CoreEQ

Free plan Mac

What CoreEQ is

CoreEQ is a system-wide equalizer for macOS that processes sound from music, video, calls, games, and other applications. It uses Apple’s Core Audio process-tap API rather than a virtual audio driver or kernel extension; when CoreEQ is quit, audio passes through normally. Its filter chain pairs an eleven-band ISO octave graphic equalizer with as many as sixteen parametric bells, shelves, and pass filters. You can use 22 built-in presets, make custom presets, match gain automatically, and compare two versions with A/B controls. CoreEQ also imports and exports AutoEQ and EqualizerAPO presets. It can retain settings for each output device, and menu bar controls adjust bass, mid, and treble over any preset. The maker describes CoreEQ as a local app that does not record, store, or transmit captured audio; its security policy says the app opens no network sockets or listening ports. It requires macOS 14.2 or later and permission to record system audio. Installation options are Homebrew, a prebuilt release ZIP, or a source build requiring Xcode 16 or later. Release builds are unsigned and unnotarized, so macOS may block the first launch.

Who it suits

CoreEQ provides system-wide equalization across audio from multiple applications, with per-output-device settings and detailed filter controls. It can also import and export AutoEQ or EqualizerAPO presets.

What it does well

Equalizes audio across applications system-wide.
Offers an eleven-band graphic EQ and up to sixteen parametric filters.
Includes 22 presets, custom presets, gain matching, and A/B comparison.
Stores settings by output device and provides menu bar tone controls.
Imports and exports AutoEQ and EqualizerAPO presets.
Licensed under Apache License 2.0.

What to know first

Requires macOS 14.2 or later and system-audio recording permission.
Release builds are unsigned and unnotarized, which may block first launch.
Does not provide per-app controls.

Limits

It requires macOS 14.2 or later and system-audio recording permission; release builds may be blocked at first launch because they are unsigned and unnotarized.

Getting started

Use Homebrew, download the prebuilt release ZIP, or build from source with Xcode 16 or later.
Use macOS 14.2 or later and grant permission to record system audio.
If macOS blocks the unsigned, unnotarized release at first launch, consult the guide’s troubleshooting section.
Choose a preset or build a custom filter setup, then save settings for an output device.

Verdict

Choose CoreEQ if you want system-wide macOS equalization, configurable filters, and output-device profiles without a virtual audio driver. Look elsewhere if you need controls for individual apps or cannot use software that requires system-audio recording permission.

Questions

How much does CoreEQ cost?

CoreEQ offers a free plan.

Which operating system does CoreEQ support?

It supports macOS 14.2 or later.

Does CoreEQ have per-app controls?

No. It provides system-wide equalization, but not per-app controls.

Can I use AutoEQ or EqualizerAPO presets?

Yes. CoreEQ can import and export presets for both.

Is CoreEQ open source?

The repository identifies it as licensed under Apache License 2.0.

How can I install CoreEQ?

Install through Homebrew, use a prebuilt release ZIP, or build from source with Xcode 16 or later. Release builds are currently unsigned and unnotarized.

Facts from CoreEQ's own pages

Audio processing: It uses Apple’s Core Audio process-tap API without a virtual audio driver or kernel extension. · github.com, 3 Oct 2026
Distribution limitation: The maker says release builds are currently unsigned and unnotarized, so macOS may block first launch. · github.com, 3 Oct 2026
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. · github.com, 3 Oct 2026
Equalizer controls: Its filter chain combines an eleven-band ISO octave graphic equalizer with up to sixteen parametric bells, shelves, and pass filters. · github.com, 3 Oct 2026
Integrations: CoreEQ can import and export AutoEQ and EqualizerAPO presets. · github.com, 3 Oct 2026
License: The repository identifies CoreEQ as licensed under Apache License 2.0. · github.com, 3 Oct 2026
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. · github.com, 3 Oct 2026
No driver: CoreEQ says it uses no virtual audio driver or kernel extension, and passes audio straight back when it is quit. · github.com, 3 Oct 2026
Per-device settings: Settings can be saved per output device, and menu bar controls provide bass, mid, and treble adjustments over any preset. · github.com, 3 Oct 2026
Preset compatibility: CoreEQ can import and export AutoEQ and EqualizerAPO presets. · github.com, 3 Oct 2026
Presets: It includes 22 built-in presets and supports custom presets, automatic gain, and A/B comparison. · github.com, 3 Oct 2026
Presets and comparisons: It includes 22 presets, supports custom presets, automatic gain matching, and A/B comparison of two versions of a preset. · github.com, 3 Oct 2026
Privacy: The maker says CoreEQ does not record, store, or transmit captured audio; its security policy describes it as a local app that opens no network sockets or listening ports. · github.com, 3 Oct 2026
Purpose: CoreEQ is a system-wide equalizer for macOS that processes audio from music, video, calls, games, and other applications. · github.com, 3 Oct 2026
Recording behavior: CoreEQ says it steps aside during screen recording that captures system audio to prevent doubled audio. · github.com, 3 Oct 2026
Requirements: CoreEQ requires macOS 14.2 or later and permission to record system audio. · github.com, 3 Oct 2026
Security reporting: The security policy asks users to report vulnerabilities privately through GitHub and says reporters will receive an acknowledgement within a few days. · github.com, 3 Oct 2026
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. · github.com, 3 Oct 2026
Support: The README directs users to the guide’s troubleshooting section and says Settings → Diagnostics creates a report to attach to a bug report. · github.com, 3 Oct 2026
System requirements: CoreEQ requires macOS 14.2 or later and permission to record system audio. · github.com, 3 Oct 2026
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. · github.com, 3 Oct 2026

Where CoreEQ stands on Freedom251

Audio Equalizer Software#10 of 22