The speakers or subs in the audio system have different frequency responses that are used to play bass, mids, or treble (highs). An equalizer (EQ) is a key device used to adjust or set the volume of certain frequency bands within the audio source. Parametric and graphic are two types of equalizers, in which the parametric is considered the best to offer precise control.
Simply, it is an audio filter that isolates frequencies and thereby boosts/lowers/leave unchanged to have a better volume control for bass (lows), mids, and treble (highs). Besides adjusting the overall volume level, it lets you turn up or down the individual frequencies and elements of the sound.
An equalizer is most useful for car audio enthusiasts or audiophiles which works by dividing the audio spectrum into bands and lets you boost or cut the volume of each band by using knobs or sliders. It can improve the sound quality of the audio system of the car or any vehicle to adjust the treble, bass, and mids as preferred.
What are the Bass, Mid, & Treble Frequencies?
The frequency response range of the car audio system will be differentiated based on the different levels of sound quality – bass (low), mid, and treble (high). An equalizer is used to adjust these frequencies for proper fine-tuning of the audio system and enjoy it with a more balanced and enjoyable listening experience.
- Bass – The frequency response of Bass will range from 20 Hz to 250 Hz (low frequency) to produce deep sounds like kick drum, or bass guitar.
- Mids – The mid-frequency response will range from 250 Hz to 4 kHz for midrange sounds like guitars, vocals, and keyboards.
- Treble – The frequency response of the treble (high frequencies) will range from 4 kHz to 20 kHz to produce high-end sounds like high-pitched synthesizers and cymbals.
What’s the Best Setting for the Equalizer?
Although there is nothing called the Best settings for an equalizer in the car audio system, the main reason for this depends on one’s personal preference, car acoustics, and music types. So, the best setting is described as the individual preferred sound that suits the best for them. All you need is to experiment to find out the right balance and make it your best setting for the equalizer.
Best Equalizer Settings for Car Audio Bass, Mid, and Treble
Before getting into the topic, you need to know about three primary frequency ranges (bass/mid/treble) for the proper adjusting of the equalizer in the car’s audio system, which allows for an enjoyable ride/drive. Here is a detailed explanation of these settings.
1. Bass
Bass frequencies (low) will range from 20 Hz to 250 Hz, which are quite responsible for the boom or low-end in the music/audio. Setting too high bass will make the music sound distorted or muddy, whereas setting too low bass make the music sound thin and lacking in depth.
Here is the way to adjust the bass settings on the equalizer. Initially, start the process by setting the level to zero, and then increase the bass frequency level gradually until it produces a balanced sound without overpowering. Therefore, consider adjusting the bass level till it matches the type of music as per your listening preference. For instance, electronic music or bass-heavy hip-hop needs a bit higher bass compared to classical or acoustic music.
2. Mid-Range
Mid-range frequencies will range from 250 Hz to 4 kHz, which are quite responsible for the body of the music (vocals, guitars, or other instruments). Setting too high mid-range will make the music sound grating or harsh, whereas setting too low will make the music sound muddy or lacking in detail.
Here is the way to adjust the mid-range settings on the equalizer. Initially, set the level to zero and then increase the mid-range gradually till reaching the level where it provides a clear and balanced sound. Therefore, consider adjusting the mid-range till it matches the type of music as per your listening preference. For instance, vocals might be benefitted from a higher mid-range level, and on the other hand instruments like guitars might be benefitted from a lower mid-range level.
3. Treble
Treble (high) frequencies will range from around 4 kHz to 20 kHz, which are quite responsible for the sparkle or high-end in the music/audio. Setting too high treble will make the music sound tinny or harsh, whereas setting too low treble will make the music sound dull or lacking in detail.
Here is the way to adjust the treble settings on the equalizer. Initially, set the level to zero and then increase the treble level gradually till reaching the level offering a balanced sound yet not too sharp. Therefore, consider adjusting the treble level to match the type of music as per your listening preference. For instance, electronic music might be benefitted from low treble levels, while the other side, jazz or classical music might be benefitted from high treble levels.
4. Listen and Adjust
After doing all these adjustments properly, then it’s time to enjoy listening to different songs from different genres. In case, if you don’t like the sound, then do further adjustments till you feel it’s perfect to hear the sound, like, or love the sound.
We suggest you start the process with a neutral or flat EQ setting and then adjust as per your listening preference. This will provide a good baseline to work with and help prevent under or over-compensating for certain frequencies. Ensure to adjust the equalizer settings of your car audio system to have a balanced and enjoyable sound for pleasant listening to your favorite music or audio.
Tips to Adjust the Equalizer Settings for Car Audio
- Here are some tips you need to keep in mind while adjusting the equalizer settings for car audio to make sure that you get the best sound from the audio system.
- Neutral EQ Setting – Before adjusting the equalizer settings, we have to start with a neutral setting to let you enjoy hearing the natural sound of the music (as it is) without any extra treble, midrange, or bass. Then simply either increase or reduce the frequency levels till you get the desired sound.
- Know the Music – Different EQ settings are required for different types of music. For instance, classical music needs a more balanced sound, whereas rock and hip-hop music needs more bass. So, ensure to adjust the EQ settings according to the music you’re playing.
- Avoid Overdoing – Don’t overdo the equalizer even though it might be tempting to crank up the treble or bass. This frequency (too much or too low) results in distortion and muddy sounds. Yet ensure EQ settings to enjoy the balanced sound that complements the music.
- Use Reference Tracks – It is essential to use reference tracks whenever you are not sure about the adjustments on the EQ settings. These reference tracks are well-known and let you listen to a high-quality sound system. So, use these tracks to set/adjust the EQ settings till they match the sound closely.
- Make Small Adjustments – Ensure to make small adjustments in every frequency band (bass, mids, & treble). Making these small – small adjustments will let you hear the effects of each adjustment effectively without changing the actual sound.
- Check the Music in Different Environments – It is essential to check listening to music or audio in different environments to ensure that EQ settings deliver perfect sound in various listening conditions. So, listen in your car, at home, or with headphones to ensure the EQ settings sound perfect everywhere.
Also Read: Best Equalizers For Cars
Best Equalizer Settings for Car – FAQs
Ans: The audio equalizer will either lower or raise the volume of specific frequency ranges of the audio signal that get into the speakers. The frequency response range of 20 Hz to 20 kHz is the standard human audible range, and the EQ improves the sound of the headphones with a small effort. In general the factory-set or aftermarket subwoofers, speakers, and amplifiers to the system, then OEM stereo equalizer results in underperformance. So, we need to add an equalizer to the car’s audio system to enhance the overall audio quality by fine-tuning the tone.
Ans: The equalizer (EQ) settings for music genres are based on the speaker system & equipment requires fine-tuning. For this, you need to try playing a music track having low, high, and mid-range notes and thereby adjust the tone controls till you find the desired sound using bass boosters or sound enhancers. Ensure to choose EQs with multiple bands will enable you to control the spectrum of frequencies.
Ans: Bass boost (20 Hz to 250 Hz) will enhance the loudness at low frequencies while lessening/reducing higher frequencies. The mid-range allows for the overall balanced effect between bass & treble without affecting any excessive ends. While the treble boosts enhance the loudness at high frequencies while lessening/reducing lower frequencies. An EQ will allow you to tweak treble, boost bass, and more to tune the audio.
Ans: For this, you need to know the mounting place that includes under the dash, or in the center console. Then set the mounting bracket on the spot and mark its positions. Start drilling through these positions Yet remember to avoid going too far with the drill bit. Now position the mounting brackets and tighten the screws to secure them properly. Connect the input wires and speaker wires, and cut and join the wires to the proper input wires on the equalizer. However, the same applies to the output wires, where you need to connect the live wire feed to the output wires to the earth point for its proper functioning.
Ans: However, it depends on one’s personal preference and the sound coming through the particular set of speakers in the car audio system. Here are the recommended settings on each slider controls.The frequencies on the equalizer settings to control the bass will be from 32 Hz to 250 Hz, while frequencies up to 4kHz can control the midrange (even the upper midrange level), and finally, 16 – 18 kHz frequencies are used to control the treble (or music sizzle).
Conclusion
Whenever you want to enhance the overall sound quality of the music, you should know how to adjust an equalizer setting in the car audio system. For better results, you need to make small EQ setting adjustments and check how it performs in different music genres. Ensure to start with the neutral setting, use reference tracks, and listen in different environments for a balanced sound to complement your music. With all these tips, the EQ settings will enhance the listening experience while on the go to enjoy your ride.
We hope this article helps you to use the equalizer settings in the car audio system for exceptional sound quality. If you have any queries or thoughts to share with us, then feel free to share them in the comments section below.
