Mac OS music app equalizer not working

Since my upgrade to Catalina, the Equalizer in the Music app does not work as expected. Equalization settings are only activated:

after you have started playing a song, then
manually select a pre-set (or manual) equalization setting.

After the song is over, and a new one starts playing, the equalization is once again disabled. I've had this happen on many different tracks, using many different settings in the EQ window. I've submitted a ticket through Apple's Developer website, but so far no response. Anyone out there have the same issue/have a solution?

Mac mini 2018 or later

Posted on Oct 9, 2019 2:44 PM

Top-ranking reply

luiscr04

Level 1

4 points

Posted on Dec 12, 2019 9:35 AM

Apple finally fixed the issues!

Music

Restores the column browser view for managing the music library
Resolves an issue that may prevent album artwork from appearing
Fixes an issue that may reset music equalizer settings during playback

iTunes Remote

Adds support for using an iPhone or iPad to remotely control the Music and TV apps on a Mac

Happy playing everyone!

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75 replies

Nov 21, 2019 5:31 AM in response to DenverDesigner

Found a work around here: https://macreports.com/mac-music-app-equalizer-not-working-fix/

Not exactly the answer I wanted, but at least there's a way to set the equalizer for all songs at once.

Oct 12, 2019 8:09 AM in response to martin-2019

Click in the headline above all columns when press 'control' button, then you got this popup to choose from. When you have done that the new column will have that small button for each song. Click on it and you will find all eq settings

Nov 2, 2019 2:44 AM in response to Fairviewchinook

I've found a workaround using the third party app - Boom3D, very simple yet effective. Works even better than built-in eq in Apple Music app. And can be applied system-wide. Worth a shot. I was tired of waiting for Apple to fix that annoying bug.

J4MMYz

Level 1

52 points

Oct 16, 2019 8:36 AM in response to DenverDesigner

The exact same issue here. I've just updated to OS X 10.15 with no improvement - can't even tell what's been fixed in general as usual. Here's the link to my thread I started the day after I had upgraded: https://discussions.apple.com/thread/250720390

Thank you very much on the lesson of custom EQ - I did not know this existed, and for now is a work around :)

REALLY hoping Apple fixes this!

I hate to say this, but with me at least every iPhone update is faultless... i've never had an issue. Every Mac 'upgrade' has fixed one thing and broken another... still, i'd have a mac any day over Windows.

Oct 29, 2019 8:53 AM in response to DenverDesigner

UPDATE: Still no resolution to this issue. Some folks have suggested changing the EQ setting on all songs in a library, but this applies the EQ setting to the song, NOT the device being used to play the song. If I am playing a song through the Mac OS Music app it's likely playing through a specific output device like a connected speaker or via AirPlay to another device/speaker. Different output devices have different playback characteristics, so changing the EQ setting on a song file makes it play back with that EQ setting everywhere, not only on the output device connected to the Mac running the Music app which is having this annoying equalization issue.

Nov 26, 2019 1:49 PM in response to DenverDesigner

Yes got exactly the same issue, thanks for posting and thereby saving me spending hrs trying to trace a specific fault with my Mac.

Obviously a software upgrade issue as like you I didn't have problem before Catalina update.

Jan 26, 2020 9:52 AM in response to Moonridge2001

10.15.2 here and still not working, whether I am playing a song on loaded on my hdd or iPhone or from my Apple Music subscription. I have two Home Pads, and the sound on them is WAY better than my previous Boses wi-fi speakers. But still not close to what they should be able to produce. Great hardware, bad software. Like the CarPlay interface on my new car, but stuck no equalizer there, too, via my iPhone. Very frustrated. Not sure how Apple went backwards on this feature.

Oct 9, 2019 4:43 PM in response to DenverDesigner

Same Here. What a pain. This has to be an easy fix. if the Eq on box is ticked, then it should stay on, not drop off after every song. Sort it out Apple

Oct 15, 2019 1:53 PM in response to Dark2019

Has anyone checked if the newest update fixes it? I reported this issue to Apple.

alekhs

Level 1

4 points

Oct 27, 2019 8:23 AM in response to DenverDesigner

I have the same problem. EQ works if I make an adjustment, but disengage after changing songs. If I want it back I have to deactivate and reactivate it each time a new songs begin. Please fix this.

Nov 6, 2019 7:43 AM in response to luiscr04

Thanks for that work-around! I also let customer service know of the issue (as a long-time equalizer user) and asked for a status. It is on the list of items to be fixed but no date was available.

Oct 12, 2019 4:44 AM in response to DenverDesigner

I had a long session with Apple support yesterday and they claim it's a uknown problem.

I decided to set my absolute favorite songs and playlists with individual equalizer and it works.

Unfortunately my library is >10000 songs...

Ardaare

Level 1

4 points

Oct 20, 2019 3:59 PM in response to DenverDesigner

Just got off of the telephone with a representative for the fourth time within the last five days, and they have yet to remedy the issue :-/ This doesn't seem like it should be a difficult problem to solve.

Oct 29, 2019 7:49 PM in response to Antmen

It’s a Shame the Way Apple is doing the upgrades!!! Can not Take a minimum resguard that the simple things works fine? Hoy could is this possible? will return us the apple music’s payment till solve the problem?

too many questions Apple cannot response!!!

Nov 6, 2019 8:14 AM in response to luiscr04

As I mentioned earlier, changing the EQ setting on all songs in a library applies the EQ setting to the song, NOT the device

being used to play the song. If I am playing a song through the Mac OS Music app it's likely playing through a specific output device like a connected speaker or via AirPlay to another device/speaker. Different output devices have different playback characteristics, so changing the EQ setting on a song file makes it play back with that EQ setting everywhere, not only on the output device connected to the Mac running the Music app which is having this annoying equalization issue.

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Mac OS music app equalizer not working