Windows 10: How do I get loudness equalization back?

Windows has effectively disabled the "enhancements" tab on my audio driver after a recent update.I was able to get the enhancement back by installing an older driver, but Windows stubbornly replaced the driver with the newer one almost immediately.After three or four rounds of this, I no longer have the loudness equalization option regardless of which driver is installed.This makes it very difficult for me to hear some media as the publishers chose to record at very low levels and it's almost inaudible even with all volumes set to max.This was a basic functionality of the sound device, removed

:)

 

Loudness Equalization issue

Just wanted to give a quick update to let you know that unfortunately, the 'loudness' option in the Waves MaxxAudio equalizer does not even come close to the loudness equalization windows used to have. For the time being, I'm using my old laptop for anything I need good sound for.

If anyone knows of a way to get my loudness equalization back, please let me know.

 

Can't find loudness equalization

Hi,



Thank you for writing to Microsoft Community Forums.



I understand that you are unable to get proper audio output levels on certain videos.



Ideally, the level of audio depends on the type of file that you are playing. As you have mentioned that you are unable to find Loudness equalization, I would like to inform that certain audio devices and audio card does not provide the Audio Enhancements
options.



However, you may want to have a look at the Sound Control panel, and see if Loudness Equalization Enhancement is available. Refer the steps mentioned below:

1. Press Windows Logo key + R, to open
   Run dialog box.
   
2. Type mmsys.cpl and click on
   OK.
   
3. Under Playback tab, double click on the sound device that you are using.
   
4. Click on Enhancements tab.
   
5. Select the checkbox for Loudness Equalization.
   
6. Click on OK.
   

If the issue persists, you may want to try updating the Audio drivers and check. Refer the steps mentioned below:

1. Press Windows Logo key + X, and select
   Device Manager.
   
2. Expand Sound, Video, and Game Controllers.
   
3. Right click on the Audio
   device and select Update Driver.
   

Article for reference:
Update drivers in Windows 10.



We can try to use an alternate audio driver and see if that helps. Refer the steps mentioned below:

1. Press Windows Logo key + X, and select
   Device Manager.
   
2. Expand Sound, Video, and Game Controllers.
   
3. Right click on Realtek Audio and select
   Update Driver.
   
4. Select Browse my computer for Driver Software.
   
5. In the next screen, select Let me pick from a list of available drivers.
   
6. Check the box Show Compatible Hardware and select
   High Definition Audio Device.
   
7. Click on Yes if you get any prompt.
   

If you do not see any change, you can use Update Driver option and Search automatically to revert to Realtek driver.



Let us know how it goes.



Regards,

Nikhar Khare

Microsoft Community - Moderator

 

How to recreate Loudness Equalization with plugins?

Hello, GreggRominiecki

Welcome to Microsoft Community.

Loudness Equalization is a feature that can be found in both Realtek’s audio drivers and Windows. It aims to maintain a consistent volume across all content and applications. It can be particularly useful when dealing with audio or video files that vary in volume.



To recreate the effect of Loudness Equalization with audio plugins, you would typically use a combination of compressors, limiters, and possibly multiband compressors. Here’s a general approach:

• Compressor: A compressor reduces the dynamic range of the audio signal, making the quiet parts louder and the loud parts quieter. You would adjust the threshold, ratio, attack, and release settings to control how and when the compression is applied.
  

• Limiter: A limiter is essentially a compressor with a very high ratio and is used to ensure that the audio does not exceed a certain level. This can prevent distortion and clipping that can occur when the audio level gets too high.
  

• Multiband Compressor: A multiband compressor splits the audio signal into different frequency bands (like bass, midrange, and treble) and applies compression to each band separately. This allows for more precise control over the dynamics of different frequency ranges.
  

The specific settings you would use on these plugins can vary greatly depending on the audio content you’re working with. It’s always a good idea to use your ears and adjust the settings to achieve the desired sound.



While this approach can help achieve a more consistent volume, it might not perfectly replicate the Loudness Equalization feature as the exact algorithms used by Realtek or Microsoft are not publicly available.

Yuhao Li

Microsoft Community Technical Support