Our verdict: Peace turns Equalizer APO from a text-file tool into an equalizer most people can use. Sliders, presets, AutoEQ headphone profiles and per-device switching cover almost every need. It only works on top of Equalizer APO, so you inherit that program's install quirks.
About Peace Equalizer
Peace is developed by Peter Verbeek and published on SourceForge, which he names as the only real Peace website; he warns that a scam site uses the Peace name. Equalizer APO must be installed first, because Peace only writes its configuration and adds a graphical interface.
You get up to 31 equalizer sliders per channel or speaker, with editable frequency, gain and quality for each filter, plus an effects panel for balance, crossfeed, delay, channel routing and bass and treble. Configurations can be saved and activated with one click, a hotkey, the tray or a desktop shortcut, and can switch automatically when a program starts or a device is selected.
What it does well
- Up to 31 bands. Graphic or parametric sliders per channel or speaker, with editable frequency, gain and Q.
- AutoEQ headphones. About 10,000 ready-made equalizations for specific headphone models.
- Effects panel. Balance, crossfeed, delay, down and up mixing, channel routing, bass and treble.
- Quick switching. Activate presets by click, hotkey, tray menu, desktop shortcut or MIDI controller.
- Automatic activation. Switches configuration when a program starts or a device is selected.
Who it is for
Good fit
Headphone owners who want an AutoEQ profile, and Equalizer APO users who prefer sliders to text files.
Look elsewhere
People who want a single install without Equalizer APO, and users of audio that bypasses the Windows engine, such as ASIO.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Makes Equalizer APO easy to use
- AutoEQ profiles for about 10,000 headphones
- Presets on hotkeys and tray
- Many interface languages
Cons
- Requires Equalizer APO installed separately
- Windows updates can break Equalizer APO until it is reinstalled
- Busy interface with many options
How to install Peace Equalizer
Install Equalizer APO first and select your output device in its Device Selector, then reboot. Download PeaceSetup.exe from the Peace SourceForge page only; the developer warns of a scam site using the Peace name. Open the AutoEQ button to load a profile for your headphones. After a major Windows update you may need to reinstall Equalizer APO.
Questions about Peace Equalizer
Is Peace Equalizer free?
Yes. Peace is open source under the GNU GPL v2.
Do I need Equalizer APO for Peace?
Yes. Peace is an interface for Equalizer APO, which does the actual audio processing. Install Equalizer APO first.
Where is the official Peace download?
Only on the Peace Equalizer project page on SourceForge. The developer warns about a scam website using the Peace name.
