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SPECIFICTION
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CoreEQ

github.com

macOS
Visit github.com
Spec score 7.4 #13 of 22 in Audio Equalizer Software

What it is

CoreEQ is a free system-wide equalizer for macOS, processing audio from music, video, calls, games and other applications. It uses Apple’s Core Audio process-tap API without a virtual audio driver or kernel extension, and audio passes straight through when the app is quit. The filter chain combines an eleven-band ISO octave graphic equalizer with up to sixteen parametric bells, shelves and pass filters. Users get 22 built-in presets, custom presets, automatic gain and A/B comparison, with import and export for AutoEQ and EqualizerAPO presets. Settings can be saved per output device, while menu-bar controls adjust bass, mid and treble. The maker describes it as a local app that does not record, store or transmit captured audio and opens no network sockets or listening ports. CoreEQ requires macOS 14.2 or later and permission to record system audio. Release builds are currently unsigned and unnotarized.

Spec sheet

What it does
CoreEQ is a system-wide equalizer for macOS that processes audio from any application using Apple's Core Audio process-tap API.Read 3 Oct 2026 · github.com
Purpose
CoreEQ is a system-wide equalizer for macOS that processes audio from music, video, calls, games, and other applications.Read 3 Oct 2026 · github.com
Integrations
CoreEQ can import and export AutoEQ and EqualizerAPO presets.Read 3 Oct 2026 · github.com
Privacy
The project says it records, stores, or transmits no audio, and its security policy says captured audio must never be written to disk or leave the machine.Read 3 Oct 2026 · github.com
Support
The README directs users to the guide’s troubleshooting section and says Settings → Diagnostics creates a report to attach to a bug report.Read 3 Oct 2026 · github.com
License
The repository identifies CoreEQ as licensed under Apache License 2.0.Read 3 Oct 2026 · github.com
Audio processing
It uses Apple’s Core Audio process-tap API without a virtual audio driver or kernel extension.Read 3 Oct 2026 · github.com
Distribution limitation
The maker says release builds are currently unsigned and unnotarized, so macOS may block first launch.Read 3 Oct 2026 · github.com
Download and installation
The project offers installation through Homebrew, a prebuilt release ZIP, or a source build requiring Xcode 16 or later; release builds are currently unsigned and unnotarized.Read 3 Oct 2026 · github.com
Equalizer controls
Its filter chain combines an eleven-band ISO octave graphic equalizer with up to sixteen parametric bells, shelves, and pass filters.Read 3 Oct 2026 · github.com
Network and storage
The security policy describes CoreEQ as a local, single-user menu bar app with no network sockets, listening ports, or built-in update mechanism; presets and per-device settings are stored in the user's UserDefaults.Read 3 Oct 2026 · github.com
No driver
CoreEQ says it uses no virtual audio driver or kernel extension, and passes audio straight back when it is quit.Read 3 Oct 2026 · github.com
Per-device settings
Settings can be saved per output device, and menu bar controls provide bass, mid, and treble adjustments over any preset.Read 3 Oct 2026 · github.com
Preset compatibility
CoreEQ can import and export AutoEQ and EqualizerAPO presets.Read 3 Oct 2026 · github.com
Presets
It includes 22 built-in presets and supports custom presets, automatic gain, and A/B comparison.Read 3 Oct 2026 · github.com
Presets and comparisons
It includes 22 presets, supports custom presets, automatic gain matching, and A/B comparison of two versions of a preset.Read 3 Oct 2026 · github.com
Recording behavior
CoreEQ says it steps aside during screen recording that captures system audio to prevent doubled audio.Read 3 Oct 2026 · github.com
Requirements
CoreEQ requires macOS 14.2 or later and permission to record system audio.Read 3 Oct 2026 · github.com
Security reporting
The security policy asks users to report vulnerabilities privately through GitHub and says reporters will receive an acknowledgement within a few days.Read 3 Oct 2026 · github.com
Security support
The security policy supports the current 1.x major line only, requests private vulnerability reports through GitHub, and says reporters will receive an acknowledgement within a few days.Read 3 Oct 2026 · github.com
System requirements
CoreEQ requires macOS 14.2 or later and permission to record system audio.Read 3 Oct 2026 · github.com

Strong points and limits

Strong points

  • Free system-wide equalizer for macOS
  • Eleven-band graphic and up to sixteen parametric filters
  • 22 built-in presets plus custom presets
  • Imports and exports AutoEQ and EqualizerAPO presets
  • Stores settings per output device

Limits

  • macOS 14.2 or later is required
  • Needs permission to record system audio
  • Release builds are unsigned and unnotarized
  • No per-app controls

Who it suits

CoreEQ suits Mac users wanting system-wide equalization with parametric controls, device-specific settings and preset compatibility. It is for systems running macOS 14.2 or later that can grant system-audio recording permission.

Verdict

CoreEQ offers extensive system-wide filtering and preset tools without a virtual driver. Its macOS requirement, audio permission and unsigned release builds are important installation considerations.

Where Specifiction places it

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