JamesDSP vs SoundID Reference
JamesDSP
github.comSoundID Reference
sonarworks.comSide by side
| Figure | JamesDSP | SoundID Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | Free | — |
| Free plan | Yes | — |
| Free trial | — | Yes |
| Open source | — | — |
| Windows | — | Yes |
| macOS | — | Yes |
| Linux | Yes | — |
| Android | Yes | — |
| API | Yes | — |
| Plans published | 1 | 5 |
| Spec score · Audio Enhancement Software | 8.3 (#6) | 7.8 (#13) |
| Purpose | JamesDSP for Linux is an open-source audio effects processor for PipeWire and PulseAudio clients. | SoundID Reference calibrates headphones and speakers to provide an accurate studio reference sound for mixing. |
Plans
SoundID Reference
- SoundID Reference for Headphones€99, paid once
- Virtual Monitoring€129, paid once
- SoundID Reference for Speakers & Headphones€249, paid once
- Virtual Monitoring PRO€299, paid once
- SoundID Reference for Multichannel€499, paid once
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.
SoundID Reference
SoundID Reference has no write-up on Specifiction yet; its figures are above.