One of the best things about modern-day headphones is that they actually can get better over time, thanks to software updates. Such is the case with the Google Pixel Buds Pro, which got a pretty huge new feature in one of their first major firmware updates.
New to the Pixel Buds Pro is the ability to set a full five-band EQ. That is, you can now adjust things like bass and treble — five layers worth — to dial in the sound just how you like it. Google also has thrown in seven EQ presets, which you can use as your new default or as a starting place to customize and save your own EQ settings.
Here's how to change the EQ on the Google Pixel Buds Pro.
First, some prerequisites
By the time you're reading this, it's likely you already have the latest version of the Pixel Buds Pro firmware, as well as the latest version of the Pixel Buds app for Android. If not, you need to be on Version 1.0.474476083 (or newer) of the Pixel Buds app, and the earbuds need to be on Version 3.14.
Here's how to update your Pixel Buds Pro firmware if you need a little help.
How to adjust the Pixel Buds Pro EQ
Now that you've got updated software and updated firmware, it's time to play with the EQ. Here's how to do that.
Step 1: Open the Pixel Buds app.
Step 2: Tap the Sound (Active Noise Control and EQ) button.
Step 3: From here you can choose any of the seven EQ presets. There's default (wherein everything is flat), heavy bass, light bass, balanced, vocal boost, clarity, and last-saved.
Step 4: To save a custom preset, tap the Gear icon. You can choose a preset here as a starting point, if you want, and adjust things from there. Or you can just go hog wild on the sliders on your own.
Step 5: After you've adjusted the five EQ bands — upper treble, treble, mid, bass, and low bass — however you like, scroll down below Low bass and tap Save.
And that's it. There's no right or wrong here. You can adjust the EQ however you want, which is exactly what it's for. If you like more bass in your music, ramp it up. If you like the high end coming through on your podcasts, have at it.
It'd be nice if you could save more than one custom preset and not the most recent changes, but it's a start. And it's simple enough to change things whenever you want.