{"id":504,"date":"2005-07-25T19:08:00","date_gmt":"2005-07-25T13:38:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.quickonlinetips.com\/archives\/2005\/07\/25\/dfx-windows-media-player-plugin-for-audio-enhancement\/"},"modified":"2026-10-12T13:04:31","modified_gmt":"2026-10-12T07:34:31","slug":"dfx-windows-media-player-plugin-for-audio-enhancement","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.quickonlinetips.com\/archives\/2005\/07\/dfx-windows-media-player-plugin-for-audio-enhancement\/","title":{"rendered":"DFX Audio Enhancer Is Now FxSound: Free Sound Booster for Windows (2026)"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>Remember DFX, the plugin that made Windows Media Player music sound fuller with bass boost, 3D surround and ambience? We tried it back in 2005 from Microsoft&#8217;s WMP plugins page and loved how one &#8220;Power&#8221; button improved MP3s, though the best effects needed a paid upgrade. DFX lives on as <strong>FxSound<\/strong>, and the good news for 2026 is that it&#8217;s now completely free and open source, and works with everything you play on Windows.<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-large wp-image-64419\" src=\"https:\/\/www.quickonlinetips.com\/archives\/wp-content\/uploads\/dfx-fxsound-1024x538.webp\" alt=\"DFX audio enhancer now FxSound\" width=\"1024\" height=\"538\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.quickonlinetips.com\/archives\/wp-content\/uploads\/dfx-fxsound-1024x538.webp 1024w, https:\/\/www.quickonlinetips.com\/archives\/wp-content\/uploads\/dfx-fxsound-300x158.webp 300w, https:\/\/www.quickonlinetips.com\/archives\/wp-content\/uploads\/dfx-fxsound-150x79.webp 150w, https:\/\/www.quickonlinetips.com\/archives\/wp-content\/uploads\/dfx-fxsound-768x403.webp 768w, https:\/\/www.quickonlinetips.com\/archives\/wp-content\/uploads\/dfx-fxsound.webp 1200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/p>\n<p><strong>Quick answer:<\/strong> DFX Audio Enhancer was renamed FxSound. It became free in 2022 and open source in 2023. Install FxSound on Windows to boost bass, clarity, surround and volume for all audio, including Spotify, YouTube, games and video calls, not just Windows Media Player. There&#8217;s no Mac version; Windows 11 also has built-in audio enhancements and Spatial Sound.<\/p>\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_89 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-custom ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<label for=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-item-6af50e2754784\" class=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-label\"><span class=\"ez-toc-cssicon\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #1a202c;color:#1a202c\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #1a202c;color:#1a202c\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/label><input type=\"checkbox\"  id=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-item-6af50e2754784\" checked aria-label=\"Toggle\" \/><nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/www.quickonlinetips.com\/archives\/2005\/07\/dfx-windows-media-player-plugin-for-audio-enhancement\/#What_DFX_FxSound_does\" >What DFX \/ FxSound does<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/www.quickonlinetips.com\/archives\/2005\/07\/dfx-windows-media-player-plugin-for-audio-enhancement\/#How_to_install_FxSound\" >How to install FxSound<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/www.quickonlinetips.com\/archives\/2005\/07\/dfx-windows-media-player-plugin-for-audio-enhancement\/#Which_FxSound_preset_to_use\" >Which FxSound preset to use<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/www.quickonlinetips.com\/archives\/2005\/07\/dfx-windows-media-player-plugin-for-audio-enhancement\/#FxSound_troubleshooting\" >FxSound troubleshooting<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/www.quickonlinetips.com\/archives\/2005\/07\/dfx-windows-media-player-plugin-for-audio-enhancement\/#Free_alternatives_built_into_Windows\" >Free alternatives built into Windows<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/www.quickonlinetips.com\/archives\/2005\/07\/dfx-windows-media-player-plugin-for-audio-enhancement\/#Tips_for_better_PC_sound\" >Tips for better PC sound<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/www.quickonlinetips.com\/archives\/2005\/07\/dfx-windows-media-player-plugin-for-audio-enhancement\/#FAQ\" >FAQ<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/www.quickonlinetips.com\/archives\/2005\/07\/dfx-windows-media-player-plugin-for-audio-enhancement\/#Is_FxSound_really_free\" >Is FxSound really free?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/www.quickonlinetips.com\/archives\/2005\/07\/dfx-windows-media-player-plugin-for-audio-enhancement\/#Is_FxSound_the_same_as_DFX\" >Is FxSound the same as DFX?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/www.quickonlinetips.com\/archives\/2005\/07\/dfx-windows-media-player-plugin-for-audio-enhancement\/#Does_FxSound_work_on_Mac_or_phones\" >Does FxSound work on Mac or phones?<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_DFX_FxSound_does\"><\/span>What DFX \/ FxSound does<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Bass boost<\/strong> for thin laptop speakers and earbuds.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Clarity and fidelity<\/strong> to restore detail in compressed music.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Ambience and 3D surround<\/strong> for a wider, roomier sound.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Dynamic boost<\/strong> to raise quiet audio without distortion.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Presets and EQ<\/strong> for music, movies, gaming, voice and more.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Unlike the old WMP plugin, FxSound works system-wide, so it improves audio from any app.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_to_install_FxSound\"><\/span>How to install FxSound<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<ol>\n<li>Download it from the official <a href=\"https:\/\/www.fxsound.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">FxSound website<\/a>.<\/li>\n<li>Run the installer; it adds an FxSound audio device.<\/li>\n<li>Open FxSound and pick a preset, such as Music or Movies.<\/li>\n<li>Adjust the sliders for clarity, bass and ambience until it sounds right to you.<\/li>\n<li>Use the power button to compare with and without effects.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Which_FxSound_preset_to_use\"><\/span>Which FxSound preset to use<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Music:<\/strong> balanced boost for everyday listening on headphones or speakers.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Movies and TV:<\/strong> clearer dialogue with a wider soundstage.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Gaming:<\/strong> stronger surround cues so you can hear footsteps and direction.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Voice or podcasts:<\/strong> boosts speech clarity for calls, audiobooks and lectures.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Bass boost:<\/strong> for small laptop speakers, but keep it moderate to avoid rattling.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"FxSound_troubleshooting\"><\/span>FxSound troubleshooting<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>No sound after installing:<\/strong> open Windows sound settings and make sure your real speakers or headphones are selected as FxSound&#8217;s output device.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Sound is distorted:<\/strong> lower the bass and dynamic boost sliders or system volume.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Effects stopped working after an update:<\/strong> reinstall FxSound or restart the audio service by rebooting.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Bluetooth headphones:<\/strong> reconnect them, then select them again inside FxSound.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Free_alternatives_built_into_Windows\"><\/span>Free alternatives built into Windows<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Audio enhancements:<\/strong> Settings &gt; System &gt; Sound &gt; your device &gt; Audio enhancements (options depend on your sound driver).<\/li>\n<li><strong>Spatial sound:<\/strong> Windows Sonic for Headphones adds virtual surround.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Loudness equalisation:<\/strong> evens out volume between quiet and loud audio on many devices.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Equalizer APO<\/strong> is a popular free, more technical system-wide EQ.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Tips_for_better_PC_sound\"><\/span>Tips for better PC sound<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li>Use good headphones or external speakers; no software can fully fix tiny laptop speakers.<\/li>\n<li>Stream at the highest quality your music service allows.<\/li>\n<li>Don&#8217;t max out every slider; heavy boosting causes distortion and listening fatigue.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Need light, free apps for your PC? See our list of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.quickonlinetips.com\/archives\/2009\/09\/free-small-softwares\/\">small free software for Windows<\/a>, including the featherweight XMPlay music player.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"FAQ\"><\/span>FAQ<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Is_FxSound_really_free\"><\/span>Is FxSound really free?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Yes. FxSound made the full app free in 2022 and supports it through optional contributions.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Is_FxSound_the_same_as_DFX\"><\/span>Is FxSound the same as DFX?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Yes. FxSound is the renamed DFX Audio Enhancer from the same developers.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Does_FxSound_work_on_Mac_or_phones\"><\/span>Does FxSound work on Mac or phones?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>No. It&#8217;s Windows only for now.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Remember DFX, the plugin that made Windows Media Player music sound fuller with bass boost, 3D surround and ambience? We&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4,"featured_media":64419,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_kad_post_transparent":"","_kad_post_title":"","_kad_post_layout":"","_kad_post_sidebar_id":"","_kad_post_content_style":"","_kad_post_vertical_padding":"","_kad_post_feature":"","_kad_post_feature_position":"","_kad_post_header":false,"_kad_post_footer":false,"_kad_post_classname":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[23],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-504","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-computers"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.quickonlinetips.com\/archives\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/504","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.quickonlinetips.com\/archives\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.quickonlinetips.com\/archives\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.quickonlinetips.com\/archives\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/4"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.quickonlinetips.com\/archives\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=504"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/www.quickonlinetips.com\/archives\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/504\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":64421,"href":"https:\/\/www.quickonlinetips.com\/archives\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/504\/revisions\/64421"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.quickonlinetips.com\/archives\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/64419"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.quickonlinetips.com\/archives\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=504"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.quickonlinetips.com\/archives\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=504"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.quickonlinetips.com\/archives\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=504"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}