CoreEQ vs DeskFX Audio Enhancer

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.

DeskFX Audio Enhancer changes sound played through computer speakers or headphones in real time. It runs on Windows and macOS and works with music services, streaming TV and movies, games and other computer audio. Effects include equalization, amplification, reverb, chorus, wahwah, vibrato and tremolo. Users can layer an unlimited number of effects and choose from more than 30 presets. Equalizer options are visual, graphic and parametric, with a system-wide equalizer of up to 20 bands. NCH also describes uses in gyms, foyers, retail locations and waiting rooms, including pink-noise masking for privacy; low latency and CPU use are listed as suitable for live-stream applications. The free version is for non-commercial use. A commercial quarterly license is $9.99 a month, billed quarterly and renewing automatically. Annual licenses are $34.99 a year for personal use and $39.95 a year for commercial use; both note +VAT/year. System requirements list Windows 7 through 11 and macOS 10.9 or above.