iTunes EQ Settings & Sound Enhancer?

Question

I have a VERY large record collection I just finished digitizing into my iTunes library, with my records ranging from 1896 to records released a month ago. Obviously, the mp3 file of the record from 1896 needs a very different EQ setting to sound its best than the record released last week does, so I have compensated for that by assigning each .mp3 file an EQ setting ("Treble Booster", "Piano", "Classical", etc.), with my goal to decrease background noise/hiss and bring up the recorded frequencies.

The EQ settings alone do a pretty good job of this, but I have also discovered that iTunes has a variable "Sound Enhancer" slide that further boosts the sound, but it doesn't boost the sound on all of the mp3 files; on the contrary, it actually worsens some mp3s when used during playback. For the mp3s that DO sound better when Sound Enhancer is used, however, I would like to automatically enable Sound Enhancer to activate when the file is played and save me the trouble of having to pull up Sound Enhancer, slide the tab to where I need it to be at, and then listen to the file. Is there any way to do that? Also, if there is, can I transfer those Sound Enhancer settings to the mp3s when I transfer them over to my iPod?

Answer 1

I understand clearly what you are trying to do.



First no unfortunately the Sound Enhancer is either on or off and cannot be turned on for each song.



I have played with the Sound Enhancer extensively and honestly on some songs yes it may "seem" better, but honestly overall its not. Voices do not have the clarity, richness in tone, and simply naturalness when its engaged. So personally I would not recommend using it.



I would also recommend rather than using the equalizer presets to manually adjust the equalizer settings for each song which can be done. You simply adjust the equalizer settings and then make a preset (good idea to name it the same as the song so you can reference the equalizer setting to the song. Then simply select that equalizer setting for the same song.



It is however very important to know how to use a equalizer so you get the best sound, and do not risk damaging your speakers, amplifier or both.



Equalizers should be used to "reduce" problem areas in the frequency response that is coloring the sound in a negative way, NOT to boost (unless its very little) . If you boost to much you put the speakers and or amplifier at risk of damage.



I hope you burned your records at the highest bit rate possible that also makes a huge difference in sound quality. 48 kHz 24 bit wave is the highest sample rate you can use in iTunes. You can then create a duplicate sound file at a lower bit rate for your ipod if your limited on hard drive space.



But understand Mp3 is very limited in sound quality and yes it takes up very little hard drive space but it comes at a cost in sound quality.



Kevin

40 years high end audio video specialist

Answer 2

Sound Enhancer Itunes

Answer 3

Itunes Sound Enhancer

Answer 4

I love punk. One thing that I like about punk music is that there are no rules , no good or bad, you're free. Yup I agree, majority of punk music bass lines are commonly high in treble and clear sounding. but no matter what , do not turn the bass(knob) down. it should bring the rocking sound. treble comes with the rythm and the middle keeps it thick and full.

Answer 5

You shouldn't be EQ'ing the music at all. No high quality reproduction system incorporates EQ with the sole exception of room correction.