Which Smoothing to Use Before AutoEQ

[Dan Twomey]

Here's what Dr. Google/AI suggests,

You should use no smoothing (or Variable smoothing) in Room EQ Wizard (REW) before running AutoEQ, especially when focusing on low frequencies.

Recommended Smoothing Strategies

• • No Smoothing (Raw): Best for the bass and sub-bass region (below 300 Hz) on individual measurements. It lets AutoEQ accurately target sharp room modes and peaks.
  • Variable Smoothing: Recommended by the REW developer if you are generating filters across a wider frequency range. It applies high resolution (1/48 octave) in the bass where you need precise correction, and heavier smoothing higher up to prevent overly aggressive filters chasing tiny high-frequency ripples. [1, 2, 3]

Key Rules Before AutoEQ

• • Limit the EQ Range: Restrict your AutoEQ filter calculations to the lower frequencies (typically below 300 Hz to 500 Hz, known as the Schroeder frequency), where room acoustics dominate. Equalizing high frequencies based on single-point measurements often degrades sound quality.
  • Avoid High-Frequency Over-Correction: If you do look at upper frequencies, avoid using raw or ultra-fine smoothing (like 1/24 or 1/48 octave) because tiny acoustic variations shift dramatically over small head movements.

 

[JStewart]

You’ve got the right answer there.
Dr. Floyd Toole would surely agree with Dr. Google on this one.