$5

NodeEQ

System-wide equalizer for any headphones. Real-time adjustments with a live spectrum analyzer and instant A/B comparison. Low CPU, snappy node dragging, and headphone-friendly presets.

One-time license • Instant download • Windows
NodeEQ screenshot
NodeEQ UI
NodeEQ demo

NodeEQ – Key features

  • System-wide EQ for any headphones/DAC/Bluetooth
  • Live spectrum analyzer (system audio capture)
  • Drag-node interface with instant audible changes
  • Headphone presets + quick reset/compare
  • Equalizer APO helper (install / check)

How it works

Captures system output and shows a live spectrum. Move EQ nodes to boost/cut bands and hear changes immediately. Low-latency updates keep movements snappy for precise headphone tuning.

Requirements

  • Windows 10/11
  • Equalizer APO recommended (helper included)

Quick start (≈3 minutes)

  1. Install Equalizer APO when prompted (or via the in-app helper), then enable your playback device in the Configurator and reboot.
  2. Open NodeEQ. Click on the graph to add a band, then drag left/right (frequency) and up/down (gain).
  3. Hover a node and use the mouse wheel to change Q (width).
  4. Press A or click Apply Changes to push the EQ system-wide.
  5. Load a preset, tweak, then Save preset… to keep it.

Controls & gestures

  • Add a band: click anywhere on the spectrum
  • Move a band: drag (frequency & gain)
  • Change width (Q): mouse wheel over a node
  • Delete band: click the small × near a node / right-click → Delete / Delete
  • Apply to system: A (or Apply Changes)
  • Analyzer On: live spectrum visualization
  • Freeze: hold the last strong frame during silence to inspect it
  • Pin window: keeps NodeEQ always on top

Suggested workflow

  1. Start with a matching Headphone Preset (or a neutral curve).
  2. Play familiar music/speech and enable the Analyzer.
  3. Cut issues first (boom / harshness) with wider Q, then add small boosts.
  4. Keep boosts under ~6 dB where possible for headroom.
  5. Press A to A/B system-wide and confirm the improvement.

Presets

  • Built-in Headphone Presets are installed on first run. Load one, then tweak nodes.
  • Save preset… writes a portable text file (Equalizer APO compatible).
  • Up to 5 bands are supported. Prefer multiple gentle bands over one extreme boost.

Tools & setup helpers

  • Open EAPO Configurator — enable your playback device & restart
  • Open config.txt & active-preset.txt — for advanced edits or backup
  • Quick Start / Help — in-app walkthrough

Tuning tips

  • Use the live spectrum to spot broad problems (boomy bass, harsh highs) and place gentle cuts first.
  • Wider Q sounds more natural; narrow Q for surgical fixes.
  • Target “listening comfort” first, then micro-adjust for detail.

Troubleshooting

  • No effect? Ensure Equalizer APO is installed and your playback device is enabled in Configurator; reboot once after enabling.
  • Analyzer shows but EQ doesn’t apply? Use the helper to re-include APO config or re-select the device.
  • High latency? Lower the device buffer or disable other processors in your chain.
System-wide: NodeEQ adjusts your system output, so it works with any headphones — wired, Bluetooth, or USB DAC.

FAQ

Will it work with my headphones?

Yes — it’s system-wide, so it works with any headphones or DAC, wired or wireless.

Latency?

Practically instant. It depends on your device buffer and APO chain.

Do I need Equalizer APO?

Recommended for system-wide EQ. The app includes a helper to install/check it.

Licenses & credits?

This download bundles the Equalizer APO installer (© Jonas Thedering and contributors), which is distributed under the GNU General Public License v2 (GPLv2). Source code: Equalizer APO on SourceForge. Full license text: GPL-2.0. Equalizer APO is a separate work; NodeEQ is not derived from or linked to its code. A copy of the GPLv2 license is included in the download as LICENSE.txt.

Third-party notice

This package includes the Equalizer APO installer (© Jonas Thedering and contributors), distributed under the GNU General Public License v2 (GPLv2). Source code: https://sourceforge.net/projects/equalizerapo/. Full license text: https://www.gnu.org/licenses/old-licenses/gpl-2.0.txt. Equalizer APO remains a separate work under its own license.