Introduction
The Sennheiser HD650 headphones are a popular choice among audiophiles for their neutral sound signature and high-quality build. However, like any other headphones, the sound signature can be improved by using an equalizer. In this blog post, we will discuss how to use parametric equalization to improve the sound signature of the Sennheiser HD650 headphones on Windows using the measurements from Crinacle.
Step 1: Download the measurements from Crinacle
Crinacle is a well-known audio reviewer and has published measurements for the Sennheiser HD650 headphones on his website. To use these measurements, go to the Crinacle website, navigate to the “Graph Comparison Tool” section, and select the Sennheiser HD650 headphones from the list of available headphones.
Once you’ve selected the Sennheiser HD650 headphones, you’ll be presented with a graph of the headphone’s frequency response. To download the measurements, click the “Export” button in the top right corner of the screen and select “CSV” as the export format.
Crinacle (folder ears-711_harman_over-ear_2018): link
| Preamp: -6.3 dB |
| Filter 1: ON PK Fc 24 Hz Gain 6.2 dB Q 0.44 |
| Filter 2: ON PK Fc 163 Hz Gain -2.4 dB Q 1.00 |
| Filter 3: ON PK Fc 3852 Hz Gain -2.8 dB Q 1.19 |
| Filter 4: ON PK Fc 4147 Hz Gain 3.8 dB Q 5.58 |
| Filter 5: ON PK Fc 8386 Hz Gain 4.9 dB Q 1.55 |
| Filter 6: ON PK Fc 779 Hz Gain 0.9 dB Q 3.48 |
| Filter 7: ON PK Fc 1388 Hz Gain -0.9 dB Q 5.73 |
| Filter 8: ON PK Fc 6418 Hz Gain 0.9 dB Q 5.41 |
| Filter 9: ON PK Fc 11987 Hz Gain 2.3 dB Q 1.65 |
| Filter 10: ON PK Fc 19904 Hz Gain -9.2 dB Q 0.45 |
Crinacle (folder gras_43ag-7_harman_over-ear_2018): link
| Preamp: -6.3 dB |
| Filter 1: ON PK Fc 21 Hz Gain 6.1 dB Q 0.80 |
| Filter 2: ON PK Fc 174 Hz Gain -2.7 dB Q 0.94 |
| Filter 3: ON PK Fc 8541 Hz Gain 4.3 dB Q 1.99 |
| Filter 4: ON PK Fc 11619 Hz Gain 4.3 dB Q 1.37 |
| Filter 5: ON PK Fc 19746 Hz Gain -8.9 dB Q 0.55 |
| Filter 6: ON PK Fc 1204 Hz Gain -1.3 dB Q 3.46 |
| Filter 7: ON PK Fc 2055 Hz Gain 2.1 dB Q 2.46 |
| Filter 8: ON PK Fc 2997 Hz Gain -2.7 dB Q 3.92 |
| Filter 9: ON PK Fc 5645 Hz Gain -3.9 dB Q 5.44 |
| Filter 10: ON PK Fc 6350 Hz Gain 3.0 dB Q 4.40 |
Oratory1990 (folder harman_over-ear_2018): link
| Preamp: -6.3 dB |
| Filter 1: ON PK Fc 24 Hz Gain 6.3 dB Q 0.38 |
| Filter 2: ON PK Fc 172 Hz Gain -3.4 dB Q 0.57 |
| Filter 3: ON PK Fc 2022 Hz Gain 1.6 dB Q 3.53 |
| Filter 4: ON PK Fc 4361 Hz Gain 2.8 dB Q 3.98 |
| Filter 5: ON PK Fc 8661 Hz Gain 4.7 dB Q 1.71 |
| Filter 6: ON PK Fc 3129 Hz Gain -1.4 dB Q 5.51 |
| Filter 7: ON PK Fc 11658 Hz Gain 1.1 dB Q 0.47 |
| Filter 8: ON PK Fc 12016 Hz Gain 1.8 dB Q 1.75 |
| Filter 9: ON PK Fc 19531 Hz Gain -6.5 dB Q 0.34 |
| Filter 10: ON PK Fc 19869 Hz Gain -4.9 dB Q 0.60 |
Step 2: Install an equalizer on your Windows computer
To use parametric equalization, you’ll need an equalizer that supports this feature. One popular option is Equalizer APO, a free and open-source equalizer for Windows. Download and install Equalizer APO on your Windows computer.
Step 3: Create a configuration file for Equalizer APO
After installing Equalizer APO, you’ll need to create a configuration file for the Sennheiser HD650 headphones.
Note: no -6.3 dB pre-amplification as automatic adjustment of pre amplification to avoid clipping is enabled.
[General]
Device=Speakers, TOPPING USB DAC
Device GUID={4e521319-3fb0-489b-8ed6-d19e06f60a31}
[Speakers]
SpeakerId0=0
SpeakerTargets0=all
SpeakerName0=All
SpeakerId1=1
SpeakerTargets1=L
SpeakerName1=Left
SpeakerId2=2
SpeakerTargets2=R
SpeakerName2=Right
SpeakerId3=3
SpeakerTargets3=C
SpeakerName3=Center
SpeakerId4=4
SpeakerTargets4=SUB
SpeakerName4=Subwoofer
SpeakerId5=5
SpeakerTargets5=RL
SpeakerName5=Left rear
SpeakerId6=6
SpeakerTargets6=RR
SpeakerName6=Right rear
SpeakerId7=7
SpeakerTargets7=SL
SpeakerName7=Left side
SpeakerId8=8
SpeakerTargets8=SR
SpeakerName8=Right side
[Frequencies]
Frequency1=10
Frequency2=24
Frequency3=172
Frequency4=2022
Frequency5=4361
Frequency6=8661
Frequency7=577
Frequency8=3129
Frequency9=11658
Frequency10=12016
Frequency11=19351
Frequency12=19869
[Qualities]
Quality1=1.41
Quality2=0.38
Quality3=0.57
Quality4=3.53
Quality5=3.98
Quality6=1.71
Quality7=1.64
Quality8=5.51
Quality9=0.47
Quality10=1.75
Quality11=0.34
Quality12=0.6
[Disabled]
Disabled1=1
Disabled7=1
[Gains]
Gain2=6.3
Gain3=-3.4
Gain4=1.6
Gain5=2.8
Gain6=4.7
Gain8=-1.4
Gain9=1.1
Gain10=1.8
Gain11=-6.5
Gain12=-4.9
This text is a basic equalization curve based on the measurements from Crinacle. You can adjust the values to suit your personal preferences, but be careful not to boost any frequencies too much, as this can cause distortion.
Save the text file as “config.txt” and place it in the “config” folder of Equalizer APO, which is usually located at “C:\Program Files\EqualizerAPO\config”.
Step 4: Apply the equalization curve
After creating the configuration file, open the “Configurator” program that came with Equalizer APO. Select “Sennheiser HD650” from the list of available devices and click “OK”.
In the Equalizer APO main window, you should see the equalization curve that you created in the configuration file. Click the “On” button to apply the curve, and start listening to your music. You should notice a difference in the sound signature of the headphones, with improved clarity and detail.
Conclusion
Using parametric equalization is an excellent way to improve the sound signature of your headphones. By using the measurements from Crinacle and Equalizer APO on Windows, you can create a custom equalization curve that enhances the listening experience of the Sennheiser HD650 headphones. With a little tweaking, you can fine-tune the curve to suit your personal preferences and achieve the perfect sound signature.
