Understanding Parametric Equalizers!!

In the vast, ever-expanding world of audiophiles, Sound Quality and Personalization are the paramount things one seeks. For a premium experience, audiophiles go all out for high-fidelity audio gear that includes Digital to Analog Converters(DACs), Amplifiers, In-Ear Monitors, Headphones, Speakers, etc. While some people tend to experience these gear in their stock form with default tuning as designed by acoustic engineers, a vast majority of audiophiles love to play around and fine-tune their experience using equalizers. Digital equalizers are usually available via different media software on Android and other devices. These graphical equalizers allow one to adjust the response at fixed/preset frequency response sections. Users can’t actually customize this, which again makes an audiophile curious. As an audiophile, we want full control over the output, we want to play around as we would like and fine-tune any given frequency point to our liking. This is where the Parametric Equalizers come into the scene. Different from these traditional Graphical Equalizers, a Parametric Equalizer allows one to adjust the output response precisely. In today’s time, there are many devices like FiiO BTR17, Qudelix 5K, HiBy R6 Pro II, HiBy R8ii, FiiO M11 Plus, M17, etc., and all these pack a PEQ function built into their system. From standard 8-band PEQ to high 16/20-band PEQ, functions are available on these previously mentioned devices.

Today’s blog is going to be all about Parametric Equalizers. We are going to learn about the basic functionality of this advanced function that will ease the lives of audiophiles by providing them an extensive way to precisely adjust the output to their liking. Let’s get our reading glasses on and begin!!

What is a Parametric Equalizer:-

Let’s start from the beginning again: audiophiles love to fine-tune the output to their liking. A Parametric Equalizer, widely known as PEQ, is a versatile, extensive function that allows you to get full control over the output. For a regular Equalizer, we get standard preset frequency bands where we can make the adjustments, but in PEQ, we can adjust the frequency we want to fine-tune. Apart from choosing the exact frequency we want to adjust, we can also adjust the bandwidth of the frequency range being affected. This is referred to as “Q”. By adjusting this “Q” setting, we can choose how narrow or broad the affected frequency point would be. This brings an audiophile full control over the output. You can basically set different PEQ presets for different IEMs and shape the output with amazing accuracy.

What are the Benefits of using PEQ?

As we mentioned previously in today’s blog, Audiophiles love to play around and shape the sound to their liking. PEQ is the perfect tool for them. Here are the key benefits:-

1. Accurate Control Over Output: Choose specific frequency points to shape the output to your liking. Imagine a scenario: you just got an IEM and like the overall sound, but you think if you could just get a bit more boost in the sub-bass region, the pair would sound just perfect for your liking. You can just open up the PEQ settings on your device and give it a little boost to the 20Hz and 60Hz frequency sections. You can both add or cut the gain to any given frequency band. How much this gain is available depends upon the application or device being used here.

2. Enjoy Different Signatures With A Single Set of IEMs: You can make different preset PEQ settings and enjoy different sound signatures with a single set of IEM. Fine-tune them, adjust them for different genres of music and enjoy your IEMs/Headphones to the fullest with the PEQ function.

3. Flexible Bandwidth Control(Q-Adjustment): PEQ brings you the most control on your adjustments. With the Q-Factor adjustment, you can determine the range of frequency bands being affected by your PEQ settings. A high Q-factor allows for precise frequency adjustments, This makes the frequency adjustments highly specific to the selected frequency point. A low Q-factor makes the control broad, affecting the surrounding frequencies as well and giving an overall smoother adjustment feel.

Some Tips We Have For Our Readers:-

While PEQ looks interesting and easy to use, you should proceed with a little caution. Not that the settings would damage your IEM/Headphones or any other device, but as easy as it is to tune the output to your liking, it is also possible to introduce distortion or ruin the output. Well, you can reset it any time, but please keep the following things in mind when using PEQ.

1. Start with small adjustments: Whenever you start using PEQ, start with small changes and notice the changes in real time. Also, big changes, like adding too much boost to any given frequency point, might introduce distortion. Don’t worry, you can always reset it.

2. Experience with different adjustments to find your perfect sound: PEQ offers unlimited options. You can basically fine-tune the output from any given point and adjust it to your liking.

Now, when we are clear with our basics, it’s time to check out some of the latest devices that bring us the magic of PEQ functionality. Devices like FiiO BTR17, Tanchjim Stargate 2, HiBy R6 Pro II, HiBy R8ii, FiiO M11 Plus, M17, FiiO K19, etc., pack PEQ functionality built into their system. Users can easily use them to fine-tune the output to their liking. Let’s see what features all these devices bring in the form of PEQ.

Tanchjim Stargate 2:-

Tanchjim’s latest portable DAC/AMP, the Stargate 2, brings us the PEQ functionality in a pocket-friendly price bracket. Available for just $37.99, the Tanchjim Stargate 2 has full integration with Tanchjim’s self-developed Android application. It features an 8-band PEQ that allows you to adjust the output to your liking. The Stargate 2 is a fantastic option for audiophiles who want to experience the magic of PEQ in the budget market. Apart from 8-band PEQ, the Tanchjim Stargate 2 also has a built-in DSP profile option which allows you to use preset settings.

FiiO BTR17:-

The current flagship portable Bluetooth DAC/AMP, BTR17 from the house of FiiO, supports a 10-band high-precision Parametric Equalizer function. The best part is that this PEQ can be used in both Bluetooth and USB connection modes. Users can adjust frequency points, gain levels at those specific frequencies, bandwidth, and Q values. Equipped with some top-tier hardware, including dual ES9069Q DAC chips, a THX78+ amp chipset, and the latest Qualcomm Bluetooth chipset, the FiiO BTR17 is a serious piece of gear. With 10-band high-precision PEQ, users can get the best out of their IEMs and Headphones and fine-tune them to their liking!!

HiBy R6 Pro II/R8ii:-

HiBy currently has an outstanding range of Android Portable Audio Players, including the highly-acclaimed R6 Pro II and R8ii. Both the devices pack a 10-band high-precision PEQ function, making them a powerful tool for the audiophiles out there. You can fine-tune the output to your liking using this extensive 10-band PEQ. It is integrated into the HiBy Music Application with an intuitive UI. The PEQ settings on both the R6 Pro II and R8II can be applied globally on all applications. R8II’s PEQ works closely with its DARWIN-MPA architecture, which enhances the PEQ experience with high-speed DSP processing. HiBy’s PEQ integration promises extensive control of the output with their in-house developed MSEB tuner as well, which is again available on both the R6 Pro II and R8II music players. This combination of the MSEB tuner and 10-band PEQ make the R6 Pro II and R8Ii a versatile choice for casual as well as serious audiophiles!!

FiiO M11 Plus:-

FiiO M11 Plus also has a 10-band PEQ function, which is accessible through the FiiO Music Lab within the FiiO Music application. Users can self-define each frequency band for precise sound adjustments. The PEQ function on the FiiO M11 Plus offers detailed control over the frequency band. Users can select the exact frequency they want to adjust and set the gain level to either boost or cut that selected frequency. FiiO users can experience full control of the output using the built-in PEQ!!

FiiO K19:-

When we talk about high-end audio stuff, FiiO K19 comes at the top of the chain with its extensive audio architecture. This flagship desktop DAC/AMP features an extensive 31-band high-precision lossless Parametric Equalizer. The K19 offers one of the widest controls in terms of PEQ with an expansive 31-band PEQ. It allows for precise adjustments to different frequencies without introducing distortion or quality loss. This PEQ is accessible through a desktop-based DSP software engine built into the K19. Users can create, edit, and save custom EQ profiles as well. FiiO K19 PEQ function is perfect for audiophiles who want full control of the output signal!!

Final Words:-

PEQ allows audiophiles to run wild with their creativity, adjust, fine-tune, and modify the output to their liking. With a parametric equalizer, users can unlock new levels of control over their audio experience. We hope you learn something new today with this blog. If you still have any questions related to Parametric Equalizers, feel free to write to us at support@hifigo.com.