The Science of Sound: A Tour of Vibradio's Studio Mode

Every pair of headphones, every speaker, and every room has a unique acoustic profile. The way a radio station sounds on your studio monitors might be completely different from how it sounds on your earbuds during a commute. So why should you be stuck with a one-size-fits-all audio experience?

For the audiophiles, the tinkerers, and anyone who wants to take control of their sound, we built Studio Mode in Vibradio. It's a suite of professional-grade audio effects that run in real-time, allowing you to shape the sound of any radio station to your exact preference.

Let's break down the tools at your disposal.

1. The 10-Band Graphic Equalizer (EQ)

The heart of Studio Mode is the graphic EQ. An equalizer allows you to adjust the volume of specific frequency ranges within the audio spectrum.

What it is: Our EQ divides the sound into 10 bands, from the deep lows (32 Hz) to the sparkling highs (16k Hz). Each slider controls the volume of its corresponding frequency band.
How to use it:
- Lacking bass? Try boosting the sliders on the left (32 Hz, 64 Hz).
- Vocals sound muffled? A slight boost in the midrange (1k, 2k) can bring them forward.
- Sound too harsh or tinny? Try cutting the high frequencies on the right (8k, 16k).
Presets: Not sure where to start? We've included presets like "Pop," "Rock," and "Vocal Boost" that provide a great starting point for common listening scenarios.

2. Bass Boost

Sometimes, you just need a little more punch.

What it is: This is a specialized "low-shelf" filter. Instead of boosting a narrow band, it raises the volume of all frequencies below a certain point (in our case, around 250 Hz).
How to use it: Use this slider for a quick, powerful way to add warmth and weight to the sound. It's great for electronic music or for making thin-sounding broadcasts feel fuller. Use it sparingly, as too much can make the audio sound muddy.

3. Reverb (Reverberation)

Reverb is the effect of sound reflecting off surfaces in a room.

What it is: Our reverb effect adds a sense of space to the audio. It can make a dry-sounding broadcast feel like it's in a small room, a concert hall, or a vast cathedral.
How to use it: A little reverb can add a pleasing "liveness" to music, making it feel more immersive. Try adding a small amount to live recordings or classical music to enhance the sense of space.

4. Spatial Audio (Stereo Panner)

This effect allows you to adjust the stereo balance of the audio.

What it is: The spatial audio slider is a stereo panner. Moving it to the left or right will shift the audio balance to that channel.
How to use it: While most music is best listened to in balanced stereo, this tool can be useful for analysis. Want to isolate what the guitarist is playing in the left channel? Pan all the way to the left. It can also be used to correct poorly mixed broadcasts that have an unbalanced stereo image.

Your Personal Sound Engineer

All of these effects are processed in real-time, right on your device, thanks to the power of the Web Audio API. Studio Mode gives you the power to become your own sound engineer, correcting for the limitations of your audio gear and tailoring the sound of any station to your personal taste. It’s a playground for your ears.