Expandable Parametric EQ
Start with 10 bands, then add or remove bands in Advanced Options for deeper tuning workflows.
System-Wide Audio on macOS
SoundMaxx
A free, open-source parametric EQ for macOS with frequency/Q control, live response and spectrum views, and profile-aware routing.
A lightweight SoundSource alternative for people who want precision without subscription lock-in.
Why SoundMaxx
7 Filter Types Per Band
Peak, shelf, pass, notch, and band-pass modes are available for each band in the main UI.
Response + Spectrum Views
See computed EQ response and live post-EQ spectrum activity while you tune, without extra plugins.
Dual Bypass Controls
Toggle full audio processing or EQ filters only for quick A/B checks that preserve gain staging.
Per-Device Profiles
Save once per output device, then auto-restore and auto-save as you switch hardware.
Proper Gain Staging
Separate preamp and output gain with a limiter stage and split clip meters for confidence.
Auto-Stop EQ Clipping
Optional safety mode automatically trims headroom when the EQ stage clips during aggressive boosts.
HDMI Volume Support
Software volume for HDMI and DisplayPort outputs where macOS disables hardware control.
AutoEQ Built In + Import
Browse AutoEQ in-app or import ParametricEQ/GraphicEQ text files directly for fast headphone correction.
Shortcut Target Sets
Use Control+Option+Command+O to switch outputs, and choose exactly which devices are in the cycle list.
Latency & Buffer Controls
Tune I/O buffer size, ring buffer capacity, and target queue depth to balance audio latency against stability on your specific hardware.
Undo / Redo + A/B Compare
Full undo/redo history for EQ changes, plus two compare snapshot slots to instantly flip between different tunings.
Settings Backup
Export all settings, custom presets, and device profiles to a JSON file and import them on any machine.
Latency & Buffer Controls
SoundMaxx uses a three-stage buffering pipeline. Tune it to match your hardware.
I/O Buffer (64–4096 frames)
Controls how often audio is processed per hardware callback. Lower values reduce latency but increase CPU load. 256 frames is a good starting point for most systems.
Ring Capacity (1×–16×)
Total internal buffer space as a multiple of the I/O buffer. Higher values absorb timing differences between input and output and prevent dropouts when devices drift.
Target Queue (1×–ring capacity)
Keeps the ring buffer near a set depth by trimming older frames. Lower values mean more aggressive trimming — less latency but higher dropout risk.
| Profile | I/O Buffer | Ring Capacity | Target Queue |
|---|---|---|---|
| Balanced (default) | 256 frames | 4× | 2× |
| Low Latency | 64–128 frames | 2–4× | 1–2× |
| Maximum Stability | 512–1024 frames | 6–8× | 3–4× |
HDMI and Bluetooth outputs usually need higher buffer values. Changing any setting briefly restarts the audio engine.
See It In Action
SoundMaxx vs Alternatives
| Feature | SoundMaxx | SoundSource | eqMac |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | $39 | Free / $34 Pro |
| 10-band parametric control | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Auto profile restore + save | Yes | Limited | Limited |
| AutoEQ headphone import | Yes (150+) | No | Yes |
| HDMI software volume | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Open-source codebase | Yes | No | Yes |
Quick Start
Get system-wide EQ running in under two minutes.
1
Install BlackHole
Install the virtual audio driver used for safe system-wide routing.
2
Download SoundMaxx
Grab the latest DMG from GitHub Releases and move it to Applications.
3
Set System Output
Choose BlackHole 2ch in macOS Sound settings so all apps route through it.
4
Select Real Output
In SoundMaxx, pick your speakers or headphones and click Start.
brew install blackhole-2ch