FxSound vs JamesDSP
FxSound
fxsound.comJamesDSP
github.comSide by side
| Figure | FxSound | JamesDSP |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | Free | Free |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Open source | Yes | — |
| Windows | Yes | — |
| Linux | — | Yes |
| Android | — | Yes |
| API | — | Yes |
| Plans published | 2 | 1 |
| Spec score · Audio Enhancement Software | 8.4 (#4) | 8.3 (#6) |
| Spec score · Audio Equalizer Software | 8.2 (#6) | 8.2 (#7) |
| Audio effects | The effects controls include Clarity, Bass, Dynamic Boost, Ambience and Surround Sound. | Features include automatic bass boost, multiband dynamic range compression, reverb, equalizers, a convolver, crossfeed, soundstage widening, analog modeling, and an output limiter. |
| Downloads | The download page offers Windows downloads for Intel/AMD x86/x64 and ARM64. | The project lists Flatpak, Arch AUR packages, Fedora/openSUSE packages, and source builds; the Flatpak page lists aarch64 and x86_64 architectures. |
| Equalizer | FxSound includes a studio-grade equalizer for adjusting individual frequency ranges. | The arbitrary response equalizer integrates the AutoEQ database and requires a network connection. |
| Support | The privacy page directs users to the forum with questions, and the privacy policy says submitted information may be used to provide customer support. | The project invites users to join its Telegram group for support and updates. |
Plans
In their own words
FxSound
FxSound is a free Windows audio-processing application founded in 1999. It adjusts timbre, volume, spatial balance, and dynamics, with an equalizer, effects, and presets for shaping sound. The maker lists music, gaming, transcription, video, calls, and general listening as uses, and mentions Zoom calls. Audio routing and volume controls let users tailor output for their hardware. Windows downloads are offered for Intel/AMD x86/x64 and ARM64 systems. FxSound includes noise reduction, virtual surround, and equalizer controls, but no app-specific profiles. The maker says the project became free in 2022 and open-source in 2023. Its website does not use cookies or sell or rent personal information. Contact messages may contain details users provide and may support customer service. FxSound says contributors fund development, hosting, and maintenance, and invites donations. The listed plan is FxSound at free for Windows PCs.
JamesDSP
JamesDSP is a free, open-source audio effects processor for Linux clients using PipeWire or PulseAudio. Its tools include automatic bass boost, multiband dynamic range compression, reverb, equalizers, crossfeed, soundstage widening, analog modeling, and an output limiter. A partitioned convolver supports mono, stereo, and full or true stereo impulse responses. The arbitrary response equalizer uses the AutoEQ database and requires a network connection. Users can build live DSP effects with EEL2 scripting in a minimal IDE that provides syntax highlighting, basic code completion, and console output. PipeWire is the intended backend; PulseAudio remains supported in maintenance mode. Selective app exclusion and changing the target device are available only for PipeWire clients. Since version 2.5.0, D-Bus IPC and command-line controls can manage settings, presets, devices, and preset rules. Installation options include Flatpak, Arch AUR, Fedora and openSUSE packages, or a source build. The Flatpak is sandboxed and has access only to its application data directory by default. The project is GPLv3 licensed and provides no warranty.