Equalizer Settings for Bass Boost
This preset lifts the lowest octaves by up to 8 dB and leaves the mids and highs untouched, so kick drums and bass lines gain weight without changing how vocals sound.
Bass Boost EQ curve
| Band | Gain |
|---|---|
| 32 Hz | +8 dB |
| 64 Hz | +7 dB |
| 125 Hz | +5 dB |
| 250 Hz | +3 dB |
| 500 Hz | +1 dB |
| 1 kHz | 0 dB |
| 2 kHz | 0 dB |
| 4 kHz | 0 dB |
| 8 kHz | 0 dB |
| 16 kHz | 0 dB |
Why these settings work
Most of the punch in modern music sits between 40 and 120 Hz. Raising 32–125 Hz adds weight, and a smaller lift at 250 Hz adds warmth. Staying flat above 500 Hz keeps vocals and cymbals clear.
Summary by range
| Range | Average | Effect |
|---|---|---|
| Sub-bass (32–64 Hz) | +7.5 dB | Boost |
| Bass (125–250 Hz) | +4.0 dB | Boost |
| Mids (500 Hz–2 kHz) | +0.3 dB | Neutral |
| Highs (4–16 kHz) | +0.0 dB | Neutral |
Tips
- If the bass sounds boomy or muddy, lower the 250 Hz band by 2–3 dB first.
- Small and laptop speakers cannot reproduce 32–64 Hz. On those, boost 125–250 Hz instead (see the laptop speakers preset).
- Lower the overall volume a little after boosting. Strong low frequencies use up headroom and can cause distortion.
These values are a starting point. Every pair of headphones and every room sounds different, so adjust each band by ear.
Bass Boost equalizer FAQ
Which frequencies should I boost for more bass?
Start with 60–125 Hz for punch and 32–50 Hz for sub-bass rumble. Add a small lift at 250 Hz only if the sound feels thin.
Why does boosted bass sound distorted?
Large boosts push the signal above the maximum level. Lower the overall volume, or reduce the biggest boost by a few dB.
Use this preset on YouTube and streaming sites
The Chrome extension gives you a 10-band equalizer, bass booster and volume booster in your browser.