Virtually unlimited number of filters and works on any number of channels!

Equalizer APO (64-bit)

Equalizer APO (64-bit)

  -  9.5 MB  -  Open Source
  • Latest Version

    Equalizer APO 1.4 (64-bit) LATEST

  • Review by

    Sophia Jones

  • Operating System

    Windows 7 64 / Windows 8 64 / Windows 10 64 / Windows 11

  • User Rating

    Click to vote
  • Author / Product

    Equalizer APO Team / External Link

  • Filename

    EqualizerAPO64-1.4.exe

  • MD5 Checksum

    d431263f3a1f39db6698a4a568b5125a

Equalizer APO for Microsoft Windows is a graphic or parametric equalizer. An Audio Processing Object, also known as APO, is implemented for the Windows Vista-based system effect infrastructure. The purpose of the Equalizer APO - Sound Booster and Enhancer is to enhance your sound quality and strength.

Equalizer APO for Windows 11/10 is a powerful and versatile audio processing software that allows users to apply system-wide equalization to their Windows-based computer's audio output. It stands for "Audio Processing Object" and is an open-source, parametric equalizer for Windows. The app is designed for users who want to take control of their audio experience by customizing the sound output to suit their preferences. It's an ideal choice for audiophiles, gamers, content creators, and anyone who values high-quality audio.

The tool is designed to cater to those seeking a fixed-frequency equalizer, offering a simple and hassle-free way to filter audio. It grants you control over various audio channels, including stereo, mono, swap, invert, balance, and more. The Pan\Expand processing feature enables adjustments to stereo effects, while the Multi-Delays feature empowers users to craft a diverse range of audio effects, such as echoes, delays, reverb, and more.

Highlights
  • The CPU usage is low
  • Modular GUI
  • Extremely little latency; great for interactive apps.
  • Compatible with several channels
  • Contains almost unlimited filter options
As the name indicates, the Equalizer APO 64 bit is an equalizer for Windows. There is no graphic user interface displayed here, though. Your audio output settings can be modified by utilizing the TXT files. The app stays under the radar by not exhausting your system’s resources or leaving any traces of itself behind. Meanwhile, results are delivered fast and efficiently.

When you begin the app installation process, you can select which device the APO will be installed to. In other words, you must choose the audio device which you want to be improved. A list of all the connected devices will be presented to you by the app. It’ll list the names of the devices and which ones are APO compatible. To modify the parameters of the latest equalizer, just find the installation location of the EqualizerAPO and open a TXT file which allows you to configure them.

Key Features

System-wide Equalization: It applies equalization to all audio output on your Windows PC, allowing you to fine-tune the sound for all applications and system sounds.

Parametric Equalization: It provides a parametric equalizer interface with multiple filters, enabling precise adjustments to various audio frequencies.

Unlimited Filters: You can add an unlimited number of filters, each with customizable settings, to achieve the perfect sound profile.

Presets: It allows you to save and load presets, making it easy to switch between different audio profiles for various scenarios.

VST Plugin Support: It supports VST plugins, allowing you to expand its capabilities with third-party audio processing plugins.

Real-time Preview: The software offers real-time audio preview, so you can hear the changes as you make adjustments.

Low Latency: The app is designed for low-latency audio processing, ensuring minimal delay in audio playback.

Open Source: Being open-source, the audio tool is continuously improved and updated by the community, and it's completely free to use.

Installation and Setup

Download: Visit the official website or FileHorse and download the installer package.

Run Installer: Run the installer and follow the on-screen instructions. During installation, you'll need to select the audio output devices where you want to apply equalization.

Configuration: After installation, you can configure the program by editing the configuration text file. Alternatively, you can use one of the third-party GUI frontends for easier configuration.

Reboot: To apply the equalization settings, you'll need to reboot your computer.

How to Use

It may have a learning curve due to its text-based configuration, but it's relatively simple to use once you're familiar with it:
  • Open the configuration text file using a text editor.
  • Add or modify filters to adjust the audio frequencies as desired. Filters include parameters such as frequency, gain, and bandwidth.
  • Save the configuration file.
  • Reboot your computer for the changes to take effect.
  • You can use presets or VST plugins to further enhance your audio experience.
FAQ

Is Equalizer APO compatible with all Windows versions?
Yes, Equalizer APO is compatible with most Windows versions, including Windows 7, 8, 8.1, 10 or 11.

Does Equalizer APO work with all audio output devices?
It works with most audio output devices, including headphones, speakers, and USB audio interfaces.

Can I undo the equalization settings if I'm not satisfied with the results?
Yes, you can simply remove or modify the filters in the configuration file to revert or adjust the equalization settings.

Are there any alternatives to the text-based configuration for Equalizer APO?
Yes, there are third-party GUI frontends like Peace Equalizer and Equalizer APO Configurator that provide a graphical interface for configuration.

Is Equalizer APO safe to use, and does it impact system performance?
The software is safe to use and designed for low-latency audio processing, minimizing any impact on system performance.

Alternatives

Voicemeeter: Voicemeeter is a virtual audio mixer that provides a GUI for audio routing, mixing, and equalization.

FxSound: Boost the sound quality of your music with FxSound Enhancer powered by DFX.

Boom 3D: The Best System-Wide Volume Booster & Equalizer Software For PC.

SteelSeries GG: GameSense & Customization Software for the Best Gaming Experience.

Nahimic: The best audio experience it contains audio effects and microphone effects!

Pricing

The audio app is completely FREE and open-source, making it an excellent choice for those on a budget or who prefer community-driven software.

System Requirements

Equalizer APO is relatively lightweight and should run on most Windows systems without issues. The basic requirements include a Windows operating system (Windows 7 or later) and compatible audio output devices.

PROS
  • Powerful system-wide audio equalization.
  • Parametric equalizer with unlimited filters.
  • Real-time preview and low latency.
  • Supports VST plugins.
  • Open-source and free to use.
CONS
  • This application has been discontinued. An unofficial website equalizerapo.com has appeared, but its safety and security are questionable.
  • Lacks a graphical user interface (GUI) by default.
  • Configuration can be challenging for beginners.
  • Third-party GUI frontends are needed for a more user-friendly experience.
Conclusion

Equalizer APO is a fantastic audio processing tool for users who want complete control over their audio output on Windows. While it may require some initial effort to set up and configure, the results are worth it for those who prioritize customized sound profiles. Its open-source nature and support for VST plugins make it a flexible choice, and the ability to apply system-wide equalization can greatly enhance your audio experience.

If you're willing to invest the time to learn its configuration or prefer third-party GUI frontends, Equalizer APO is a powerful and free solution for achieving the perfect audio balance on your Windows PC.

Also Available: Equalizer APO (32-bit)

  • Equalizer APO 1.4 (64-bit) Screenshots

    The images below have been resized. Click on them to view the screenshots in full size.

    Equalizer APO 1.4 (64-bit) Screenshot 1
  • Equalizer APO 1.4 (64-bit) Screenshot 2
  • Equalizer APO 1.4 (64-bit) Screenshot 3

What's new in this version:

- Added: Device Selector as a Qt-based replacement for the Configurator that has support for (DPI) scaling and includes a dialog for testing that the APO installation works correctly, with automatic adjustment of the installation mode if necessary.

Improved:
- Configuration Editor and Device Selector support dark mode, controlled by the Windows Settings app
- Updated to Visual Studio 2022 and Qt 6.7.2 (with modifications for Windows 7 compatibility)