Equalizer Settings for Podcasts & Speech
Optimized for the spoken word: it removes low rumble and hiss and boosts the range that makes speech easy to understand.
Podcasts & Speech EQ curve
| Band | Gain |
|---|---|
| 32 Hz | -6 dB |
| 64 Hz | -4 dB |
| 125 Hz | -2 dB |
| 250 Hz | +1 dB |
| 500 Hz | +3 dB |
| 1 kHz | +4 dB |
| 2 kHz | +4 dB |
| 4 kHz | +2 dB |
| 8 kHz | -1 dB |
| 16 kHz | -3 dB |
Why these settings work
Speech energy is concentrated between 125 Hz and 4 kHz. Cutting below 100 Hz removes rumble and plosives, and trimming above 8 kHz reduces hiss, leaving voices clean and easy to follow.
Summary by range
| Range | Average | Effect |
|---|---|---|
| Sub-bass (32–64 Hz) | -5.0 dB | Cut |
| Bass (125–250 Hz) | -0.5 dB | Neutral |
| Mids (500 Hz–2 kHz) | +3.7 dB | Boost |
| Highs (4–16 kHz) | -0.7 dB | Neutral |
Tips
- Works well for lectures, webinars, news and audiobooks.
- For quiet recordings, combine it with the volume boost in the online equalizer.
- If voices sound thin, raise the 250 Hz band by 2 dB.
These values are a starting point. Every pair of headphones and every room sounds different, so adjust each band by ear.
Podcasts & Speech equalizer FAQ
What is the best equalizer setting for podcasts?
Cut below 100 Hz, boost 1–4 kHz by 3–4 dB and trim 8–16 kHz.
How do I make speech easier to understand?
Raise the 2–4 kHz bands, where consonants live, and reduce background rumble below 125 Hz.
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.