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Surround sound software enhances your audio experience by providing immersive sound quality. Whether you're watching movies, playing games, or listening to music, having the right surround sound software can significantly improve your auditory experience. Here, we explore some of the best alternatives to Dolby and DTS for Windows, Mac, and Linux.
Key Takeaways
| Feature | Windows | Mac | Linux |
|---|---|---|---|
| Software | Equalizer APO, FxSound, Voicemeeter, Dolby Access | Boom 3D, Audio Hijack, Hear, eqMac | PulseEffects, ALSA, Jack, Carla |
| Free/Paid | Free/Paid | Paid | Free |
| Key Highlights | Real-time audio processing, virtual surround sound, and advanced EQ | 3D surround sound, audio routing, and custom presets | Sound effects and equalizer, low-latency, advanced sound server |
| Additional Features | Room correction, bass boost, multi-channel mixing | Built-in presets, real-time effects, and detailed sound control | Parametric equalizer, noise suppression, modular patchbay |
Windows Alternatives
Equalizer APO
Equalizer APO is a powerful and free open-source audio processing software. It works as an audio equalizer and can apply various effects to enhance your sound experience.
- Features:
- Real-time audio processing
- Room correction
- Support for VST plugins
FxSound
FxSound enhances your sound quality by providing high-resolution audio, dynamic bass, and customizable sound profiles.
- Features:
- Real-time audio processing
- High-resolution audio
- Dynamic bass boost
Voicemeeter
Voicemeeter is a virtual audio mixer that allows you to control and manage multiple audio sources in real time.
- Features:
- Virtual audio mixing
- Multi-channel audio routing
- Real-time audio effects
Dolby Access
Dolby Access brings Dolby Atmos surround sound to your PC, providing an immersive audio experience for gaming and movies.
- Features:
- Dolby Atmos support
- 3D spatial sound
- Customizable audio profiles
Mac Alternatives
Boom 3D
Boom 3D is a popular paid surround sound software for Mac users. It provides 3D surround sound, improving audio clarity and depth.
- Features:
- 3D surround sound
- Built-in audio presets
- Advanced equalizer
Audio Hijack
Audio Hijack allows you to control and enhance the audio from any application on your Mac.
- Features:
- Real-time audio effects
- Audio recording and manipulation
- Comprehensive audio routing
Hear
Hear is an advanced audio enhancer for Mac that offers surround sound, sound effects, and customizable audio settings.
- Features:
- 3D surround sound
- Sound effects
- Customizable audio presets
eqMac
eqMac is a free audio equalizer that provides system-wide sound enhancements with an intuitive interface.
- Features:
- System-wide audio equalization
- User-friendly interface
- Built-in presets and custom settings
Linux Alternatives
EasyEffects (Formaly PulseEffects)
EasyEffects/PulseEffects is a versatile and free sound effects software for Linux. It offers a wide range of audio processing tools.
- Features:
- Parametric equalizer
- Reverb and bass boost
- Advanced noise suppression
ALSA (Advanced Linux Sound Architecture)
ALSA provides kernel-driven sound card drivers, which allow high-level interface and API for sound applications.
- Features:
- Low-latency audio processing
- Support for multiple sound devices
- Built-in equalizer and sound effects
Jack Audio Connection Kit (JACK)
JACK is a professional-level sound server that provides real-time, low-latency audio processing for Linux.
- Features:
- Real-time, low-latency audio
- Multi-client audio routing
- Modular patchbay for audio applications
Carla
Carla is a versatile audio plugin host for Linux that allows you to manage and use various audio plugins in a flexible manner.
- Features:
- Plugin host and patchbay
- Supports multiple plugin formats (LADSPA, DSSI, LV2, VST)
- Real-time audio processing
Comparison Table
| Software | Platform | Key Features | Free/Paid |
|---|---|---|---|
| Equalizer APO | Windows | Real-time audio processing, VST | Free |
| FxSound | Windows | High-resolution audio, dynamic bass | Paid |
| Voicemeeter | Windows | Virtual audio mixing, multi-channel | Free |
| Dolby Access | Windows | Dolby Atmos, 3D spatial sound | Paid |
| Boom 3D | Mac | 3D surround sound, advanced EQ | Paid |
| Audio Hijack | Mac | Real-time effects, audio routing | Paid |
| Hear | Mac | 3D surround sound, sound effects | Paid |
| eqMac | Mac | System-wide equalization, presets | Free |
| PulseEffects | Linux | Parametric EQ, reverb, noise suppression | Free |
| ALSA | Linux | Low-latency, multi-device support | Free |
| JACK | Linux | Low-latency, modular patchbay | Free |
| Carla | Linux | Plugin host, multi-format support | Free |
For more tips and guides on enhancing your audio experience, check out our Tricks & Tips section.
