The volume mixer is a convenient and useful feature present in any version of the Windows operating system. It allows you to very quickly adjust the sound volume level of each of your sound-reproducing devices, be it speakers or headphones. However, in the latest version of the system from Microsoft, namely Windows 10, many users are faced with the fact that the mixer icon is not located in the place familiar from previous versions of the OS, or it is not displayed anywhere at all. In this article, you will learn how to find and enable the sound mixer in Windows 10 using different methods and actions.
Windows 10 Volume Mixer
Viper4Windows
Our TOP of equalizers starts with Viper4Windows. This is the best option for those who have never used such software. The Russian language and user-friendly interface facilitate quick development of functionality. You can download the installer from this link. To make the Russian language, you need to download the corresponding file on the same page, on the 4PDA website or via torrent.
The Viper4Windows global equalizer allows you to adjust surround sound, switch between listening to music, watching movies or mixed modes. There is a built-in compressor, tools for bass boost, echo control and so on. By the way, the program has a mobile version for Android Viper4Android.
Advantages:
- Availability of Russian language;
- beautiful and convenient interface;
- completely free;
- multi-band equalizer;
- many ready-made modes;
- export and import of configurations;
- work with Bluetooth devices.
Flaws:
- none.
| Platform: | PC (Windows 7, 8, 10) |
| Developer: | Euphy Wong (viper520) |
| License: | For free |
Equalizer APO
This graphic equalizer can rightfully be considered one of the best solutions for a computer. It can be downloaded for free from the official website using the link. The software developers assure that Equalizer APO has low system resource requirements, which allows you to comfortably use it on a laptop or weak PC with minimal sound delays.
The application works with almost all known formats, has a cool set of filters and presets, and can process sound from a microphone and other capture devices. The program works across the entire operating system, automatically detects active hardware, saves settings for individual applications, and much more.
Equalizer APO is a professional tool that you will have to understand if you have no experience.
Advantages:
- low system load;
- wide range of settings;
- built-in tool for editing amplitude peaks;
- synchronization with other software and the ability to connect external libraries.
Flaws:
- there is no version in Russian;
- difficulty to learn.
| Platform: | PC (Windows 7, 8, 8.1, 10) |
| Developer: | SourceForge |
| For free: | For free |
PC Equalizer
We can say that this application is the simplest and most understandable for the average user. It can be used in conjunction with Equalizer APO - they are from the same developer and can synchronize with each other. Download the program from the link to the official website.
The equalizer boasts super-convenient settings, the ability to create your own effects and edit standard presets. You can turn on PC Equalizer in your computer's startup and start working with the sound already configured.
Advantages:
- simplicity and productivity;
- control left and right channels separately;
- assigning individual sound parameters to a specific application or device (online playback, game, external audio gadget, Bluetooth speakers, and so on).
Flaws:
- It makes sense to use it only in conjunction with Equalizer APO.
| Platform: | PC (Windows 7, 8, 10) |
| Developer: | SourceForge |
| License: | For free |
Part 2: Android/iPhone Apps for Audio Mixing
If you're more comfortable mixing sounds with your smartphone, you can think of mobile apps as mini mixers. Tons of programs can be used for Android and iPhone. Thus, we have researched the best audio mixer to stream your own mixed music on your smartphone.
Merge and join MP3 audio files
MP3 Audio Merger and Joiner is a mobile application that offers many audio editing features. With it, you can combine different tracks into one cohesive audio clip. This little audio mixer also supports a variety of audio formats, and there's no limit to the number of audio files you can process. Moreover, it doesn't matter if they have different extensions or bitrates because the tool can solve it for you.
MP3 Cutter & Merger
You can also customize and mix audio files using another Android app called MP3 Cutter and Merger. Apart from merging or mixing audio clips, it has many other useful features such as cutting MP3 or other audio formats. This can be useful if you want to remove unwanted parts of the audio. Additionally, it specializes in Android devices, so it supports SD cards. This way, users can move their merged songs to SD card and display a list of your songs.
iMovie
For iPhone or iOS devices, there is a native audio mixer app for iPhone and Mac that can be used to mix multiple audios into a single file. iMovie is widely known for editing videos by allowing you to flip and rotate audio. Apart from this feature, it allows you to add soundtrack, sound effects and music from your local music library. Additionally, you can also record your voice and add it to the clip. However, you may need to convert the modified clip to an audio file format in order to stream it to your music player.
Hear
The program allows you to improve the sound when listening to music, watching movies, while playing computer games, and so on. It has a software set of tools that allows you to manually change frequencies in detail or select a workpiece for individual situations.
If you do not understand all the functions and the quality is damaged, then you can return to the system settings by simply disabling the virtual driver. Download the program from the provided link.
Advantages:
- beautiful interface;
- many ready-made settings;
- parametric equalizer;
- surround sound setting;
- sets virtual audio output.
Flaws:
- paid program;
- only in English;
- There is no automatic sound adjustment at first start.
| Platform: | PC (Windows 7, 8, 8.1, 10) |
| Developer: | Prosoft Engineering |
| License: | Paid (6-day trial) |
Part 3. 3 Best Online Mixers
For those who do not want to install additional programs on their computer, a free online mixer is suitable. Check out effective audio mixing tools after the jump.
Merge BearAudio MP3
Bear MP3 Merger is a web-based audio editor that allows you to merge multiple songs or audio files together without registering an account. This program offers support for MP3, WAV and OGG. So, no matter you are merging a series of MP3 files or a combination of these three audio files, you will be able to do it with this audio mixer program. The best part is that it is easy to operate as all the navigation controls are easily identifiable. Whether you want to split, merge, delete, cut, remove or adjust the pitch, you can complete them quickly and easily.
123apps: Audio Joiner
Clideo's Online Audio Joiner also acts as a great audio mixer for Mac and Windows as it can run on almost all web browsers. All you need is an internet browser and you can mix audio files on Windows or Mac. Additionally, you can import audio files from online sources such as Google Drive, Dropbox, and via URL. Additionally, it allows you to download files from your local drive, giving you the option to choose the method that is most convenient for you. Using the drag and drop feature, you can easily change the order of tracks. You can then immediately start playing audio after you've finished merging the clips.
KM Player
This player has advanced functionality and can easily bypass the standard Windows Media Player. In addition, it has what interests us - a simple equalizer. You can download and install it from the official website. The tool itself is located in the following section:
- Open the player and click on the marked button.
- Go to the second tab and click on “EQ”. The audio player allows you to configure individual frequencies or select presets (“Presets”).
The advantage of this equalizer is that it can be used as a widget on your desktop. The window moves anywhere and does not interfere with watching video/listening to audio.
At the moment the functionality is not available in beta for Win x64.
Advantages:
- combining equalizer and player;
- the most simple setup;
- a huge number of prepared settings;
Flaws:
- Functionally, it will not satisfy the needs of a sophisticated listener or professional.
| Platform: | PC (Windows 7, 8, 10) |
| Developer: | Pandora TV |
| License: | For free |
FXSound Enhancer
FXSound Enhancer is capable of processing individual elements - live streams from a recording device, players, running games, or general output from the entire computer to external speakers/headphones. You can download the installer from the link.
The application has 3 functional sections: spectrum, effects and equalizer. Each of them contains an animated screensaver that is activated when sounds are played - you can monitor changes in frequencies in real time. The smart equalizer creates a separate virtual port and automatically adjusts the sound based on the current playback sources.
Advantages:
- simple controls and pleasant visual design;
- preset for different genres;
- excellent deep sound processing;
- Disable all changes with one button.
Flaws:
- paid software;
- In the free version you cannot save your workpieces.
| Platform: | PC (Windows XP, 7, 8, 10) |
| Developer: | FXSound |
| License: | Paid |
Using the built-in equalizer
The pre-installed mixer is present in all releases of Windows. Its capabilities are far from professional needs, but for some this will be enough. The main condition for ensuring surround and high-quality sound is the presence of good speakers with stereo sound. We can do the rest ourselves. The standard Windows solution can: change the sound format (2.0, 2.1, 5.1, 7.1), adjust the balance, improve the sound by suppressing echoes, changing the pitch of the voice, etc.
- Right-click on the speaker image in the notification panel and select “Playback devices.”
- Right-click on the active audio device and select “Set up speakers.”
- Set the appropriate audio format. To avoid mistakes, we can use the “Check” button.
- We indicate the types of speakers that are present in the user’s speaker system and close the window.
- We return to the window displaying the connected columns, where we right-click on them and select the “Properties” element.
- On the “Levels” tab we adjust the balance and signal magnitude.
- On the enhancement page we can activate voice suppression, change the sound based on the environment, and adjust the pitch.
- Below there is an equalizer with preset playback modes for different conditions of use.
The service has limited functionality compared to third-party programs. They have much more customization options.
Music Groove
The application was created exclusively for “Ten”. The utility allows you to edit sound with a built-in equalizer. To do this you need:
- Open the application through search in the Start menu.
- Go to settings using the gear.
- Go to the marked section.
- A frequency adjustment bar and a menu with a selection of presets will appear here.
Standard Windows 10 Tools
The standard set of operating system utilities includes a simple equalizer that allows you to adjust the sound of external speakers, built-in speakers or wireless headphones through the sound card driver. To access it, you need to do the following:
- On the taskbar, right-click on the sound icon and select “Open sound settings” from the menu.
- In the window that opens, you will see the name of the device, under which you need to click on “Device Properties”.
- Go to the “Improvements” tab and scroll through the list to the “Equalizer” item. We put a tick next to it.
- Pay attention to the very bottom item “Settings”. In it, you can select preset parameters for better sounding bass, pop, rock and so on.
- If you click on the adjacent button, “Graphic EQ” will open with frequency settings. The program allows you to set individual settings and save them for each output device separately.
The sound card model and drivers do not affect the system functionality. The built-in equalizer is too basic for those who want their music to sound perfect. Almost any third-party software will be superior to the Windows 10 utility in all respects.
Part 4: Audio Mixer FAQ
Does Windows 10 come with an audio mixer?
If you're looking for a built-in Windows 10 audio mixing or merging tool, there's no Windows 10 app for that need. But you can control system audio coming from different sources such as speakers, system sounds, and browsers. You can access it from Volume Mixer in Windows 10.
Is it safe to mix audio files online?
You can complete any task online, including audio mixing and merging, as long as the website does not ask for your personal details or information.
How does the sound mixing process work?
When mixing audio, you combine two or more audio tracks by, among other things, controlling their volume level, frequency content, pan position, etc. This will allow you to improve the overall audio performance.
Realtek Manager
The following program depends on the model of your audio card. Most PCs have a built-in Realtek Audio card, which provides proprietary software for adjusting the sound. If you have the Realtek High Definition Audio (HD Audio) driver installed, you can use this tool. If for some reason the icon disappears from the taskbar, you can open the application as follows:
- Open the “Control Panel” in any way. You can search through the Start menu.
- Next, you need to find the “Realtek HD Manager” item.
- Go to the “Sound Effect” tab. Here you will see presets and a band equalizer.
The appearance and control in the Realtek utility may differ depending on the version of the built-in sound card and driver. Other manufacturers have a similar proprietary application, for example, VIA HD Audio Deck.
Returning the audio volume control icon using the Registry Editor
This time, to get back the Windows 10 volume mixer, we will only need to erase two values from the registry, after which we will need to reboot the PC.
- use the Win+R combination on the keyboard, then enter the value “regedit” in the mini-window that appears. The editor snap-in we need will open;
— in the left part of the snap-in, open the directory HKEY_CURRENT_USER/Software/Classes/Local Settings/Software/Microsoft/Windows/CurrentVersion/TrayNotify;
- in the text block on the right you will see two parameters: iconstreams and PastIconStream (if only one of them is present here, do not be upset - one key will be enough for us). Right click on each of them (or on one) and select “Delete”;
— reboot your laptop or desktop PC.
After all the actions taken, check for yourself whether the icon appears. If everything was done correctly, it should already appear.
If the instructions described above still do not lead to anything, try one more mechanism so that the Windows 10 volume mixer is returned to its rightful place:
— to do this you need to open the HKEY_CURRENT_USER/Control Panel/Desktop branch;
— create two string keys in an open folder. Title the first one as WaitToKillAppTimeout, and the last one as HungAppTimeout;
— for both keys set the value to 20000 and close the editor form.
Now restart your PC again and look at the results of the executed instructions.
We hope that at least one of the above steps will help return the Windows 10 volume mixer to the system tray, and together these iterations will certainly help deal with the control once and for all.
It should be noted that computer speakers themselves work better than any equalizer for Windows 10. They inexorably cut off all the lower frequencies and have difficulty transmitting the upper frequencies. In fact, each system has a certain transmission coefficient, which depends on the frequency. It’s not for nothing that a good speaker has three or more speakers. Each of them is tuned to its own range. Large ones are usually bass, small ones are ultrasound. However, the Realtek driver provides some other options. In addition to those indicated.
Why do people even try to adjust the equalizer? Few people notice this, but any professional composition has undergone adjustments. It is passed through electronic filters to give it a special timbre and sound. Simply put, there are people who need to give the ideality of auditory perception to any work. They try this way and that to change something, but quickly realize that standard PC tools are, to put it mildly, meager. So they are looking for how to tune the sound more subtly.
