# EQ for both iOS & Mac **URL:** \ **Category:** Software\ **Created:** [January 15, 2020, 6:47pm UTC](https://forum.headphones.com/t/eq-for-both-ios-mac/4874 "2020-01-15T18:47:46Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![pwjazz](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex016/user_avatar/forum.headphones.com/pwjazz/32/35458_2.png) [@pwjazz](https://forum.headphones.com/u/pwjazz)\ **Post date:** [January 18, 2020, 4:11am UTC](https://forum.headphones.com/t/eq-for-both-ios-mac/4874/21 "2020-01-18T04:11:30Z")
There may also be a companion program or something for the licensing bit. Maybe check your application folder… ---
**Author:** ![arrakian](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex016/user_avatar/forum.headphones.com/arrakian/32/7691_2.png) [@arrakian](https://forum.headphones.com/u/arrakian)\ **Post date:** [January 18, 2020, 8:25pm UTC](https://forum.headphones.com/t/eq-for-both-ios-mac/4874/22 "2020-01-18T20:25:38Z")
After emailing 112dB a few times, turned out all I had to do was restart my computer for things to fall into place. When I get back to it, I’ll have a chance to set things up right and experiment. Thanks to you guys. ---
**Author:** ![jb77](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex016/user_avatar/forum.headphones.com/jb77/32/6168_2.png) [@jb77](https://forum.headphones.com/u/jb77)\ **Post date:** [January 28, 2020, 9:13am UTC](https://forum.headphones.com/t/eq-for-both-ios-mac/4874/23 "2020-01-28T09:13:38Z")
> [@Torq](#): > > There’s no system wide EQ available for iOS, other than that built-in to the OS. Your only options there are to use player applications that incorporate EQ themselves. > > On macOS, if you want proper EQ, then you’ll first need a virtual sound card/AU host (something like [SoundSource](https://rogueamoeba.com/soundsource/), and then an EQ plug-in of your choice (I use the [DMG](https://www.dmgaudio.com/index.php) line of “EQ” products, usually “[EQuilibrium](https://www.dmgaudio.com/equilibrium)”). Forgive my ignorance on this subject Ian, but what would you recommend for my setup, I have a 2018 MacBook Pro using Tidal and Qobuz running through Audirvana. I saw your post from another thread > [@EQ? Anyone using one?](https://forum.headphones.com/t/eq-anyone-using-one/1146/2): > > I’ll answer this in two parts, so apologies if this is a bit long … and will note out the outset that I don’t use EQ in every listening scenario. I do not, for example, find that I need it/like it with the Abyss Phi or Utopia, but I do use it for things like the Sony MDR-Z1R. First, if you’re using Audirvana+ you can use “Audio Units” within it (look under “Preferences | Audio Units”), which are plug-ins that add all sorts of sound-processing capabilities, including EQ. There are several “Aud… Where you mention the free options Mac has but I am assuming these are not the best to use, if I am using Audirvana do I still need something like “virtual sound card/AU host (something like [SoundSource](https://rogueamoeba.com/soundsource/))? Or would I just be able to Use an EQ plug-in such as equick? From DMG Appreciate the help, as I am looking at trying/getting into EQ Thank you Jeremy ---
**Author:** ![Torq](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex016/user_avatar/forum.headphones.com/torq/32/16384_2.png) [@Torq](https://forum.headphones.com/u/Torq)\ **Post date:** [January 28, 2020, 2:34pm UTC](https://forum.headphones.com/t/eq-for-both-ios-mac/4874/24 "2020-01-28T14:34:13Z")
> [@jb77](#): > > orgive my ignorance on this subject Ian, but what would you recommend for my setup, I have a 2018 MacBook Pro using Tidal and Qobuz running through Audirvana. I saw your post from another thread Start with DMG’s EQuick. It’ll let you focus on the EQ-part without worrying about the details. It has a free trial. > [@jb77](#): > > Where you mention the free options Mac has but I am assuming these are not the best to use My experience with free EQ tools has been less than satisfactory. Be that due to poor interfaces, stability issues, not being able to find out how the EQ processing is being done (e.g. whether they’re FIR or IIR), not having control over what I want to control, and/or qualitative issues. If you’re going to run everything you listen to through EQ, it makes sense for it to be the best it can be as it’s going to touch everything you play. Rather like the idea of buying the best monitor and keyboard you can for your computer, as those affect everything you do and usually last for more than one machine. > [@jb77](#): > > if I am using Audirvana do I still need something like “virtual sound card/AU host (something like [SoundSource](https://rogueamoeba.com/soundsource/))? > > Or would I just be able to Use an EQ plug-in such as equick? From DMG You can use it as a plug-in directly in Audirvana. You only need the other piece(s) if you want it to work system-wide. That’s an issue for things like Spotify, that can only talk to the system audio output. ---
**Author:** ![jb77](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex016/user_avatar/forum.headphones.com/jb77/32/6168_2.png) [@jb77](https://forum.headphones.com/u/jb77)\ **Post date:** [January 29, 2020, 12:46am UTC](https://forum.headphones.com/t/eq-for-both-ios-mac/4874/25 "2020-01-29T00:46:40Z")
Thank you Ian, I will try the free trial of Equick. I will be looking at Andrew’s @Resolve recommendation he mentions in his videos as a trial for my headphones. I have never messed with EQ before so this will be an interesting experience. I will generally try and not EQ headphones to see how they sound ‘tuned’ from the factory, but it will be interesting to try some recommendations for my Focal Elegia, Elex, Hifiman Ananda, and Audeze LCD 2C (Classic) Thank you again Ian! Jeremy ---
**Author:** ![Resolve](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex016/user_avatar/forum.headphones.com/resolve/32/51647_2.png) [@Resolve](https://forum.headphones.com/u/Resolve)\ **Post date:** [January 29, 2020, 12:48am UTC](https://forum.headphones.com/t/eq-for-both-ios-mac/4874/26 "2020-01-29T00:48:13Z")
Yeah my main advice is to not go overboard. Try to do as little as possible, and only use wide Q values (so you’re not changing individual frequencies, but rather frequency ranges). ---
**Author:** ![generic](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex016/user_avatar/forum.headphones.com/generic/32/61169_2.png) [@generic](https://forum.headphones.com/u/generic)\ **Post date:** [January 29, 2020, 12:50am UTC](https://forum.headphones.com/t/eq-for-both-ios-mac/4874/27 "2020-01-29T00:50:48Z")
> [@Resolve](#): > > changing individual frequencies …reproducing the ear piercing character of bad BA IEMs… ---
**Author:** ![jb77](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex016/user_avatar/forum.headphones.com/jb77/32/6168_2.png) [@jb77](https://forum.headphones.com/u/jb77)\ **Post date:** [January 29, 2020, 12:51am UTC](https://forum.headphones.com/t/eq-for-both-ios-mac/4874/28 "2020-01-29T00:51:49Z")
> [@Resolve](#): > > Yeah my main advice is to not go overboard. Try to do as little as possible, and only use wide Q values (so you’re not changing individual frequencies, but rather frequency ranges). Thank you Andrew! I am going to go back and rewatch your reviews on the headphones I have including the Focal Elegia and Hifiman Ananda. I will use your recommendations on those and see how I like it. ---
**Author:** ![jb77](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex016/user_avatar/forum.headphones.com/jb77/32/6168_2.png) [@jb77](https://forum.headphones.com/u/jb77)\ **Post date:** [January 29, 2020, 12:54am UTC](https://forum.headphones.com/t/eq-for-both-ios-mac/4874/29 "2020-01-29T00:54:12Z")
> [@Resolve](#): > > Try to do as little as possible, Absolutely, as I don’t want to mess with things to much. ---
**Author:** ![Torq](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex016/user_avatar/forum.headphones.com/torq/32/16384_2.png) [@Torq](https://forum.headphones.com/u/Torq)\ **Post date:** [January 29, 2020, 12:56am UTC](https://forum.headphones.com/t/eq-for-both-ios-mac/4874/30 "2020-01-29T00:56:10Z")
> [@Resolve](#): > > Try to do as little as possible Hell, this has become my philosophy in life … When asked what I do, my normal response is: “Very little.” “Slowly.” ---
**Author:** ![Resolve](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex016/user_avatar/forum.headphones.com/resolve/32/51647_2.png) [@Resolve](https://forum.headphones.com/u/Resolve)\ **Post date:** [January 29, 2020, 1:00am UTC](https://forum.headphones.com/t/eq-for-both-ios-mac/4874/31 "2020-01-29T01:00:52Z")
in my opinion the Ananda needs it the least of all of them - if at all. ---
**Author:** ![jb77](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex016/user_avatar/forum.headphones.com/jb77/32/6168_2.png) [@jb77](https://forum.headphones.com/u/jb77)\ **Post date:** [January 29, 2020, 1:12am UTC](https://forum.headphones.com/t/eq-for-both-ios-mac/4874/32 "2020-01-29T01:12:05Z")
I agree as I quite like the sound of the Ananda’s as is, so I may not EQ these at all, as per your recommendation(to start off with) and what I believe, is using ‘minimal’ EQ if at all. I am going to follow the “keep it simple” analogy. However I do like the idea of having the option to “fix” that little bit some headphones might need or benefit from and with the free trial of Equick from DMG I can see if I like it and if I keep it it’s a relatively low cost “solution” ---
**Author:** ![jb77](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex016/user_avatar/forum.headphones.com/jb77/32/6168_2.png) [@jb77](https://forum.headphones.com/u/jb77)\ **Post date:** [January 29, 2020, 12:31pm UTC](https://forum.headphones.com/t/eq-for-both-ios-mac/4874/33 "2020-01-29T12:31:17Z")
> [@Resolve](#): > > Yeah my main advice is to not go overboard. Try to do as little as possible, and only use wide Q values (so you’re not changing individual frequencies, but rather frequency ranges). Hi Andrew, @Resolve If you get a chance/have time, would you be able to post your EQ settings you use for your Focal Elegia, as I watched the part about the 2db bump between 100 and 200 Hz but I did not get specific values when your were mentioning the other areas you EQed. Also I started a thread for people to post their experiences and setting used in their EQing adventures. > [@Share your EQ adventures and settings](https://forum.headphones.com/t/share-your-eq-settings/5136): > > I wanted to try and make a central thread. For members to share their experience with EQing their headphones and the ‘settings’ they used. Post your experiences and settings used to EQ your headphones. Thank you Andrew ---
**Author:** ![Resolve](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex016/user_avatar/forum.headphones.com/resolve/32/51647_2.png) [@Resolve](https://forum.headphones.com/u/Resolve)\ **Post date:** [January 30, 2020, 12:34am UTC](https://forum.headphones.com/t/eq-for-both-ios-mac/4874/34 "2020-01-30T00:34:30Z")
You could add a bass shelf there around 100hz (or slightly higher) but only by a few dB. If you don’t want to add a shelf, just 2-3 dB around 120hz should do the trick. Base this on preference, because fit has a huge impact on bass performance anyway. For the rest, boost 4k by a few dB as well. If you don’t feel that’s enough, you can also reduce 300-700hz by like 2dB at most. Again, it’s just a starting point. ---
**Author:** ![jb77](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex016/user_avatar/forum.headphones.com/jb77/32/6168_2.png) [@jb77](https://forum.headphones.com/u/jb77)\ **Post date:** [January 30, 2020, 2:13am UTC](https://forum.headphones.com/t/eq-for-both-ios-mac/4874/35 "2020-01-30T02:13:09Z")
> [@Torq](#): > > Start with DMG’s EQuick. I have been trying Equick and have been enjoying it thank you Ian. I do have one more question, on Equick it has an option for “mode” to be either Digital or Linear. What is the difference between the two and which one is the preferred one? Sorry for the “newbie” questions as I have a lot of reading to do on the subject, as I need to educate myself on EQ. Thank you again for the help! Pictures below ![image](https://us1.discourse-cdn.com/flex016/uploads/headphones/original/2X/d/decb49fd3021741516a80ddddaa0fe05184f923c.jpeg) ![image](https://us1.discourse-cdn.com/flex016/uploads/headphones/original/2X/7/76b3065ada73a9327771d24386eb2624d303083e.jpeg) ---
**Author:** ![Torq](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex016/user_avatar/forum.headphones.com/torq/32/16384_2.png) [@Torq](https://forum.headphones.com/u/Torq)\ **Post date:** [January 30, 2020, 3:44am UTC](https://forum.headphones.com/t/eq-for-both-ios-mac/4874/36 "2020-01-30T03:44:51Z")
The “Digital” setting is a low latency (effectively zero) filter that has low CPU overhead, which is useful when doing things in a live environment, when the machine is heavily loaded or isn’t very powerful. It will result in phase changes, however, which will be dependent on the EQ profile. The “Linear” setting has higher latency (and requires more CPU power) but operates linear phase (no phase shifts). Latency doesn’t matter when just listening to music, of course. The “best” one is the one you like the most. I generally prefer linear phase filters when available. ---
**Author:** ![jb77](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex016/user_avatar/forum.headphones.com/jb77/32/6168_2.png) [@jb77](https://forum.headphones.com/u/jb77)\ **Post date:** [January 30, 2020, 3:50am UTC](https://forum.headphones.com/t/eq-for-both-ios-mac/4874/37 "2020-01-30T03:50:09Z")
Thank you Ian! I really appreciate the help! ---
**Author:** ![Torq](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex016/user_avatar/forum.headphones.com/torq/32/16384_2.png) [@Torq](https://forum.headphones.com/u/Torq)\ **Post date:** [January 30, 2020, 4:54pm UTC](https://forum.headphones.com/t/eq-for-both-ios-mac/4874/38 "2020-01-30T16:54:59Z")
4 posts were merged into an existing topic: [DSP, EQ and other Plug-Ins](https://forum.headphones.com/t/dsp-eq-and-other-plug-ins/4087/22) ---
**Author:** ![Salty](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/bb73d2/32.png) [@Salty](https://forum.headphones.com/u/Salty)\ **Post date:** [June 4, 2020, 5:43am UTC](https://forum.headphones.com/t/eq-for-both-ios-mac/4874/39 "2020-06-04T05:43:57Z")
The best system wide for the Mac that I have used is Sound Control from [Staticz.com](http://Staticz.com). Much better and reliable than Boom or EQ Mac. It has a 10 band and 31 band eq. It sits up on the menu bar. There’s a 14 day trial. [https://staticz.com/soundcontrol/](https://staticz.com/soundcontrol/) ---
**Author:** ![Brian\_Bolton](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex016/user_avatar/forum.headphones.com/brian_bolton/32/26748_2.png) [@Brian\_Bolton](https://forum.headphones.com/u/Brian_Bolton)\ **Post date:** [July 24, 2020, 9:00pm UTC](https://forum.headphones.com/t/eq-for-both-ios-mac/4874/40 "2020-07-24T21:00:13Z")
I’ve been super happy with Audio Hijack - Its a sup’d up version of SoundSource. From what I can tell though, SoundSource is probably good enough (even for me). But still, I’ve been using it for a year and it supports all the standard AU stuff. [Previous page](https://forum.headphones.com/t/eq-for-both-ios-mac/4874.md?page=1) [Next page](https://forum.headphones.com/t/eq-for-both-ios-mac/4874.md?page=3)