CoreEQ vs FxSound
CoreEQ
github.comFxSound
fxsound.comSide by side
| Figure | CoreEQ | FxSound |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | — | Free |
| Free plan | — | Yes |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Open source | — | Yes |
| Windows | — | Yes |
| macOS | Yes | — |
| Plans published | 0 | 2 |
| Spec score · Audio Equalizer Software | 7.4 (#13) | 8.2 (#6) |
| Integrations | CoreEQ can import and export AutoEQ and EqualizerAPO presets. | The homepage mentions Zoom calls as a use case; it does not list a dedicated integration directory. |
| Presets | It includes 22 built-in presets and supports custom presets, automatic gain, and A/B comparison. | Built-in presets cover general listening, music, voice, streaming video, gaming, light processing and bass boost, and users can create custom presets. |
| 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. | The privacy policy says the website does not use cookies and does not sell or rent personal information. |
| Support | The README directs users to the guide’s troubleshooting section and says Settings → Diagnostics creates a report to attach to a bug report. | The privacy page directs users to the forum with questions, and the privacy policy says submitted information may be used to provide customer support. |
| System requirements | CoreEQ requires macOS 14.2 or later and permission to record system audio. | Softpedia lists a supported media player, a 300 MHz or faster processor, 10 MB free disk space and 64 MB RAM with 128 MB recommended. |
| 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. | FxSound is a Windows digital audio processor that works like a software soundcard and enhances volume, timbre, equalization and spatial balance. |
Plans
In their own words
CoreEQ
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.
FxSound
FxSound is a free Windows audio-processing application founded in 1999. It adjusts timbre, volume, spatial balance, and dynamics, with an equalizer, effects, and presets for shaping sound. The maker lists music, gaming, transcription, video, calls, and general listening as uses, and mentions Zoom calls. Audio routing and volume controls let users tailor output for their hardware. Windows downloads are offered for Intel/AMD x86/x64 and ARM64 systems. FxSound includes noise reduction, virtual surround, and equalizer controls, but no app-specific profiles. The maker says the project became free in 2022 and open-source in 2023. Its website does not use cookies or sell or rent personal information. Contact messages may contain details users provide and may support customer service. FxSound says contributors fund development, hosting, and maintenance, and invites donations. The listed plan is FxSound at free for Windows PCs.