[All Platforms][Other] Multiple equalizer presets for different devices

[Nickan_r]

I would really love it if you added the ability to add custom Spotify presets. I use different custom equalizers for different speakers/headphones and it always gets frustrating having to change it every time.

[nick11290]

Introducing the Automated Equalizer for Spotify, a feature that adjusts the audio settings to match each song automatically. When turned on, it fine-tunes the sound to ensure optimal performance for every track, providing a consistently great listening experience without the need for manual adjustments. Enjoy your music with the best possible sound quality, effortlessly.

[kilijean]

As the equalizer is one of the best features setting Spotify apart from others (eg. Apple music), you could even make it more appealing to people who stream music to different devices which themselves don't come with an internal equalizer function.

It would be amazing to set these equalizer profiles automatically for the devices I assign them to.

[tajbullard_]

Every time I get into my car I have to turn the equaliser off as my car can’t handle the bass and I find myself doing it while I’m driving. I need the equaliser for my headphones for better bass. I have wanted this for ages! Fantastic solution proposal. 

[Dandrum]

Yaas i need this. I listen on airpods pro with more Bass in the eq but in my car the Bass is way to mutch, this feature would help a lot. 

[galen58]

It might be that this is too difficult for the programmers at Spotify; they have a reputation for not being the best coders. I wonder if they would be able to add Spotify to Shortcuts so that we can create a shortcut that turns the EQ on and off depending on where we are and what we are listening to. That would be enough, or just a button on the main screen that turns the EQ on and off. It shouldn't be that hard.

[Esoukka]

Would be amazing

[EirikSM]

I often listen to music in my car, and my speakers there aren't too good so I have to reduce the bass everytime I want to listen to music while driving. A cool feature would be to have a option to select what device you want to apply the equalizer settings to.

You could have one sound profile for when you're connected to your airpods, and one for when you're connected to your car, etc. 

This would make life so much easier, and even the world a better place.

Thanks for reading

[JabbaStac]

Overview

Spotify users often connect their devices to different audio sources, each with unique sound characteristics (e.g., headphones, car stereo, home speakers). Currently, users have to manually adjust equalizer settings each time they switch between devices. This proposed feature would allow users to create and save custom equalizer presets that automatically switch depending on the connected device.

Feature Benefits

• Improved User Experience: Listeners will have optimized sound quality for each connected device without needing to manually adjust settings.
• Device-Specific Sound Preferences: A car stereo might require more bass, while headphones may need clearer mids and highs. Having pre-configured equalizers for different devices saves time and improves audio quality.
• Personalization and Engagement: This added layer of personalization will increase user satisfaction and retention by offering a more tailored audio experience.

Proposed Features

1. Customizable Equalizer Profiles:

   • Users can create, save, and label equalizer profiles.
   • Profiles can be linked to specific audio devices (e.g., Bluetooth headphones, wired earbuds, Bluetooth speakers, car stereo).

2. Automatic Profile Switching:

   • When a user connects to a specific device, Spotify automatically switches to the saved equalizer profile for that device.
   • Users can manually override the automatic switch if desired.

3. Device Recognition and Management:

   • Spotify will detect and remember previously connected devices via Bluetooth, auxiliary, or Wi-Fi and suggest applying an existing equalizer profile or creating a new one for each new device.
   • In settings, users can manage saved devices and their associated equalizer profiles.

4. Equalizer Customization UI:

   • A user-friendly interface where users can adjust frequency bands (bass, mid, treble) and save presets for each device.
   • Suggested presets based on common devices like headphones or cars, possibly using Spotify's partnerships with audio manufacturers to optimize specific models.

---

Technical Development Steps

1. Device Identification:

   • Bluetooth Integration: Leverage Bluetooth protocols to detect the connected audio output device (headphones, speakers, car systems). On Android and iOS, Spotify can retrieve device names and categories from the operating system's Bluetooth API.
   • Wi-Fi Integration: For devices connected over Wi-Fi (like smart speakers), Spotify could use the device’s ID and capabilities via Wi-Fi protocol.
   • Auxiliary Input Detection: Although more limited, auxiliary input (headphone jack or AUX-in for cars) detection can also be implemented through platform-specific APIs.

2. User Profiles and Storage:

   • Cloud-Based Profiles: Store the user’s custom equalizer settings in the cloud, synced with their Spotify account. This ensures their presets are available across devices.
   • Local Storage: Use local storage on the app for quick access to equalizer settings, ensuring fast profile switching when a user reconnects to a known device.

3. UI Development:

   • Equalizer UI: Spotify already includes a simple equalizer in its settings. The UI would need an expansion to allow users to create multiple presets and associate them with specific devices. The design should be intuitive, with options for default profiles for common devices and manual tweaking for advanced users.
   • Device Management: Create a menu where users can view connected devices, set a default equalizer for each, and see which profile is active. This could be a simple addition to the “Settings” section under “Audio Settings.”

4. Automatic Profile Switching:

   • Profile Triggering Logic: When a device is connected, Spotify checks its internal list of saved devices and automatically applies the linked equalizer preset. If the device is new, Spotify prompts the user to create or apply an equalizer preset.
   • Manual Override Option: Users should be able to manually change the equalizer for specific listening scenarios. A toggle or dropdown in the "Now Playing" screen might work for this.

5. Testing and Optimization:

   • Compatibility Testing: Ensure compatibility across different Bluetooth codecs (e.g., SBC, AAC, aptX), as well as wired and wireless devices.
   • Performance: Ensure that adding automatic profile switching doesn’t impact app performance, particularly on older devices. Equalizer settings should change seamlessly without interrupting playback.
   • Cross-Platform Consistency: Make sure the feature works uniformly across Spotify’s mobile, desktop, and smart device apps.

---

Potential Challenges

• Device Recognition Consistency: Identifying specific devices reliably across different operating systems might be a challenge, particularly for auxiliary input devices.
• Bluetooth Latency: For some Bluetooth devices, there may be a delay in detecting the connection and switching equalizers. Ensuring fast response time is key.
• User Onboarding: New users or those unfamiliar with equalizers might need guidance. Consider adding a tutorial or recommended presets based on popular headphones and car audio systems.

[hili]

I personally do not enjoy songs with heavy bass on them, to make an EQ that removes that part of the sound, would mess up other songs that sound perfectly fine without an EQ at all. It could be really neat if I could apply individual EQ settings to each song I chose to alter with an EQ and save it on my account. 

[seandkiefer]

Wish you could customize equalizer/crossfade/quality settings and save them as presets, then switch between them with a snappy interface or attach them to specific bluetooth devices to switch automatically upon connection.