- Learn how to use the Spotify EQ like a pro
- Learn how to apply EQ to enhance different music genres
- Spotify preset walkthroughs and loudness tips included
- Also, check out our post on the best Spotify EQ settings for AirPods!
If you’re a Spotify user, you may or may not be familiar with the built-in equalizer.
Located in the settings section of the Spotify app, you can quickly and easily locate the EQ and use it to make adjustments to the music you’re listening to.
If you’re wondering precisely what the equalizer is and how it affects your Spotify app, then we’ve got the answers!
What Is The Spotify Equalizer?
The Spotify EQ is an inbuilt function of the Spotify app that allows the listener to make adjustments to the frequency content of the track they are listening to.
Imagine an EQ that you’d find in your DAW, recording software, or your grandparent’s trusty home HiFi system. Essentially the EQ acts in the same way.
Of course, it won’t be as accurate as a dedicated EQ that you’d use in mixing and mastering, but it will help you make adjustments to suit your listening environment or your headphones.
Using a simple drag system, you can boost and cut set frequencies in the spectrum or use one of several presets to affect the tonal quality of the track you are listening to.
Where Is The Spotify Equalizer?
To find the Spotify equalizer follow these instructions:
iOS
- Tap on the settings ‘cog’ icon in the top right-hand corner
- Select ‘Playback’
- Scroll down and select ‘Equalizer’
Android
- Tap on the settings ‘cog’ icon in the top right-hand corner
- Scroll down to the ‘Audio Quality’ section
- Select ‘Equalizer’
How To Use The Equalizer On Spotify
Once you’re into the equalizer settings figuring out how to use it is extremely simple. All you need to do is select the node related to the frequency you want to change and move it up and down to taste.
If you’re unsure where to start, presets are a great place, and you may find they immediately make your track sound better.
Selecting a preset won’t lock you into that particular set of parameters, and you can make adjustments after selecting the preset, meaning you can get most of the way there and make minor changes as you see fit.
What Are The Best Equalizer Settings Per Genre?
You can make some easy adjustments to fit in whatever genre you are listening to.
Remember, this isn’t a one size fits all situation, and these suggestions aren’t a guaranteed way to improve the track you are listening to, so make sure to experiment and make adjustments if something isn’t sounding right!
These settings will get you into the right ballpark for the style you are playing.
Best Spotify EQ Settings
Electronic Music/Dance/EDM
One of the more popular Spotify settings for most electronic genres will be the Bass Booster function. This is because, in much electronic music, there is an emphasis on the kick drum and bass.
Simply select the Bass Booster preset in the Spotify Equalizer Settings, and you’ll notice the low end becomes boosted.
It’s worth noting that this only affects the low end, but you may want to improve things by notching up some of the higher frequencies, mainly if there is a lead line or vocals in the track.
We’d recommend starting with the Bass Booster and, if necessary, experimenting with increasing the 1kHz and 2.4kHz frequency bands to bring out any frequency content in that area that you might feel is missing.
Rock/Punk/Metal
We’re generalizing a little here, but for any heavier guitar-based music, you may find these settings enhance your experience as a listener.
We’d suggest starting with the Rock preset, which will add a little to the low end and highs while dipping out a section of mid frequencies.
The mids are scooped as guitar-based music often includes a lot of mid-range frequency content that could somewhat muddy up the mix.
Removing some of this can help clear up some unwanted frequency information, or at the very least, give you the perception that the mix is ‘smoother’ and less fatiguing to the ears.
In terms of tweaking the Spotify equalizer settings, you might prefer a small boost at 2.4kHz and a slight reduction at 150Hz, mainly if you listen on smaller headphones to a band with aggressive bass.
The top-end boost will help clari the vocals and drums (particularly the cymbals).
Rap/Hip-Hop
Rap/Hip-Hop are genres that often focus on the low end, whether from a beat or bassline.
Of course, in this genre, the lyrics are also extremely important, so you need to make sure you can hear them, and if you’re wondering how to use the equalizer on Spotify to do this, it’s straightforward!
First, select the Hip-Hop preset, and you’ll notice a bump in the low end and a small spike in the highs.
If you’re finding anything sounding muddy, simply remove some of the low-end at 60Hz and 150Hz, although be cautious not to remove too much and completely remove the weight of the track.
A slight boost around the 1kHz and 2.4kHz region will help the lyrics pop out if necessary.
Pop
Pop music can be difficult to assign a blanket EQ setting to. After all, there are many different types of Pop music. Some will be more singer/songwriter focussed, and some might be more electronic focussed.
First, head to the Pop preset, and you’ll see a reasonably considerable boost to the mid-range, with a drop-off on the lows and highs.
We’d recommend making your EQ choices on a case-by-case basis as you might find the track includes a prominent beat that is lost by the removal of low-frequency content, particularly the kick drum that lies around the 50-100Hz mark.
We’d likely boost this slightly, but tweak to taste and consider bringing up the higher frequencies if you find its lacking clarity in the vocals.
With the mid-range boosted already, you might find the presence of a lot of frequencies overpowering, so make sure to experiment if something isn’t standing out enough!
Why Should I Use The Spotify Equalizer?
When done right, using the Spotify equalizer can make the music you are listening to sound better! Even if some audiophile snobs might turn their nose up at you for ‘scooping the mids’, at the end of the day, you should listen to music the way you want to.
If you consider that modern music is generally mixed and mastered to sound great across various listening devices, then you’d assume that the work ends there.
However, you might be wearing a set of headphones that have a significant bass response.
This could cause an unwanted amount of low end that can easily be removed by ducking out some of the bass or even using one of the equalizer presets such as Bass Reducer.
It could be that you’re on public transport and hearing the speech in one of your podcasts is becoming difficult due to excess noise from other people, vehicles, or ambient city noise.
Selecting the equalizer from the Spotify settings will allow you to hit the ‘Spoken Word’ preset, and you’ll hear the voice in the recording become more defined and clear.
There’s even a preset for small speakers, which can help your music stand out even if you aren’t listening on a huge speaker setup.
You would want to use or adjust the equalizer for many reasons. You don’t even have to use presets, you can tweak the parameters to your taste.
FAQs
Can I Use The Spotify Equalizer On A Free Account?
Yes! You’ll have access to the equalizer whether you’re on Spotify Premium or a free account.
Can I Use Spotify In Conjunction With Other Equalizer Apps?
You can if you’re using Spotify on Mac or PC. However, be aware that 3rd party apps may cause all audio from your machine to be affected, not just the Spotify music you are streaming.
We recommend checking out any equalizer apps before downloading to ensure they are suitable for your needs.
How To Make Spotify Louder With Equalizer Settings
There is a neat little trick you can carry out to bump up the loudness of the tracks you are listening to, and it’s just a preset!
Hit the Loudness preset, and Spotify will boost some of the frequencies you are most susceptible to and make the track appear louder than before.
Similarly, you can head to the playback section and select the volume level as ‘Loud’. This might crush some of the dynamics and reduce audio quality, but you’ll undoubtedly notice a volume change!
Before you go, check out our post on Tidal vs Spotify!