FxSound vs VB-CABLE

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.

VB-CABLE is a virtual audio device that passes sound from its CABLE input to its CABLE output, linking a player application with a recorder application. VB-Audio says it can work without configuration and supports Windows audio applications using MME, KS, DX, WaveRT, or WASAPI. Input accepts 16- or 24-bit audio at 44.1–192 kHz with one to eight channels, while output conversion occurs automatically when needed. Drivers cover Windows XP SP2 through Windows 11, including 32- and 64-bit systems and Windows 10/11 Arm64, plus macOS 10.10 and later on Intel and Apple Silicon. Separate A+B and C+D packages connect more applications. The software is donationware: its free download is available, and users choose whether to pay. Listed professional or server licenses cost $5 as a one-time purchase for Windows and $5, paid once for macOS, with volume licensing available. Windows setup requires extracting the ZIP, running setup as administrator, and restarting.