Some time ago, we covered a headphone selection guide by XDA Senior Member jRi0T68 aimed at helping users improve their mobile device's audio quality. Selecting the right headphones (or speakers) should always be any budding audiophile's first step. After all, most of the improvements to be had in any audio system come in the final output stage through either better loudspeakers or better cans. This, coupled with how most software-based audio tweaks nowadays tend to appeal to the bass-loving mass market, makes it extremely easy to overlook potentially beneficial software solutions that can offer quite a bit of audio benefit. However, there is still a place for clever coding.

One such beneficial software tweak that is actually worth your consideration is the ViPER4Android Audio Effects engine developed by Forum Member viper520 and maintained by Recognized Contributor zhuhang. ViPER4Android, or V4A for short, can perform basic tasks such as equalization and channel panning, but it can also do quite a bit more such as applying the Haas psychoacoustic channel localization effect and virtual surround sound. Furthermore, you can use effects samples through its convolver engine to load predefined equalizer parameters, surround options, reverb settings, sonic characteristics, and more. It even includes a hearing protection system for extended listening.

The installation process isn't extremely complicated, but it's more involved than your standard application install. You can get started by visiting the application thread.

Once the app is installed, the sky is (almost) the limit. You can use the built-in parameters or choose between a wealth of audio profiles and correction filters. Do you have favorites already? If so, let us know in the comments section below and we'll cover them here on the Portal at a later time.

Finally, those looking to integrate V4A into new and existing ROM development work should visit their integration post.