JamesDSP vs Radioform
JamesDSP
github.comRadioform
radioform.appSide by side
| Figure | JamesDSP | Radioform |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | Free | Free |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Open source | — | — |
| macOS | — | Yes |
| Linux | Yes | — |
| Android | Yes | — |
| API | Yes | — |
| Plans published | 1 | 1 |
| Spec score · Audio Equalizer Software | 8.2 (#7) | 7.3 (#16) |
| Equalizer | The arbitrary response equalizer integrates the AutoEQ database and requires a network connection. | The equalizer has ten bands spanning 32 Hz to 16 kHz, with adjustable gain and Q. |
| Purpose | JamesDSP for Linux is an open-source audio effects processor for PipeWire and PulseAudio clients. | Radioform is a free, open-source system-wide equalizer for macOS. |
Plans
In their own words
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.
Radioform
Radioform is a free, open-source system-wide equalizer for macOS. It routes audio from Mac applications through a virtual output device and EQ engine to selected speakers or headphones. The equalizer provides ten bands from 32 Hz to 16 kHz, with adjustable gain and Q. Built-in presets cover Electronic, Acoustic, Classical, Hip-Hop, Pop, R&B, Rock, and Flat, and users can save named curves for particular headphones. A limiter and preamp are included to catch clipping when EQ is pushed hard. Radioform switches output devices without restarting and keeps equalization active after the change. It requires macOS 13.0 Ventura or later and runs on Apple Silicon and Intel Macs. The maker reports under 1% CPU usage on Apple Silicon and no audible delay. Releases are Apple-signed and notarized, with updates delivered through Sparkle. The maker says no data is collected. Radioform is licensed under GPLv3; its audio engine uses C++, while the native Swift and SwiftUI menu bar app uses macOS CoreAudio.