Optical audio out, sound equalizer?

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Level 1

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Optical audio out, sound equalizer?

Hi all.

I am using a dual core mac mini with a surround sound system as a media centre type thing.

One thing I like about iTunes is that it has a sound enhancer function which stops the music sounding so tinny with my relatively small speakers that came with my one box surround system.

It would be nice to have the same effect when watching a DVD however. But the equalizer function in DVD player doesn't work when using optical out. In fact it would be nice to alter the sound for my entire system sound output when using optical out.

So, is there an equalizer plugin or something similar I can use with my mac mini to alter the entire sound output? Unfortunately my surround system doesn't have sound adjustment.

Thanks in advance.

Intel MacMini, MacBook, eMac, Mac OS X (10.4.8)

Posted on May 3, 2007 3:28 AM

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Answer 1

May 3, 2007 4:32 AM in response to sjrainsford

sjrainsford-

The digital stream is supposed to be as clean and as close to the original source material as possible, thus allowing the amplifier or receiver to do the processing.

Andy is right-you may want to get yourself a sound system with a little more versatility.

Have you considered a powered subwoofer?

Luck-

-DaddyPaycheck

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Answer 2

AndyO

Level 6

17,064 points

May 3, 2007 4:13 AM in response to sjrainsford

Because it's a digital signal, if equalisation isn't embedded in the software (as it is with iTunes for example), then the output from the mini can't be altered. Digital is just a binary stream, unlike analog. Thus I think you'll need an external hardware solution, Normally of course that would be a matter of adjusting controls on the home theatre-type equipment the mini is connected to. If your surround sound system has no such controls and the result is a sound quality that isn't satisfactory, I think you may have to consider the possibility of changing it for a home theatre system that does.

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Answer 3

sjrainsford Author

Level 1

0 points

May 4, 2007 12:06 PM in response to DaddyPaycheck

Thanks for your replies.

And I can definately see where you're coming from. My system is a fairly decent Yamaha one with a powered sub woofer, but there's no real adjustment on the sound other than the bass level.

As with most one box systems, the speakers are very tinny really so was hoping there was a quick workaround.

Funnily enough, playing with it today I found that if I set the sound output to sytem sound output (although still connected optically) I can use the graphic equalizer within DVD player and get the sound how I want it.

But, when I play a DVD in front row the sound doesn't work, unless optical out was selected in DVD player before hand.

Oh well!

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