Applying an equalizer in macOS allows you to take control of your audio playback. You can use an equalizer to fix problematic sound or enhance recorded music. This guide shows various ways to apply an equalizer in macOS.
1. Audio Hijack
Price: $64 USD
Audio Hijack is a professional-grade application that allows you to apply effects to your Mac’s system audio. It can target the audio from a single application or the entire system. You can easily pop on a ten- or thirty-band equalizer and sculpt the sound precisely. Unless you’re an audio pro, it may take a little bit to become familiar with the application’s full set of features. If you just want the basics, Boom makes it easy to just apply a simple equalization curve to your Mac.
Audio Hijack also enables a host of other audio effects beyond equalization, like compression and filtering. If you know how to use these tools, Audio Hijack gives you incredibly precise control over your system’s sound. Audio Hijack provides tools for recording audio streams as well, making it ideal for podcasters and streamers to record their tracks.
Pros
- Capable of recording from a variety of sources
- Various processing tools for recordings
Cons
- Requires you to restart your audio source when recording Web content on older macOS
Tip: if you want to optimize your music instead, learn how to remove background noise from audio files in macOS.
2. Boom 3D
Price: $24.99
Boom 3D is the latest version of the Boom app and a worthy successor to Boom 2. Boasting its enhanced performance compared to its predecessor, Boom 3D also has new features, including an immersive 3D surround sound and built-in media player. On top of that, Boom 3D allows you to optimize your music volume based on the type of device you are using. Whether you are using in-ear headphones or a home speaker, Boom 3D tunes accordingly.
Best of all, you can install the “Boom Remote” app on your iPhone or iPad and take control of your Mac’s default volume levels as well as the app’s various equalizer effects. That it also works for Spotify, QuickTime, Music, and VLC helps make the price tag even better. In addition, macOS users can further optimize their listening experience, thanks to the app’s exclusive “Volume Booster” feature. Learn more about Boom3D in our review here.
Pros
- Supports the spatialization of 5.1 multichannel audio
- Deep bass
- 3D surround sound
Cons
- Audio file management UI could be better
3. Airfoil
Price: $35
From the makers of Audio Hijack, Airfoil is intended as a free application for routing sound to other devices wirelessly. It also comes with a simple 10-band EQ that can be applied to any sound source on the computer. You don’t need to route audio to take advantage of the equalizer, so you can apply a free equalizer to any macOS audio from an application or the whole system.
Airfoil is extremely simple, so it’s outrageously simple to use. There are only a handful of buttons in the entire application. Select the audio source at the top, then adjust the equalizer as desired. That’s all there is to it.
Pros
- User-friendly UI
- Extensive audio management options
- Supports multiple outputs
Cons
- Playback bugs, such as audio delay, may occur
Good to know: find out more about Apple Lossless Music and where you can enjoy it.
4. eqMac
Price: $30 / year
Available at no cost, eqMac has already won over quite a few fans. If you feel like your Mac doesn’t have enough bass or lacks a punch, adjusting that in eqMac is as easy as it gets. The basic equalizer is undoubtedly better for beginners with toggles for bass, mid and treble levels. The more advanced equalizer adds in a slew of options, including adjusting the frequency range/Hz for a much truer sound.
A volume booster will also help you take things to the max, literally, with the opportunity to boost the volume to the limits of the macOS experience. If you ever want to shift the sound balance from right to left, you can easily do that as well. Moreover, this works with both your AirPods and headphones as well as the general speakers, as any change within the equalizer will affect sound no matter the output. That all of this can be done without any cost makes eqMac an incredibly attractive choice for macOS owners.
Pros
- Offers Advanced version for professionals
- Supports a wide range of audio devices
Cons
- Occasional volume bugs with wireless devices
- Volume mixer is only available for pro users
5. Sound Control
Price: $25
A user-friendly, straightforward equalizer software, Sound Control packs plenty of exciting features and tools to help you optimize sound on your macOS. Sound Control is all about efficiency of use. You can enjoy features such as per-app volume control by using the software mixer that Sound Control adds to your Mac’s menu bar.
Sound Control also allows you to set up hotkeys for system-wide or per-app volume control. In addition, MacBook Pro users can engage in the app’s various features using the Touch Bar.
Pros
- Magic Boost function
- Supports AU plug-ins
- Easy-to-use UI
Cons
- The Super Volume Keys feature is incompatible with Thunderbolt-to-HDMI converters
- The Play-thru function is no longer available for audio inputs
Tip: check out these ways to play ambient sounds on macOS to boost your productivity.
6. Music Equalizer
Price: Free
While dedicated apps can add extra features, often for a cost, sometimes the best is right there in front of you. Within the dedicated Music app on the Mac, you can go to the app and click on “Window -> Equalizer” from the top menu. Like the rest of the equalizer apps, the Music app functions fairly similarly in that it has a number of the same options.
You can choose a preset from a variety of different music types, or drag the sliders to adjust the volume within each frequency range. You can also adjust the preamp volume, which will cover all of the available frequencies. Once you find the exact settings you want, you can make your own preset so that you never have to find the same settings again.
One final setting is to go into “Music -> Preferences” and click on Playback so that you can ensure “Sound Enhancer” is selected. You can decrease or increase the sound enhancer until you find your optimal setting. While not as feature-rich as apps like Airfoil or Boom 3D, the Music app is free, built in, and easy to optimize.
Pros
- Free built-in equalizer
- Easy-to-use interface
Cons
- Limited features and tools
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do if the equalizer I applied to my MacBook caused the speakers to stop working?
Go to “System Settings” (or “System Preferences”) from the Apple menu. Click on “Sound” and go to the “Output” tab. Select the built-in speakers, adjust your output volume slide, and uncheck the box for “Mute” if it’s checked. It’s also recommended to check for any software updates available. It’s possible that the equalizer isn’t compatible with the outdated macOS versions. If your speakers are still not working, or you cannot find the built-in speakers in the output tab, take your laptop to an Apple Store or contact Apple Support.
How can you get to advanced sound settings on a Mac?
Open “System Settings” (or “System Preferences”) from the “Apple” Menu and select “Sound.” Choose your sound output device and adjust its volume and sound balance.
How can you improve the sound quality on your Mac?
To improve your MacBook’s audio quality, turn on the “Sound Enhancer.” Open your “Music app,” and from the top-left corner of your screen near the Apple menu, click on “Music” and open “Settings” (or “Preferences”). Click on the “Playback” tab, then check the box for “Sound Enhancer.” You can also adjust the effect of the sound enhancer from here. Sound Enhancers create a wider studio effect through the optimization of bass and treble response.
Image credit: Beautiful Female Artist Musician in Music Recording Studio by 123RF
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