JamesDSP vs VB-CABLE

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.

VB-CABLE is a virtual audio device that passes sound from its CABLE input to its CABLE output, linking a player application with a recorder application. VB-Audio says it can work without configuration and supports Windows audio applications using MME, KS, DX, WaveRT, or WASAPI. Input accepts 16- or 24-bit audio at 44.1–192 kHz with one to eight channels, while output conversion occurs automatically when needed. Drivers cover Windows XP SP2 through Windows 11, including 32- and 64-bit systems and Windows 10/11 Arm64, plus macOS 10.10 and later on Intel and Apple Silicon. Separate A+B and C+D packages connect more applications. The software is donationware: its free download is available, and users choose whether to pay. Listed professional or server licenses cost $5 as a one-time purchase for Windows and $5, paid once for macOS, with volume licensing available. Windows setup requires extracting the ZIP, running setup as administrator, and restarting.