JamesDSP vs Wavelet
JamesDSP
github.comWavelet
pittvandewitt.github.ioSide by side
| Figure | JamesDSP | Wavelet |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | Free | Free |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Open source | — | — |
| Linux | Yes | — |
| Android | Yes | Yes |
| API | Yes | — |
| Plans published | 1 | 2 |
| Spec score · Audio Equalizer Software | 8.2 (#7) | 6.9 (#20) |
| AutoEQ | The arbitrary response equalizer integrates with the AutoEQ database and requires a network connection. | Wavelet includes more than 5,000 precalculated headphone frequency-response compensation profiles. |
| Purpose | JamesDSP for Linux is an open-source audio effects processor for PipeWire and PulseAudio clients. | Wavelet is a system-wide audio equalizer for Android users who want to adjust headphone sound. |
| Support | The project invites users to join its Telegram group for support and updates. | The Google Play listing provides the support email [email protected]. |
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.
Wavelet
Wavelet is an Android system-wide equalizer for adjusting headphone sound. It includes more than 5,000 prepared AutoEq compensation profiles and a nine-band graphic equalizer with independently adjustable controls. Other tools provide equal-loudness adjustment, bass tuning, virtualization, reverberation, attenuation, limiting, and left-right balance. Users can import their own AutoEq compensation data, with AutoEq.app and Squig.link listed as places to create it. Supported players include YouTube Music, Spotify, Plexamp, Samsung Music, and VLC for Android, although some require extra setup. The documentation lists TIDAL, SoundCloud, Amazon Music, YouTube, and other players without audio-processing support. Bass boost requires Android 9, while experimental enhanced session detection requires Android 10 or later. Wavelet has a free plan; some features use a paid in-app purchase or subscription with no expiry. Its license covers personal, non-commercial use.