Bass Plus / Guides
A Mac equalizer with graphic and parametric EQ
Shape the audio you hear on your Mac with Bass Plus Sound Studio. Start with a 10-band graphic equalizer, use 31 bands for smaller adjustments, or choose a 12-band parametric EQ when you want control over frequency, gain and bandwidth.
Try all features for 7 days after activation through Apple. One lifetime purchase to continue. No subscription. Requires macOS 14.4 or later.
A system-wide equalizer for everyday Mac listening
An EQ inside a music player changes sound in that player. A system-wide processor lets you shape supported audio reaching your Mac output, including compatible audio from different apps and browser players.
Bass Plus works with macOS system audio permission and local processing. You do not install a separate audio driver. Protected content can prevent capture, and results depend on your source and output device.
Choose 10-band or 31-band graphic EQ
Graphic EQ gives you fixed frequency bands. Move a band's gain to adjust that part of the sound.
- Use 10 bands for broad changes to bass, mids and treble.
- Use 31 bands when you want more closely spaced controls.
- Begin close to flat and change a little at a time.
More bands give you more adjustment points. They do not automatically produce better sound. For a simple bass change, you may prefer the main bass controls instead of editing many bands.
Parametric EQ for Mac with frequency gain and Q
The 12-band parametric mode lets you choose where an adjustment acts and how wide it is. Frequency sets the area you want to change. Gain changes its level where the filter supports gain. Q controls the width or resonance of the filter response.
Choose from Bell, Low shelf, High shelf, Low cut, High cut and Notch filters. A broad shelf can change the low-end balance; a bell can focus on a more limited range. Cut and notch filters serve different tasks and do not all use gain in the same way.
Start with one band and compare the result before adding another. This keeps the change easier to hear and undo.
Compare settings and keep useful presets
Use A/B to compare two settings and Original Sound to hear the source without processing. The before-and-after spectrum provides a visual reference alongside listening.
Undo and redo let you step through changes. A short band audition helps you focus on an adjustment. Save your own presets and import or export them when you want to keep or exchange a setup.
Presets are starting points. The same curve can sound different on MacBook speakers, headphones and external speakers.
Set up your Mac equalizer
- Download Bass Plus from the Mac App Store and activate the trial or restore your purchase.
- Grant the requested macOS system audio permission.
- Select your listening output and start audio you know well.
- Open Sound Studio and choose Equalizer.
- Select 10 bands, 31 bands or Parametric, then make a small adjustment.
- Compare A/B settings or Original Sound before saving a preset.
If you raise several bands, reduce preamp or other gain to leave room for peaks. Automatic headroom is an estimate; transients and combined effects can still clip. Reduce the adjustment if the sound becomes harsh or rough.
More ways to shape your sound
Sound Studio also includes Night mode, stereo width, simulated headphone space, ambience and pitch shifting without changing tempo. You can switch the effects on or off independently and build up a setup gradually.
For a focused EQ comparison, begin with the other effects off. Add them after you are happy with the balance.
Choose the right tool for your listening setup
Scroll horizontally to see all columns.
| Your task | A useful starting point |
|---|---|
| Add bass without editing a curve | Bass Plus bass controls |
| Make broad tonal changes | 10-band graphic EQ |
| Work with more fixed frequency points | 31-band graphic EQ |
| Choose the center and width of an adjustment | 12-band parametric EQ |
| Compare two versions of a setup | A/B settings |
| Adjust the volume of individual apps separately | A dedicated per-app mixer; Bass Plus does not provide this |
If you are comparing apps, read Bass Plus vs eqMac.
Mac equalizer questions
Does macOS have a built-in system-wide equalizer?
The Music app has its own EQ, but it is not a general EQ control for every Mac app. Bass Plus provides a separate system audio processing workflow for supported sources.
Is this a free equalizer for Mac?
You can download the app free and activate the full 7-day trial through Apple. Continued processing requires one lifetime in-app purchase. There is no subscription or automatic charge at the end of the trial.
Does it work with headphones and MacBook speakers?
You can select your listening output and keep separate sound profiles. The useful settings depend on that output, and every device or route has not been verified. Small built-in speakers have physical limits that EQ cannot remove.
Can I equalize microphone audio?
Bass Plus processes supported system audio for listening. It is not a microphone equalizer or recording application.
Do more bands make an EQ better?
More bands provide more control points. A simpler mode may be easier for a broad change; parametric controls are useful when you need a specific frequency and bandwidth.
Where can I get setup help?
Visit Bass Plus support. For low-end adjustments and player-specific options, use How to boost bass on Mac.
Try Sound Studio on your Mac
Explore graphic EQ, parametric controls and presets during the full 7-day trial. Continue with one lifetime purchase if Bass Plus fits your listening setup.