Usage FAQ

If Peace doesn't work
go to the [Installation FAQ].

Peace is to difficult
Just choose the simple interface. It has only sliders which you can move to change your audio sound.

Peace was working but not any longer.
On Windows 10 and 11: You probably got a Windows update. Equalizer APO can be broken by such an update. You have to re-install Equalizer APO or at least startup its Configuration Editor for automatic repair. Just install the same version again with uninstalling Equalizer APO. Peace should be working again. If you uninstall Equalizer APO Peace will be removed so back up your Peace configurations .peace files and setting peace.ini file. Either by copying them from c:\program files\equalizerapo\config or by using the "Back up and Restore" tabs in the Peace settings or of the Peace Setup tool. From version 1.6.3.6 after exiting Peace an automatic backup is made in the map Peace backup or Peace automatic configurations backup (from version 1.6.7.10) in your documents map.

I did the above. Peace isn't working.
A Windows 10 and 11 update may cause structural changes to the Windows audio system. Your audio devices has been changed in a way that Equalizer APO can't handle by its default settings. You might try the Troubleshoot options of its Device Selector or Configurator (a tool located in the Equalizer APO Windows start menu). Use the [Installation FAQ] as your guideline. Also, you might take a look at this troubeshoot page.

I don't want to restart my computer on every Configurator change (or whatever audio change).
For Equalizer APO version 1.3 and older this was necessary which can be bypassed by starting Peace with administrator rights and clicking on the Restart Windows audio service button on the Debugging and Testing tab of the Peace settings. On Windows 10 and 11 you may need to give Peace administrator rights. For Equalizer APO 1.4 just click the Ok button of its Device Selector app.

My virus software is saying that Peace contains a virus.
Some virusscanners detect a virus in software made with AutoIt like Peace. This isn't the true, it's a false positive detection. Unfortunately it is pretty difficult to notify all antivirus app manufacturers.
You can read the [Viruses and false positives] wiki for information.

I hear pops, distortion, clicks.
Be sure to use frequencies lower than 22050 Hz. And watch the peak value meter to see if the audio is clipping (so maxing to the red at right). Dial back the pre amp to avoid this. Also, try to avoid using Graphic EQ as it may cause distortion. By default Peace doesn't use this.

My CPU is 100% or high on audiodg.exe.
Did you install Equalizer APO version 0.9? Deinstall and install version 0.9.1 or higher.

I want more than 1 configuration (a.ka. preset, eq, profile) active
This is done by putting configurations into the "Always active" list on the "Always active" tab of the Automation window (which is opened by clicking on the robot like button near the list of configurations. Note that these configurations as the one on the main screen remain active when leaving Peace.

How can I go to the default settings?
Use the reset button in the Peace settings or deleted the Peace.ini file.

After clicking the To tray button Peace disappears.
Yes, that should happen. Peace is now minimized in the Windows system tray, the icon menu at the bottom right. Click on the Peace icon and Peace is shown again. When you right click on the icon, a menu is shown with items as Configurations for selecting one.

The Peace window doesn't appear after restoring (clicking on the taskbar)
Download the lastest Peace version to correct this. Or deleted the Peace.ini file. Or use the 'Force to main monitor' item of the Peace system tray menu.

Peace is adding sliders on its own (version 1.2.9.0 or lower)
Download the latest Peace version to prevent this from happening

Sometimes I get a funny or loud sound whilst using a slider.
Some changes aren't immediately picked up by Equalizer APO on slower (very old) computers. Just play around with a slider or value to get it working.

I want to save my own equalizer configuration (preset).
Click the Save button and enter a name.

I want to change an existing equalizer configuration.
Select this configuration by clicking on it, change the sliders and values and save it under the same name.

I want to delete an existing equalizer configuration.
Before version 1.2.7.0 the default configurations are installed every time you start up Peace. Uncheck the 'Default equalizer configurations are installed at startup' and then delete the unwanted configuration(s).

I've saved my preset in a different map or in my documents, but it isn't shown in the list.
By default your configurations must be saved in the config map of Equalizer APO else you won't be able to see/activate them. But you could change this in the Settings if you will. But from version 1.6.7.10 your configurations are automatically backed up in a folder called "Peace automatic configurations backup" of your documents folder. So in principle you don't need to change the configurations map.

I want to have my equalizer configuration on my desktop
Select the configuration in list of which you want a shortcut and click on the Shortcut button.

Can the configurations list not be higher/larger?
Yes, it can. Click on the arrow to the right of the list to extend it (since version 1.4.3.5). Or go to the settings window and enter a height in pixels in the corresponding field if you want the small list extended a bit.

I don't understand dB, gain, q, pre amp or whatever.
It isn't important to understand all of them. Just select an equalizer configuration of the list and play around with the sliders whilst listening to a song. Let your ears decide what you like.

What's all these filters about in version 1.1.0.1 and higher?
Just leave it on Peak filter, which is default, and use the sliders to shape the audio sound while you're listening to some song. For more advanced users the other filters are interesting to create improved equalizations.

Can I see a graph of my equalization?
Under the graph button you'll find a graph window in which you can see and alter the equalization.

I don't like some default behaviors of Peace like the snapping of the sliders.
Use the settings windows to alter the behaviors. For instance make the equalizer configurations list higher by changing the corresponding value. And the snap dB value can be set also for instance.

I need an extra slider.
Click the + button (version 1.0.5 and higher).

I want an easier/quicker way to select an equalizer configuration.
You can attach a hotkey to a configuration or select one from the Peace tray icon menu (both version 1.0.6.1 or higher).

Can Peace be started without the main GUI window? I want to start Peace when I boot my computer.
By using the shortcut interface (from version 1.6.5.7) you can create a shortcut which starts up Peace at Windows startup.

My equalizer configuration is specific to one device.
Since version 1.0.8.2 a device can be selected from the list at the right. The current selected device is stored together with your equalizer configuration by using the save option. This means that you can create configuration specific to each of your audio device.

I want to change the appearance of Peace.
You can change the colors and slider appearance. Click the Appearance button in the Settings window. Or install a theme.

I need to add extra commands in the config.txt file.
Since version 1.0.7.0 this is possible (after the first run of Peace). Just add your commands before or after the 'Include: Peace.txt' line. Alternatively you can enter commands on the Peace Commands window. Then they will be part of your configuration (see below).

I need to add extra commands for my equalizer configuration.
Since version 1.0.8.2 you can enter Equalizer APO commands in the popup window under the commands button on the right. By clicking the save button on the main GUI these commands are stored together with your equalizer configuration.

My mouse scroll wheel isn't working in Windows 10 or 11.
See this forum post. From version 1.3.5.2 you can use your mouse wheel.