Is it possible to have more than 4-bands parametric EQ? (iOS)

[john chung]

Yes, you were right. Looks it is back to square one. Thanks.

[MotleyG]

This text bar is just an information indicator, not something you can really “choose” in most cases. If you can see the file format there (mp3, FLAC, OPUS, etc.) you are looking at the file info that Neutron is using. This is likely 16/24/32 bit for almost all formats, it will show 64 for mp3 if 64 bit processing is enabled. The sample rate can be just about anything in kHz, especially if the file was encoded with any kind of variable rate.

A second tap on that lower three dot menu will change the info display to show the output settings. This will usually show the format that Neutron is using to match what your device can handle. Often for Android and IOS devices natively this is 24 bit and 48kHz sample rate. Some Android devices (I.e. DAPs) can process and show much higher rates, for my iBasso DX160 Neutron can upsample to 32/384kHz for example. Also, this will become PCM format for virtually every device.

Sometimes less can be more. A third press will hide all of this for a cleaner display. So you can focus on enjoying the music without worrying about the technical process of how and why.

Regarding the 64-bit processing, this has nothing to do with the actual file or output. It is how Neutron can handle the data in between them, especially useful while applying any DSP. Again this depends on the device hardware, but if it is supported the extra bit depth allows Neutron to maintain more detail while working with the various EQ, filters, and other layers of audio. Regardless, the actual output has to be brought back to the format your device (or external DAC) can handle.

[You may ask, "Why even have this as an option if it helps so much?" For purists, all of these can be disabled in Neutron’s settings to eliminate any colouring of the original signal. Basically what came in is what should be going out, Neutron becomes just the resource for handling the source selection and playback. But as soon as you want to apply even just a single DSP including EQ, the so-called "bit-perfect" path is broken. So unless you have an external DAC and audio equipment, use the resources in Neutron that are on by default for your device.]

[blaubär]

Regarding the 64-bit processing [...] this depends on the device hardware,

Neutron claims that the 64-bit-processing doesn't depend on the hardware : see here

Due to the unique platform-independent software design Neutron's audio engine is capable of operating with 32-bit or 64-bit precision. [...] Neutron's audio engine is one of the rare state of art exceptions which do audio processing right and with guaranteed result on any platform!

The question of hardware support comes into play when you increase the sampling rate and/or output format ( 48 kHz and 16 bit int are Android standard, other frequencies and/or more bits or fp are not ), the potential problem being that the operating system might not support your choice ( should not happen in the first place as long as you don't force Neutron via a custom format or the 32-bit-fp-output-switch ) and then forcibly resamples and cuts the bits without dithering.

[john chung]

Thanks for the replies, Gents. After messing around the settings a bit further, I've managed to find out the best settins for my device.
I remember I definitely saw the 32-bit (fp) and 96kHZ on PCM output. It disappeared because I wasn't connecting my DAP and started playing songs. I then noticed that the DAP lighting was red (if switched off the hi-res mode it would be green colour).
And further checked the DAP menu, it said it was taking PCM 352.8/384(Khz) sample rates if red light is on. I used to set the frequency between 44.1/48/96 Khz on the device and noticed occasionally some old songs having distortion and clipping voices. So I finally unchecked the Follow Source Frequency and set the frequency to its maximum rate 384000, not expecting any difference but worse. Wow, it not only worked but much much better. The voice became closer and more clear and crispy. The background raised a bit matching with the voice and every musical instrument was more distinctive on its own. I guess because I only set it to 96 Khz , a bit faraway matching with the DAP sample rate, which caused the songs clipped and distorted.
This is perfect to my liking considering I only use a Huawei Media Pad Pro, a Hizizs s9 Pro and an inexpensive audio cable to my Bose Q45 Headphone.
I guess I'll play with different bands of frequency to find out if it can make it better. By the way, how do I know which current frequency that I am using? Do I have to tick the device dot on the frequency page?

[john chung]

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[blaubär]

By the way, how do I know which current frequency that I am using? Do I have to tick the device dot on the frequency page?

If you ask about the sampling rate : to find out the sampling rate that Neutron uses internally and as output you can look into the Audio Hardware screen and/or the output information line on the playing now screen. ( which both doesn't mean that whoever gets the data, DAC or DAP or whatever can handle them )

[john chung]

Sorry, I meant to ask about the current EQ settings that is being used, not frequency, Typing errors.

[blaubär]

I guess because I only set it to 96 Khz , a bit faraway matching with the DAP sample rate, which caused the songs clipped and distorted.

So that would mean that the external DAC has problems with upsampling ... strange.

[blaubär]

Sorry, I meant to ask about the current EQ settings that is being used, not frequency, Typing errors.

There's the EQ preset list

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That can be invoked via "Playback > Equalizer Presets", you can also add a button to the Top or DSP Effect Panel.

[john chung]

Somehow my screen is different from yours. The is no selection on mine. Am I missing somewhere?