Convolution Versus Parametric
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Regarding using Equalizer APO to equalize headphones, which is better - using a convolution file created by AutoEQ, or using the parametric settings from the same source? Any advantage or disadvantages to either?
Hi Michael,
How are you doing?
One obvious disadvantage of Equalizer APO's convolution is the distortion issue which sometimes occurs. If it works it works fine. When it doesn't the distortion is very bad. Then there is the
small matter of a little larger lag of the audio due to the processing time by convolution. Compared to parametric which uses biquad filters this lag is big. Still we're probably talking about a lag which isn't noticeable lag as it's tiny.
The advantage of convolution is that it's more precise, well it can be. However, the disadvantage of using AutoEQ is the 128 points it produces. If you want to change something like adding some bass or so, it's pretty difficult. As the parametric has far less points (as in filters in this case) this AutoEQ EQ is very easy to modify to your own ears/needs/taste. And the parametric settings are pretty good to begin with. No need to use convolution, even it's more precise. The main reason is that precision isn't the same as a good quality EQ precisely for you. The AutoEQ EQs are of measurements on a standardize head. Obviously your head and ears as of all of us aren't that. But one can use convolution as a starting point (if it works) and add another one or biquad filters for the fine tuning.
Thanks!!! I like the "set and forget it" nature of the convolution files, and the fact that they are designed to match the standard Harman curve. I'm not sensitive to lag, even when gaming, and haven't noticed any distortion with either method. So, it sounds like either method would work fine, at least for me.
Great! When having no distortion it's a good choice. Notice that the developer of Equalizer APO hasn't commented on this distortion issue and we (as in the main contributors on this forum) don't know what's the cause. But not many complain about it so that's a good thing.
Btw. Peace has a built-in AutoEQ interface which makes trying/comparing any EQ easier.
Anyway, good luck!
I use PEACE, of course, at home and at work. I especially like the ability
to create shortcuts to activate different profiles. I own HiFiMAN Arya,
Sennheiser HD560S, and AKG K371 headphones. I also have studio monitors
both at home and at work. I have to switch profiles between the studio
monitors and whichever set of headphones I'm using quite a bit, so the
keyboard shortcuts are handy. The room I use at home has a wicked
resonance at about 130 Hz, because the width and height of the room is
almost equal. I use a parametric filter to kill that resonance.
I've played around with the AutoEQ interface in PEACE. I also like playing
around with the results you get from the AutoEQ app - https://autoeq.app/
On Sat, Oct 14, 2023 at 4:33 AM Peter Verbeek peverbeek@users.sourceforge.net wrote:
Lol
You're making good use of Equalizer APO, Peace and AutoEQ. Nice.
And I wasn't aware of the AutoEQ app. Very nice website so thanks. I like the bass and treble dials. Precisely what I advise to use after selecting an EQ.
You're welcome. My 560S and Arya headphones sound really good when using
settings or convolution from that app. Both those headphones are open,
which means they have weak bass. I like the Harman tuning, and the
soundstaging of open headphones, but I've yet to find a pair that has
decent bass volume or extension. The settings from that website are based
on Harman tuning. I find it hard to accept that those $1,600 Arya
headphones need equalization to deliver decent bass! But, once equalized,
they sound so good that they give me cold chills
On Sat, Oct 14, 2023 at 1:32 PM Peter Verbeek peverbeek@users.sourceforge.net wrote:
Yes, having bass in open headphones is difficult. Nice to hear after some EQ-ing you now are getting cold chills :)
You get what you pay for, even chills! 🤣
On Sun, Oct 15, 2023, 6:47 AM Peter Verbeek peverbeek@users.sourceforge.net
wrote: