Thoughts on equalization

[Adoby]

One great feature of my J3 is the eq settings. They make it possible to get a relatively neutral sound from headphones that otherwise has weaknesses. For instance too much bass response or too little mid register.

I have noticed that published eq settings seem to often only use positive adjustments. Perhaps even positive adjustments on all frequency bands. I think that is wierd. I try to use eq settings that are neutral regarding perceived volume, that only affects the overall tonal distribution.

To get more bass you can increase the lower frequencies. But you can also decrease the upper frequencies instead. I attempt to do both at the same time. The reason is that it means smaller adjustments, both up and down, and I assume less distortion. Also the risk of clipping is reduced.

One reason for raising all frequencies could be that you wish to increase the overall volume, and the normal volume adjustment is not enough. But I would assume that a normalisation of the media would have been better.

I have tested both types of normalisation and have to admit that I can't hear much difference. The differences I believe I have heard is definitely in favour of smaller changes both up and down, instead of only up. But that may be placebo.

How do you reason around eq? Do you try to boost everything in different amounts, or do you have a more balanced setting around zero with both boost and reductions to get the same result?