russian language in the interface. But this is not a problem, since the intuitive shell allows you to control the equalizer settings without thinking. Those who wish can support the developer with rubles. There is no advertising content.

PROS:

• The program is completely free
• There is no advertising content
• There is a 10-band equalizer
• There are a small number of effects
• Possibility to control delays
• Ability to save settings
• Intuitive interface
• Nice design
• Fast work
• Doesn't require a lot of system resources

MINUSES:

• No VST support
• No Russian language

Impulse response[edit]

The ringing is not a linear equalizer, it is present only after the pulse.
The linear equalizer ringing is present both before and after the pulse. The impulse response (impulse response) of a filter is the output signal of the filter when a single pulse is applied to the input (i.e. the signal “...0, 0, 0, 1, 0, 0, 0, ...”). The look of the impulse response can tell you how the equalizer will change the sharp spikes in the audio signal. If the peak of the impulse response is surrounded by oscillations on both sides, then you can expect that sharp bursts in the audio signal will also be surrounded by oscillations - this effect is called “ringing” of filters.

With linear equalizers, ringing is present equally before and after the pulse. For most non-linear equalizers, the ringing is concentrated after the pulse, which is often an advantage since sharp attacks of musical material are usually followed by a relatively smooth decay, which is likely to psychoacoustically mask the filter's ringing. The anticipatory ringing of a linear EQ will be more likely to be noticeable before sharp hits.

The amount of ringing (its relative level and duration in time) directly depends on the frequency response and phase response of the filter. The steeper changes in the frequency domain required from the equalizer, the more ringing will be present in the time domain. In this case, the ringing will be concentrated near the “break” frequencies and the greatest curvature of the frequency response and phase response.

No. 4. Voxengo Marvel GEQ

No. 4. Voxengo Marvel GEQ The coolest free equalizer for Windows with the ability to professionally process sound and a very interesting interface . This program is based on VTS plugins and therefore comes with a huge number of effects.

The utility's interface resembles a classic analog equalizer and looks quite interesting . At the same time, the program has a 16-band parametric equalizer and a certain set of effects.

There is also support for surround sound, a set of ready-made presets and much more. The interface is intuitive, but there is no Russian language. The developer provides the program for free, although it also has paid products.

PROS:

• Interesting appearance
• The program is completely free
• No advertising content
• There is a large set of effects
• VST plugin support available
• There are pre-configured profiles
• Intuitive interface
• Nice design
• 16-band parametric equalizer

MINUSES:

• No Russian language

Specifications[edit]

Equalizer specifications are extremely important. Along with the need for a wide range of frequencies for the equalizer to operate (across the entire audio spectrum), it must have a fairly flat frequency response with all control knobs in the middle position. An important factor is the low noise level, since amplification in the high frequency region emphasizes the existing noise - both that of the input signal and those in the circuit, but all this is related to analog equalizers, because Digital equalizers do not create noise.

Great importance is attached to the phase characteristics of the equalizer, since they shift the phase to varying degrees between harmonics, and small time delays occur at different frequencies. This greatly influences the subjective sound of an equalizer and explains why some equalizers “sound” good (in a musical sense) while others with the same parameters and technical documentation sound worse. If the equalizer shifts the phase gently and progressively, this is better for musical perception (worse - when the phase shifts occur unexpectedly and in the form of peaks). If necessary, you can use a linear equalizer, but be aware of the delay, less flexibility in settings and anticipatory ringing.

The next factor is the adjustment range. For analog models it is usually 12 or 15 decibels, while for digital models it can be up to 30 dB or more.

No. 5. Pushtec EQ VST

No. 5. Pushtec EQ VST A powerful free equalizer, which is designed as a VST plugin. This means that it can only work as part of some kind of player or sound editor . It cannot be used for the entire system.

However, Pushtec significantly improves sound quality, has a rich set of filters and effects, and can provide a correct and deep scene. But it is not suitable for watching movies and games.

The equalizer's interface is very interesting. It consists of toggle switches (like on analog audio devices). In general, the interface is simple and clear . But not everyone will use this equalizer.

PROS:

• Interesting design
• The program is completely free
• Provides high quality sound
• Includes an advanced equalizer
• There is a rich set of effects
• There are pre-configured profiles
• Equalizer provides correct and deep scene

MINUSES:

• This is not a program, but a VST plugin
• Not suitable for watching movies

Musical instruments

Mixing instruments is a real art, and the sound engineer has to turn to the equalizer more than once before he finds the sound he needs. Many instruments have such a powerful and rich sound that it is almost impossible to convey it with a close microphone. This is where the equalizer comes to the rescue, the main purpose of which is to bring this sound to us in its most natural form.

The clarity of the sound of many instruments can be greatly enhanced by emphasizing their harmonics. Our ear hears them even in the lowest sounds with a seemingly narrow spectrum. Drums are one such instrument where the brightness of the sound can be greatly enhanced by simply reducing the gain at the lower end of the spectrum, thereby emphasizing the existing harmonics in the sound. Here are some thoughts on what exactly some of the frequencies do to sound and what it makes our ears feel.

Bass guitar: Lows - 50 - 80 Hz, Attack - 700 Hz, Click - 2.5 kHz Kick: Lows - 80 - 100 Hz, Hollow - 400 Hz, “Dot” (click) - 3 - 5 kHz. Working: Fat - 120 - 240 Hz, Impact - 900 Hz, Crackle - 5 kHz, Click - 10 kHz. Altos: Fullness - 240 - 500 Hz, Attack - 5 kHz. Tom: Fullness - 80 - 120 Hz, Attack - 5 kHz Hit and Cymbals: Sound - 200 Hz, Shine - 8 - 10 kHz. Electric guitar: Fullness - 240 - 500 Hz, Presence - 1.5 - 2.5 kHz, column 4?12: cut 1 kHz. Acoustic guitar: Fullness - 80 Hz, sound body - 240 Hz, Presence - 2 - 5 kHz. Organ: Fullness - 80 Hz, “body” of sound - 240 Hz, Presence - 2 - 5 kHz. Piano: Fullness - 80 Hz, Present - 2.5 - 5 kHz. Brass: Fullness - 120 - 240 Hz, Piercing - 5 kHz. Voice: Fullness - 120 Hz, Boom - 240 Hz, Present - 5 kHz, Sibilant - 5 kHz, Air - 10 - 15 kHz. Strings: Fullness - 240 Hz, Violin - 7 - 10 kHz. Conga: Ring - 200 Hz, Clap - 5 kHz.

No. 6. FxSound Enhancer

No. 6. FxSound Enhancer And now it's time for paid programs. In fact, FxSound Enhancer is not really an equalizer. This is a comprehensive product for improving sound quality on a computer or laptop. However, many people use it as an equalizer.

The utility has a huge number of built-in effects, a 9-band graphic equalizer, preset profiles, crystallization options and improving the quality of low frequencies. And all this in a pretty nice package.

However, you will have to pay $30 to use the full version of the application. If this is not done, then you will only be able to enjoy excellent sound for 6 days. And this is the most significant drawback.

PROS:

• Nice interface
• No advertising content
• There is a good equalizer
• There are a huge number of effects
• Can be used to watch movies
• There are built-in presets
• Fast application operation
• Low demands on system resources
• Intuitive interface
• Advanced effects settings

MINUSES:

• You will have to pay for the full version
• No VST plugin support
• There is no Russian language in the interface

Brief history[edit]

The history of equalizers began in the 1930s in Hollywood, when the first films with sound appeared. At that time, many paid attention to the unnatural sound of the music and the voices of the actors. One of these people was John Volkman, who used the first equalizer to improve the sound of movie theater sound systems. Previously, equalizer-like devices were used to correct sound losses during signal transmission. However, Volkman was the first to introduce equalization into a sound reinforcement system. The first such equalizer (EQ-251A) was a device with two sliders, each of which had a frequency selection switch.

At the same time, Hollywood recording studios were experimenting with equalizers for post-production and effects purposes. Then Cinema Engineering developed the first true graphic equalizer (model 7080), which had 6 bands, adjustable within 6 in 1 dB steps, and subsequently the very popular 7-band equalizer 9062A at that time.

There was a lull in this field during World War II, and in 1958, university professor Wayne Radmose successfully developed and applied his theory of acoustic equalization. After this, in 1962, Radmose, together with his friend Boughner, developed an acoustic filter with a very high quality factor - this is how the White equalizer was developed, which helped Boughner create the theory of acoustic feedback and room equalization.

In 1967, Art Davis (of Cinema Engineering), along with Jim Noble and Don Davis, developed the first set of passive 1/3-octave filters, which were called "Acousta-Voice". This system marked the beginning of a new era of modern equalization.

Over the next 20 years, there was literally a boom in equalizer development: a wide variety of equalizers were created using microcircuits and other digital technologies.

No. 7. SRS Audio Sandbox

No. 7. SRS Audio Sandbox Multifunctional utility for improving sound quality. Includes various effects and VST plugins. There is also an advanced graphic equalizer . But the main emphasis is on various effects (crystallization, bass enhancement, volume, and so on).

The program does an excellent job of emulating surround sound and is suitable for watching movies with high-quality sound . The utility's interface, although overloaded with small details, is intuitive.

There is no Russian language. And the program is not free. For the full version you will have to pay a tidy sum. But she's worth it . There is also not very good news: development of the utility has been discontinued. We'll have to make do with the old versions.

PROS:

• Rich set of functions
• A huge number of effects
• Lots of sound enhancers
• Has a graphic equalizer
• Intuitive interface
• Huge number of modules
• Ideal for watching movies
• Works very fast
• Does not require many system resources

MINUSES:

• Paid program
• No VST plugin support
• Development of the utility has been discontinued

About the native Windows equalizer

The Windows 10 operating system has its own equalizer. But it is not recommended to use it. And there are reasons for this. For example, it only works if the latest drivers for the sound card are installed.

But not all devices are officially supported by the “ten”. And the functionality of such an equalizer is very limited. And he copes very poorly with improving sound. However, you need to consider how to work with it correctly. For general information.

1 First, open the “Control Panel” and click on the “Realtek HD Manager” item.

2 In the manager, immediately move to the “Sound Effect” tab.

3 Now click on the button with the image of equalizer bands.

4 Set up the equalizer bands (or use a ready-made preset) and click on the “OK” button.

This is how they work with the standard Windows equalizer. But it is only available if the current divers are installed. If it is not there, then you should try updating the sound drivers. But it’s better to download them from the official website.

After reinstalling the drivers, you will need to restart your computer or laptop and only then try again to find the equalizer in Windows 10. And setting it up is very simple. You can even choose a ready-made setting. But it’s better to try it manually.

Conclusion

So, above we looked at the best third-party equalizers for Windows operating systems. They all work great on the “ten”. Some of them have additional functionality.

However, it is worth remembering that after successfully installing any equalizer, you must restart the machine. This is the only way he can register in the system and start working normally. Now all you have to do is choose the best one.

VIDEO: How to increase the sound on a laptop and adjust the equalizer on a Windows 10 PC