BlackHole vs JACK Audio Connection Kit
BlackHole
existential.audio
JACK Audio Connection Kit
jackaudio.orgSide by side
| Figure | BlackHole | JACK Audio Connection Kit |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | Free | Free |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Open source | — | — |
| Windows | — | Yes |
| macOS | Yes | Yes |
| Linux | — | Yes |
| Plans published | 1 | 1 |
| Spec score · Audio Enhancement Software | 7.6 (#18) | 7.8 (#12) |
| Purpose | BlackHole is a macOS virtual audio loopback driver that lets applications pass audio to other applications with zero additional latency. | JACK is a professional sound server API and daemon implementations for real-time, low-latency connections between audio and MIDI applications. |
| Support | The product page directs users to Discord for downloads, updates, and support, and also lists email support. | The maker points users to JACK and Linux audio mailing lists, IRC channels, and community forums for discussion and help. |
Plans
In their own words
BlackHole
BlackHole has no write-up on Specifiction yet; its figures are above.
JACK Audio Connection Kit
JACK Audio Connection Kit is a free sound server API and daemon implementation for connecting audio and MIDI applications with real-time, low-latency operation. Client applications can connect to an audio device and share audio with one another. JACK emphasizes synchronous execution among clients. Applications communicate through callbacks and registered ports to send and receive data, and audio is represented internally as 32-bit floating-point values. Compatible applications listed by the project include Audacity, Ardour, Blender, Mixxx, QjackCtl, and VLC. JACK is available for Linux, macOS, and Windows. Linux users are directed to their distribution’s package manager for binaries; listed macOS installers are for macOS 10.12 or higher, and Windows installers are for Windows 7 or higher. The project hosts JACK1 and JACK2 source repositories on GitHub. The server uses the GPL, while the library uses the LGPL, which permits proprietary programs to link with it. The project directs users to mailing lists, IRC channels, and community forums for help. The software is distributed without warranty, including implied warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose.