JamesDSP vs Sound Control
JamesDSP
github.comSound Control
staticz.comSide by side
| Figure | JamesDSP | Sound Control |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | Free | — |
| Free plan | Yes | — |
| Free trial | — | Yes |
| Open source | — | — |
| macOS | — | Yes |
| Linux | Yes | — |
| Android | Yes | — |
| API | Yes | — |
| Plans published | 1 | 2 |
| Spec score · Audio Equalizer Software | 8.2 (#7) | 7.1 (#20) |
| AutoEQ | The arbitrary response equalizer integrates with the AutoEQ database and requires a network connection. | The app includes thousands of searchable AutoEQ headphone calibrations that load into AUNBandEQ for further adjustment. |
| Purpose | JamesDSP for Linux is an open-source audio effects processor for PipeWire and PulseAudio clients. | Sound Control provides per-app audio volume control, effects, and routing for Mac. |
| Support | The project invites users to join its Telegram group for support and updates. | The support request form asks for the product, version, operating system, and Mac model, and says support staff will respond as soon as possible. |
Plans
Sound Control
- Sound Control 3 (direct purchase)Price not published
- Sound Control (Mac App Store)Price not published
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.
Sound Control
Sound Control has no write-up on Specifiction yet; its figures are above.