Looking for a Good System-Wide EQ for macOS (Apple Silicon)

[ChaoscripT]

Hi,

I recently moved from Windows to macOS and I am trying to find a proper system-wide equalizer solution.

On Windows I used SoundFX, which worked great for my needs, but unfortunately it is not available on macOS. I tried using SoundSource, which seems well designed, but the trial limitation (periodic noise after some time unless you purchase a license) makes it difficult to evaluate long-term behavior in real use.

My setup:

• MacBook Pro with M1 Pro (Apple Silicon)
• Edifier M60 speakers connected to an external DAC
• Mostly used for music listening

What I am looking for is a clean, transparent system-wide EQ that:

• Works across all audio output, not just specific apps
• Has solid audio quality with no coloration or processing artifacts
• Is stable for daily use
• Ideally offers parametric EQ control (not just graphic EQ)
• Does not require complex routing setups unless absolutely necessary

Sound quality and reliability are more important to me than extra features.

I would really appreciate recommendations from people who have already gone through this transition and found a good macOS solution.

Regards.

 

[staticV3]

Here's an exhaustive list:

EQ Software for Windows, Linux, macOS, iOS/iPadOS and Android.

Any suggestions are welcome. Post suggestions here. I will gather the details and add them. Thanks. :D This will be organized as results come in. @sweetchaos made a guide for PEQ filter data input and operation. For crossover software go here. Windows: AutoEQ four easy steps to make your...

www.audiosciencereview.com

I'd use SoundSource, because one can import PEQ presets from .txt

Likely best to just get used to the Apple tax.

 

[ChaoscripT]

Here's an exhaustive list:

EQ Software for Windows, Linux, macOS, iOS/iPadOS and Android.

Any suggestions are welcome. Post suggestions here. I will gather the details and add them. Thanks. :D This will be organized as results come in. @sweetchaos made a guide for PEQ filter data input and operation. For crossover software go here. Windows: AutoEQ four easy steps to make your...

www.audiosciencereview.com

I'd use SoundSource, because one can import PEQ presets from .txt

Likely best to just get used to the Apple tax.

Thanks for quick reply,
It's really worth the subscription price? (I think $49)

I don't really have presets in .txt (currently)

 

[staticV3]

It's really worth the subscription price? (I think $49)

It's a one-time purchase. Worth is subjective.

 

[ChaoscripT]

It's a one-time purchase. Worth is subjective.

Maybe you know, currently they on version 6, if they will upgrade to version 7, I assume I will need to buy another license?

 

[staticV3]

Maybe you know, currently they on version 6, if they will upgrade to version 7, I assume I will need to buy another license?

I do not know if a version 7 is in the making.

Currently, SoundSource 4&5 owners can upgrade to 6 for $25.

But the older versions continue working just fine, so no one's forced to upgrade (afaik).

 

[_thelaughingman]

As a user of sound source for past three years, there is nothing else out there for Mac OS ecosystem that does a stellar job of routing audio and all the features that are provided with sound source. You can import PEQ in text file format, plus it comes with built in library of presets for most headphones courtesy of AutoEQ integration. It's worth the one time subscription cost.

 

[ChaoscripT]

As a user of sound source for past three years, there is nothing else out there for Mac OS ecosystem that does a stellar job of routing audio and all the features that are provided with sound source. You can import PEQ in text file format, plus it comes with built in library of presets for most headphones courtesy of AutoEQ integration. It's worth the one time subscription cost.

Thanks for the note.

 

[Klonatans]

I have SoundSource on my Mac Mini M4 Pro, works just fine with AUNBandEQ plugin. I experienced some dropouts and disconection issues in the beginning but the team was very helpful to solve them and the performance is stable for more than a year now.

 

[yelloguy]

CamillaDSP?

 

[HalSF]

Huge fan of SoundSource here.

 

[goryu]

I use Audio Hijack. Have heard Sound Control is a viable option as well.

 

[Yasuo]

Besides eqMac2 (started open source, now is also free/paid) there's this new one which looks very promising https://github.com/Torteous44/radioform but I cannot vouch for it since I've never used it.

 

[DWPress]

SoundSource can also host plugins which is really nice for FIR corrections.

 

[SHB]

If you want the absolute best, you’re going to need to use VST/AU plugins that you’d use in music production.

The best Mac product for easily using plugins for app or system audio processing is Rogue Amoeba’s Audio Hijack. Been using it for decades and it’s fantastic. It’s incredibly versatile & powerful. Absolutely worth $70. They also have great tech support.

Next, EQ plugins. Certainly not the only 2 to consider, but absolutely amongst the best:

FabFilter Pro-Q

FabFilter Pro-Q 4 - Equalizer Plug-In

FabFilter Pro-Q 4 is a high quality equalizer plug-in with unrivalled sound and interface. Available in VST, VST3, AU, CLAP, AAX and AudioSuite formats for Windows and macOS

www.fabfilter.com

Sonnox Oxford EQ

Oxford EQ

A powerful EQ is essential to any mix. If you mix music, film sound or live shows, you need an EQ plugin that's up to the task. Enter our flagship Oxford EQ. This versatile parametric EQ plugin traces its heritage back to the revered, million-dollar Sony OXF-R3 digital console.

sonnox.com

Be fore warned: these are manly plugins made for manly men who want to do manly things like master audio. Not for tourists or the faint of heart.

 

[middlemarch]

Another vote for Sound Source. Nicely tweakable.

 

[kemmler3D]

I have a Mac for work computer and Windows for personal. Started using Soundsource reluctantly after trying Blackhole and not getting it to work at all. I'm not aware that there is another free solution that actually works.

I didn't feel like I wanted to pay after getting the very nice EQAPO on Windows for $0 but I think Soundsource is the way to go on Mac.

 

[DWPress]

Next, EQ plugins. Certainly not the only 2 to consider, but absolutely amongst the best:

There are many plugins that are free, no need to spend more $$. I think there's a list on the other thread linked above.

edit: Here's a pic of my AU plugin folder - many of them free.

 

[SHB]

There are many plugins that are free, no need to spend more $$. I think there's a list on the other thread linked above.

edit: Here's a pic of my AU plugin folder - many of them free.

View attachment 511306

Since you’re dragging me into this, you do get what you pay for. The best in the world aren’t free and offer features that no free plugin can.

These aren’t snake oil like magic cables or audiophile ethernet switches.

Please, provide a link to a free plugin that offers all of the features of FabFilter Pro-Q 4.

 

[staticV3]

Please, provide a link to a free plugin that offers all of the features of FabFilter Pro-Q 4.

This thread is for music enjoyment, calm down