How to Use the Alexa Equalizer to Fine Tune Your Music Listening

Settings that make your Echo sound better

by
Robert Silva
Robert Silva
Writer
Robert Silva has written about audio, video, and home theater topics since 1998. Robert has written for Dishinfo.com, and made appearances on the YouTube series Home Theater Geeks.
our editorial process
Robert Silva
Updated on September 11, 2020

Your Amazon Echo smart speakers can stream music from a variety of sources, but the sound quality isn't quite as good as a larger stereo or home theater system. Fortunately, you can improve the sound quality using Alexa's equalizer settings. 

The Alexa Equalizer works with Amazon Echo, Echo Dot, Echo Plus, Echo Studio, Echo Show, and Echo Spot. The Echo Input is not included.

What Is the Alexa Equalizer?

Alexa's equalizer allows you to adjust the treble (higher frequencies), midrange (frequencies associated with voices), and bass (lower frequencies) so that the sound can be tailored to suit your room and listening preferences.

There are three ways to access the Alexa Equalizer on compatible devices: 

  • Voice commands
  • The Alexa smartphone app 
  • The Echo Show touchscreen 

Using Alexa Equalizer With Direct Voice Commands

While music is playing on a compatible Echo device, you can use the Alexa voice assistant to adjust various settings. For example, you can say:

  • “Alexa, turn up the bass.”
  • “Alexa, set the base to 6.”
  • “Alexa, increase treble.”
  • “Alexa, set midrange to 6.”

If you want to adjust the settings using a number, the range goes from -6 to +6 decibels.

How to Use the Equalizer With the Alexa Smartphone App

If you don't want to use voice commands, equalizer adjustments can be made by using the Alexa app using your smartphone or tablet.

  1. On the Alexa app home screen, tap More.

  2. Tap Settings.

  3. Tap Device Settings.

    Tap More > Settings > Device Settings.

  4. Tap your device.

  5. Tap Audio Settings.

  6. Adjust the treble, midrange, and bass using the app's touchscreen slide controls.

    Select your device and tap Audio Settings to adjust the bass, midrange, and treble.

How to Use Alexa Sound Equalizer on the Echo Show

With the Echo Show or Echo Spot, you can use Alexa's voice commands directly, or you can use the touchscreen to make equalizer adjustments.

  1. On the Echo Show home screen, swipe down, then tap Settings.

    Echo Show – Select Settings

  2.  Tap Sounds in the settings menu. 

    Echo Show – Settings – Select Sounds

  3. Tap Equalizer.

    Echo Show – Settings – Sounds – Select Equalizer

  4. In the Equalizer settings, adjust the treble, midrange, or base using the touchscreen. 

    Echo Show – Equalizer Settings Screen

How to Use the Alexa Equalizer With Other Devices

Amazon has also made the equalizer available via its developer protocols for third-party devices with built-in Alexa support. One example is the Polk Audio Command Bar. Alexa can also be used to adjust the sound on Sonos Beams. To find out if your device offers the Alexa Equalizer, open the Alexa app, then go to Devices > Settings > Device Settings.

How to Use Alexa Sound Settings on Fire TV Devices

The Alexa Equalizer isn't available on Fire TV devices. However, you can use voice commands to control the TV volume. Here are some Alexa voice commands you can use with Fire TVs:

  • “Alexa, set the volume to 6 on Fire TV.”
  • “Alexa, turn up/down the volume on Fire TV.”
  • “Alexa, mute Fire TV.”

For other Fire TV sound settings including bass, treble, and sound modes, you have to use the physical buttons on the Fire TV remote.