Audio equalization is a powerful tool for customizing your music listening experience on macOS. Whether you’re an audiophile or a casual listener, adjusting the equalizer settings can enhance sound quality, balance frequencies, and tailor audio output to your preferences.
1. Use macOS System-Wide Audio Equalizer
macOS does not include a built-in system-wide equalizer, but you can achieve similar functionality using third-party applications like Boom 3D or eqMac. These tools integrate seamlessly with macOS, allowing you to adjust audio frequencies for all system sounds, including music, videos, and notifications. Boom 3D, for instance, offers a 31-band equalizer and pre-configured sound profiles for different genres.
To use these tools, download and install the application, then access the equalizer settings from the menu bar or system preferences. You can create custom presets or choose from existing ones to optimize your audio experience.
2. Adjust Equalizer Settings in Apple Music
If you use Apple Music, you can access its built-in equalizer to fine-tune your audio. Open the Apple Music app, go to Window > Equalizer from the menu bar. Here, you’ll find a range of presets like Bass Booster, Treble Reducer, and Vocal Booster.
While the Apple Music equalizer is not as advanced as third-party tools, it provides a quick and easy way to adjust sound for casual listening. You can also create a custom preset by manually adjusting the frequency sliders.
3. Utilize Equalizer Settings in Spotify
Spotify for macOS includes a built-in equalizer that you can use to customize your music playback. To access it, open Spotify, go to Settings > Playback > Equalizer. The equalizer offers a 6-band frequency adjustment and several presets like Pop, Rock, and Classical.
This feature is particularly useful for Spotify Premium users who want to enhance their listening experience without relying on external tools. You can save your custom settings for future use.
4. Apply Equalization in VLC Media Player
VLC Media Player is a versatile tool for playing audio and video files on macOS. It includes a robust equalizer that allows you to adjust frequencies, preamp levels, and more. To access the equalizer, open VLC, go to Window > Audio Effects > Equalizer.
VLC’s equalizer supports up to 18 frequency bands, giving you precise control over your audio. You can save custom presets or use one of the many pre-configured options for different music genres.
5. Use Third-Party Equalizer Apps
For advanced audio customization, consider using third-party equalizer apps like Boom 3D, eqMac, or SoundSource. These applications offer features like multi-band equalization, sound enhancement, and system-wide audio control.
SoundSource, for example, allows you to apply equalizer settings to individual apps or system-wide audio. This level of granularity is ideal for users who want to fine-tune their audio experience across different applications.
6. Leverage Audio MIDI Setup for Advanced Equalization
macOS includes a built-in tool called Audio MIDI Setup that allows you to configure audio devices and apply basic equalization. While it’s not a full-fledged equalizer, you can use it to adjust sample rates, bit depths, and other audio parameters.
To access Audio MIDI Setup, go to Applications > Utilities > Audio MIDI Setup. This tool is best suited for users with external audio interfaces or those who need precise control over their audio output settings.