What is the SoundCloud equalizer for Android?
What is the SoundCloud App?
SoundCloud is a popular music and audio streaming platform that allows users to upload, promote, and share original audio content. Founded in 2007, SoundCloud has grown into one of the world’s largest music and audio communities, with over 250 million tracks hosted as of 2020 [1].
The SoundCloud app, available for iOS, Android, and desktop, allows users to access the platform’s massive catalog of music and audio content. As both a streaming service and a social network, SoundCloud gives creators a platform to upload and share their content while allowing listeners to discover new music, podcasts, interviews, and more. Users can like, repost, and comment on tracks directly within the app [2].
Some key features of the SoundCloud app include:
- Streaming music and audio
- Creating and managing playlists
- Liking and reposting tracks
- Commenting on and sharing tracks
- Following other users and curating a soundtrack
- Uploading and sharing original content
With its focus on emerging and independent artists, SoundCloud provides a unique platform for audio creators to share their work and directly engage with fans. The app allows this vibrant community to be accessed from anywhere.
Does SoundCloud Have an Equalizer?
The default SoundCloud mobile app for Android does have a built-in equalizer to adjust the sound settings. However, the equalizer options are relatively limited compared to dedicated music apps. There are only a few preset equalizer modes to choose from, such as Bass Reducer, Vocal Booster, and Treble Booster (High Quality streaming).
There is no option to create a custom equalizer setting in the SoundCloud app. The presets simply boost or attenuate certain frequency ranges. For example, the Vocal Booster preset emphasizes the midrange frequencies where human vocals are found. The Treble Booster adds more high frequency content for brighter sound.
Beyond the equalizer, SoundCloud also allows adjusting the audio quality under Streaming Quality settings. Options include Low, Standard, High, and HiFi quality. HiFi delivers uncompressed lossless audio for premium subscribers (How to Change Streaming Quality on Soundcloud). However, even at the highest quality, the app does not allow manual EQ adjustment beyond the simple presets.
Equalizer Options on Android
An equalizer is an audio filter that allows users to adjust the volume levels of specific frequency ranges. Equalizers divide the entire frequency spectrum into bands – low, mid, and high – and allow users to increase or decrease the volume of each band.[1] Using an equalizer enables listeners to customize the sound output to suit their preferences and improve audio quality.
Equalizers are useful for compensating for sound deficiencies in equipment. For example, boosting low frequencies on small speakers that lack bass response. Or reducing highs that are too sharp on some headphones. Equalizers allow listeners to shape the sound signature to their liking.
On Android devices, built-in system-level equalizers and third party apps provide equalizer options. The system equalizer adjusts volume bands globally across the operating system. While third party apps like Spotify have their own equalizers that only work within the app.
Enabling the SoundCloud Equalizer on Android
SoundCloud has a built-in equalizer that can be enabled directly within the Android app to customize the audio. Here are the steps to enable and access the SoundCloud equalizer on Android:
1. Open the SoundCloud app on your Android device.
2. Tap on the profile icon in the bottom right corner.
3. Select “Settings” from the menu.
4. Scroll down and tap on “Audio settings.”
5. Toggle on “Show audio settings” to enable the equalizer.
6. You will now see the equalizer menu with sliders for different frequency ranges.
7. Adjust the sliders to your liking to shape the sound.
The built-in SoundCloud equalizer allows you to boost or reduce frequencies to customize the listening experience. Once enabled, you can access it anytime while playing tracks by tapping the three dots icon and selecting “Audio settings.” Note that the SoundCloud equalizer may only be available for certain subscription tiers.
For more granular control, you can also use external equalizer apps, which we’ll discuss more in the next section.
Using Preset Equalizer Settings
One of the key benefits of SoundCloud’s built-in equalizer is the ability to use preset equalizer settings optimized for certain music genres and listening experiences. Here are some of the main preset options available:
Bass Reducer – As the name suggests, this preset reduces the intensity of low bass frequencies. It’s helpful for listening in small rooms or on smaller speakers that may get overwhelmed by too much bass.
Treble Booster – This does the opposite of Bass Reducer, boosting higher treble frequencies. Use this preset if you want brighter, crisper sound.
Vocal Booster – Mid-range frequencies get a boost with this preset, helping vocal clarity stand out in a mix. Good for podcasts, audiobooks, and vocal-heavy music.
Rock – Optimized for rock music, this preset boosts bass and treble frequencies while cutting some mid-range. Makes rock music feel more powerful.
Pop – Great for pop music, this preset accentuates bass and higher frequencies associated with acoustic instruments like guitars and cymbals.
Electronic – Adds intensity to Electronic Dance Music (EDM) with extended lows and sparkling highs. Captures the vibe of a pulsating dance club.
Hip Hop – Punchy bass takes center stage with this preset designed for Hip Hop, Rap, and R&B. Provides thump and sizzle.
Jazz – Gives an open, spacious soundscape for Jazz by reducing lower frequencies and boosting mids. Helps convey the intricacy of Jazz compositions.
Spoken Word – Clarity and intelligibility get top priority with this preset that scoops out lows and highs to put the focus on the mid-range where vocals live.
Custom – For the times when no preset fits your audio needs, the Custom setting allows you to adjust individual frequency bands to your taste.[1]
Customizing the Equalizer
One of the benefits of SoundCloud’s built-in equalizer is the ability to manually customize the different frequency bands. There are 5 frequency bands you can adjust:
60 Hz – Adjusts low bass frequencies
230 Hz – Controls low-mid bass frequencies
910 Hz – Changes midrange frequency response
3.6 kHz – Alters high-mid treble frequencies
14 kHz – Controls high treble frequencies
To customize the equalizer, simply drag the sliders up or down to boost or reduce the volume within each frequency range. For example, if you want more thumping bass, drag the 60 Hz and 230 Hz sliders up. If the vocals sound too sharp, try reducing the 3.6 kHz treble range.
It may take some experimentation to get the right equalizer adjustment for your preferences and audio equipment. The key is to make small boosts or cuts, listen to a variety of tracks, and tweak until you achieve the optimum sound. Keep in mind that too much boost can cause distortion.
With the customizable 5-band equalizer on SoundCloud for Android, you have granular control over the frequency response. This allows you to shape the sound to best match your listening setup and musical tastes.
Equalizer Limitations
SoundCloud’s built-in equalizer has some limitations compared to equalizers in other music apps. The main limitation is that SoundCloud’s equalizer only works with tracks streamed directly within the SoundCloud app. It does not impact tracks downloaded or streamed outside of SoundCloud 1.
Additionally, SoundCloud’s equalizer has a smaller number of frequency bands to adjust compared to more advanced equalizers. SoundCloud’s equalizer provides control over 5 frequency ranges, while other equalizers may offer 10 or more bands for finer tuning 2.
Lastly, SoundCloud’s audio quality is limited to 256kbps even for premium users, while some competing services offer lossless quality. This caps how much improvement the equalizer can provide 3. Using an external equalizer with higher quality downloaded tracks may yield better audio fidelity.
Using External Equalizer Apps
While SoundCloud has a built-in equalizer for Android, you may want more customization options. In that case, using an external equalizer app is recommended. Some popular equalizer apps to further customize SoundCloud audio include:
Wavelet – Offers an advanced parametric equalizer and has autoeq support for headphones.
Flat Equalizer – Provides a clean equalizer interface and 31-band graphic equalizer.
XEQ Equalizer and Bass Booster – Has a built-in bass booster and 20 presets along with customizable bands.
These external equalizer apps give you more bands, presets, and effects to tweak the SoundCloud audio. You can tailor the sound signature precisely to your preferences. Just make sure to enable accessibility permissions so the equalizer can interface with SoundCloud.
Adjusting Audio Settings
In addition to the equalizer, SoundCloud’s Android app provides other audio settings you can adjust for your listening preferences.
You can set a volume limit by going to Settings > Audio and selecting a maximum volume. This prevents the audio from getting too loud and damaging your hearing (source).
SoundCloud also offers a Bass Boost feature under Audio settings. Turning this on emphasizes low frequencies for a richer sound. However, it can reduce audio clarity, so adjust to your taste (source).
Under Audio settings, you can also enable Mono Audio to play sound through both headphones channels instead of stereo. This may help if you have hearing issues (source).
Finally, look under Audio settings for options like Dolby Atmos if your Android device supports spatial or 3D audio effects. Experiment to find what enhances your listening experience (source).
Optimizing SoundCloud Audio Quality
The audio quality on SoundCloud can vary depending on factors like the source file of the track, your streaming connection, and device capabilities. But there are a few steps Android users can take to ensure they are getting the best possible audio experience:
Enable high quality audio streaming in the SoundCloud app settings. This allows tracks to be streamed at 256kbps AAC where available.
Select the maximum streaming quality setting in the Android app. Go to “Settings” > “Streaming and downloads” and choose “High Quality audio”.
Consider downloading tracks for offline listening if you want guaranteed high bitrate audio. SoundCloud Go+ subscribers can save tracks for offline listening at 256kbps AAC.
Use wired headphones or speakers with SoundCloud for better connectivity and audio quality rather than wireless Bluetooth options which may compress the audio.
Adjust the built-in Android equalizer to suit your preferences if you find the default SoundCloud sound lacking in low, mid or high frequencies.