Every tech enthusiast appreciates the powerful sound of a soundbar. But with the right settings, you can tailor the audio even better to your preferences.
Soundbars have become hugely popular in recent years. They are compact, affordable and provide a big upgrade in TV sound without the need for a complete home theater system. And that may get even better in the future with new settings.
But once a soundbar comes out of the box, the sound is often not yet optimal. Fortunately, there are a number of settings you can adjust to take the listening experience to the next level. We take you through the most important ones.
Why you might want to reset a soundbar
The human ear is capable of hearing sounds between 20 Hz and 20,000 Hz. When certain frequencies are out of balance, it can disrupt the entire listening experience. Soundbars usually contain between 2 and 8 speakers, each producing specific frequencies. This can sometimes cause an imbalance in the sound.
Default settings are not always ideal, but by making a few adjustments, you can improve the sound considerably. Here come a few examples.
Equalizer settings (EQ).
The equalizer, or EQ, is an essential tool for optimizing sound quality. It allows you to adjust the bass, midrange and treble to better match the sound to your preferences.
EQ settings can usually be found in the soundbar app or via the remote control. Tuning the bass, midrange and treble can be done easily by playing different types of music. Jazz or bluegrass are good test genres because they include instruments that cover different frequency ranges. Action movies and TV series with lots of dialogue can also help determine ideal settings.
Sound modes: easy optimization for your soundbar
For those who don’t feel like manually adjusting EQ settings, most soundbars offer preset sound modes. These modes automatically adjust settings based on the type of content.
For example, there are dialogue modes, which boost the center frequencies so voices are more intelligible. Other modes are optimized for movies, music or gaming. By trying out the different modes, you can quickly determine which one best suits your preferences.
Software updates: essential for optimal performance
Like other modern devices, soundbars need firmware updates to maintain optimal performance. Regular updates ensure that the soundbar has the latest sound improvements and bug fixes. It is therefore wise to regularly check for updates.
The right cables make all the difference
Although not a setting, the choice of cables has a big impact on sound quality. Bluetooth is convenient, but a wired connection provides better transmission of sound without loss of detail.
An HDMI cable that supports high-quality audio formats such as Dolby Atmos is the best choice for an optimal sound experience. This makes a noticeable difference especially with surround sound.
