Rockbox, Clip+, and Klipsch Reference S4 decent SQ

[MacDonals]

I have been searching for some tips on how to properly equalize my Klipsch Reference S4 inner earbuds.  I had my Rockbox EQ tweaked for my Ultimate Ears, but since those broke I really needed to get my EQ settings for the S4s.

This was complicated by the fact that I really didn't know much about a parametric equalizer, so the Rockbox Clip+ implementation is not terribly meaningful to a noob.  So I came up with a method that allowed me to configure the EQ on my desktop and translate that to my Rockboxed Clip+.  I know it's not exactly precise, but my method provided a "good enough" analogue so that I only needed to tweak the settings once I got the EQ onto the device.

Setup:

• WinAmp 2.95 (still available here)
• Electric-Q VST Plugin.  Posihfopit editions
  

BE SURE TO DISABLE ALL SOUND CARD ENHANCEMENTS AND OTHER (WINAMP) EQUALIZERS


I loaded up my typical sample file, indicative of the music I listen to (heavy guitars, vocals and lots of loud / quiet variation), "Quake" by Balance & Composure.  I configured a 10 band EQ in Winamp / Electri-Q.  I took the settings and translated them into Rockbox.  Here are the settings for anyone interested.

EQ

Code: [Select]

# .cfg file created by rockbox 3.13 - http://www.rockbox.org

eq enabled: on
eq precut: 45
eq low shelf filter: 30, 20, 70
eq peak filter 1: 40, 12, 50
eq peak filter 2: 70, 10, 15
eq peak filter 3: 130, 7, -15
eq peak filter 4: 220, 7, -35
eq peak filter 5: 560, 28, -5
eq peak filter 6: 1010, 12, 10
eq peak filter 7: 2310, 20, 25
eq peak filter 8: 4690, 16, 50
eq high shelf filter: 8690, 13, 65

Additional Sound Settings

Code: [Select]

# .cfg file created by rockbox 3.13 - http://www.rockbox.org

volume: -21
balance: 0
bass: 1
treble: 2
channels: custom
stereo_width: 95
replaygain type: off
replaygain noclip: off
replaygain preamp: 0
crossfade: off
crossfade fade in delay: 0
crossfade fade out delay: 0
crossfade fade in duration: 2
crossfade fade out duration: 2
crossfade fade out mode: crossfade
crossfeed: meier
crossfeed direct gain: -10
crossfeed cross gain: -30
crossfeed hf attenuation: -60
crossfeed hf cutoff: 2000
dithering enabled: on
timestretch enabled: off
compressor threshold: -6
compressor makeup gain: auto
compressor ratio: 4:1
compressor knee: soft knee
compressor release time: 500

I've done a lot of searching and reading about equalizers, I hope this helps at least one other noob.

[gevaerts]

I really wouldn't recommend using all ten bands, that's going to eat battery. Are you sure you need that many? It's a parametric EQ after all

[MacDonals]

I really wouldn't recommend using all ten bands, that's going to eat battery. Are you sure you need that many? It's a parametric EQ after all

GREAT point and again, something I'm still learning about.  I will try to make a 5-band eq.  I was using 10, because I (naively) thought I needed to use them all :-/  I was confused because there's no way to turn the other bands "off".

Also, any tips on how to get a similar curve using 5 bands instead of 10?

[[Saint]]

I was confused because there's no way to turn the other bands "off".

Sure there is.

If a band has 0 gain, it is "off". Though I admit this may be non-obvious to some.


[Saint]