How to install JamesDSP on Linux: complete guide and key settings

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If you're looking to enhance the audio of your Linux system with an advanced effects processor, JamesDSP is a powerful yet surprisingly lightweight option. This guide will show you how to install it, its compatibility, and practical adjustments you can make right away to hear the difference. cleaner sound and controlled bass.

JamesDSP originated on Android and has been ported to Linux by several community developers. Today you can use it in PipeWire (and in PulseAudio via a separate maintenance package) and enjoy a suite of high-quality effects, from equalizers to advanced reverb. EEL2 scripting engine and small IDEdesigned for users who want to go a step further.

What is JamesDSP and where did it come from?

JamesDSP is a high-level audio effects processor that was originally created for Android by James Fung, and which has been ported to the Linux world by Tim Schneeberger and the community. modular philosophyso you don't burden your system with features you don't need.

On Linux, JamesDSP has evolved in different ways: on the one hand, there is the app/service for PipeWire (with an option for PulseAudio via a separate package in maintenance mode) and, on the other hand, there was a plugin for GStreamer 1.0 published back in the day by ThePBone. It adapts to different flowsalthough the recommended route today is PipeWire.

Compatibility: PipeWire as the base and PulseAudio under maintenance

The main Linux version is focused on PipeWire. In fact, the official package emphasizes that it only supports PipeWire and refers to the README for the legacy PulseAudio variant. jamesdsp-pulse for PulseAudioBut you should know that its maintenance is limited.

Some tutorials mention that JamesDSP works with PipeWire and PulseAudio; the correct clarification is that PulseAudio uses that separate package (jamesdsp-pulse) and its support is "maintenance", while the more polished and active experience is in PipeWire. Keep your audio stack up to date.

Key features and available effects

JamesDSP offers a suite of effects designed both to fine-tune your sound with precision and to add creative color. These include automatic bass boost, dynamic range compression, various types of equalization (parametric and band), advanced reverb, and stereo width controls. surround and convolve control.

The Linux implementation created by ThePBone mentions several specific modules: Bass Boost, analog modeling (12AX7), mid/side widening, BS2B, an advanced reverb engine based on Progenitor2, a 15-band equalizer interpolated with cubic spline, compressor, convolver, and a parametric equalizer packaged as ViPER DDC. soft settings or classic emulation.

One of its strengths is its scripting engine with EEL2 language and a small integrated IDE with syntax highlighting, auto-completion and basic debugging functions. automate presets and profilesall without leaving the application.

An interesting detail about the project's distribution is that the icon you'll see in the Flathub store (if you've seen it listed there) was created by the Papirus team. Icon created by Papirus and features explicit mention of the Papirus icon theme on GitHub.

Installation on Arch, Manjaro and derivatives via the AUR

JamesDSP is available in the Arch User Repository, so if you use Manjaro, EndeavourOS, or another Arch-based distribution, you can compile and install the package from there. Read the AUR guide first.

Install the basic build dependencies and clone the repository from the AUR. reference commands:

sudo pacman -Syu git base-devel

git clone https://aur.archlinux.org/jamesdsp.git

cd jamesdsp

makepkg -sric

Once the jamesdsp package is installed, you can launch it from your desktop environment or from the launcher. initial setup wizard so you can choose basic components and settings.

First start: quick adjustments and caution with the volume

When you open JamesDSP for the first time, the wizard will allow you to activate key modules. It's advisable to lower the system volume before touching anything, as some effects can increase the gain. adjust moderately until you find the point that convinces you.

A basic and effective configuration consists of two steps: in the first tab (Bass/Misc) enable “Dynamic bass boost”, and in the equalization tab (the fourth) activate “Enable EQ” and try the “Clear” preset. The preset “Clear” can be aggressiveSo adjust your settings or switch to other profiles if you notice fatigue or excessive treble.

Remember that there are many more modules available and not all of them are necessary for every case. Activate only what is necessarymaintaining a balance between quality and resource consumption.

If you want to share or load profiles, JamesDSP uses a presets folder in your HOME directory. use ~/.config/jamesdsp/presets:

~/.config/jamesdsp/presets

Example preset of the “ClearPenguin” type and how to incorporate it

Some guides include a sample public preset for clear and controlled listening. You can save it with any name you like (for example, ClearPenguin.conf) in your user presets folder and load it from the interface. reformatted variant of the preset:

bass_enable=true
bass_maxgain=5
compander_enable=false
compander_granularity=2
compander_response=95.0;200.0;400.0;800.0;1600.0;3400.0;7500.0;0;0;0;0;0;0;0
compander_time_freq_transforms=0
compander_timeconstant=0.22000
convolver_enable=false
convolver_file=
convolver_optimization_mode=0
convolver_waveform_edit=-80;-100;0;0;0;0
crossfeed_bs2b_fcut=700
crossfeed_bs2b_feed=60
crossfeed_enable=false
crossfeed_mode=0
ddc_enable=false
ddc_file=
graphiceq_enable=false
graphiceq_param=GraphicEQ: 25 0; 40 0; 63 0; 100 0; 160 0; 250 0; 400 0; 630 0; 1000 0; 1600 0; 2500 0; 4000 0; 6300 0; 10000 0; 16000 0
liveprog_enable=false
liveprog_file=
master_enable=true
master_limrelease=60
master_limthreshold=-0.1
master_postgain=0
reverb_bassboost=0.25000
reverb_decay=2.09000
reverb_delay=0.00000
reverb_enable=false
reverb_finaldry=-7.00000
reverb_finalwet=-9.00000
reverb_lfo_spin=0.70000
reverb_lfo_wander=0.30000
reverb_lpf_bass=600
reverb_lpf_damp=9000
reverb_lpf_input=18000
reverb_lpf_output=17000
reverb_osf=1
reverb_reflection_amount=0.30000
reverb_reflection_factor=1.00000
reverb_reflection_width=0.70000
reverb_wet=-8.00000
reverb_width=1.00000
stereowide_enable=false
stereowide_level=60
tone_enable=true
tone_eq=25.0;40.0;63.0;100.0;160.0;250.0;400.0;630.0;1000.0;1600.0;2500.0;4000.0;6300.0;10000.0;16000.0;1.52727;3.45974;4.51948;6.51429;5.45455;3.95844;1.52727;0.966233;0.52987;3.02338;4.51948;6.01558;6.45195;7.01299;5.95325
tone_filtertype=0
tone_interpolation=0
tube_enable=false
tube_pregain=200

As with any preset, take it as a starting point and adapt its parameters to your equipment and preferences. Each team responds differently.Therefore, it is advisable to make small adjustments until it suits you.

Scripting engine and mini IDE: automate your audio

If you enjoy tinkering, EEL2's support lets you create your own effects and advanced logic. With the integrated mini IDE, you can write scripts with syntax highlighting, autocompletion, and basic debugging features. Load profiles according to deviceamong other ingenious uses.

JamesDSP also allows the community to share scripts and presets, which accelerates learning and experimentation. learn with community scripts.

Performance: memory and CPU usage

One of JamesDSP's advantages over other solutions is its low resource consumption. Tests shared by the community report an additional memory usage of around 100 MB when active and low single-digit CPU consumption, around 1% in the reference scenario, only during playback. no load when there is no audio.

This performance profile, combined with its modular approach, makes it a good candidate for laptops and modest-end systems. Enable only necessary modules and keep the rest turned off.

Project, repositories and community

The modern Linux implementation is often referred to as JDSP4Linux, and its live documentation is available on GitHub. There is also a repository for the GStreamer plugin. repositories on GitHub:

• Main repository of JDSP4Linux
• JDSP4Linux by ThePBone
• GStreamer plugin jamesdsp
• Papirus icon theme (icon used on Flathub)

In addition to GitHub, there is a presence on Telegram for support, including a joint community with Viper4Linux. Telegram group for support: Telegram support groupThe user ThePBone is also available via Telegram for specific questions.

Quick comparison with EasyEffects and PipeWire context

Some threads start with guides that make Linux using EasyEffects over PipeWire sound "luxurious." It's a great tool, but JamesDSP offers a user-friendly interface, modularity, and, in many cases, a smaller footprint. a solid alternative in PipeWire without overcomplicating things.

The beauty is that you can replicate typical enhancements (clarity, bass control, soundstage) with less overhead and a straightforward workflow. scripting and convolving available.

Notes on PulseAudio and the separate package

If you continue using PulseAudio, you're not out of the game, but you must use the jamesdsp-pulse package, which is in "maintenance". focus of development in PipeWire And you might find some limitations or fewer features than in PipeWire.

The general recommendation today is to migrate to PipeWire whenever possible, especially if you want stability, greater compatibility, and the best performance with JamesDSP. PipeWire as a standardand many tools (including EasyEffects) are built around it.

Warning: Android information you see online does not apply to Linux

Since JamesDSP originated in Android, you'll find tutorials designed for phones rooted with Magisk. These steps don't make sense on a Linux desktop, but it's worth clarifying what they refer to to avoid confusion. specific steps for rooted Android, then returning to Canary.

You'll also see installation flows with Kitsune Mask using "direct installation", restarts between steps, the optional Audio Modification Library (AML) if you use or are going to use Viper4Android, and finally the installation of JamesDSP for Android. These instructions do not apply to Linux.We repeat: all of this applies to rooted Android, not Linux.

Derivative project for Retroid Pocket 5 (Android) and equalization chain

There is also a recent development aimed at the Retroid Pocket 5 (Android), with its own repository and APK that interacts with the device's privileged interface, can start at boot and apply equalization profiles to the streams, achieving a notable improvement in its speaker. Flip2 chain added on June 19, 2025, and provides step-by-step instructions in its repository.

If you're interested in that mobile area, you can check out the repository and its release 0.1: jdsp4rp5.app y apk 0.1. not applicable to desktop LinuxBut we've included it because it's part of the documentation you'll likely consult during your search.

Practical tips for fine-tuning your sound

Start with moderate settings and experiment with your favorite songs, games, or videos. Adjust the settings until you find the right balance between clarity and naturalness. Pay attention to bass and 2-4 kHzwhere an excessive rise can cause fatigue or wheezing.

If you listen with headphones, the differences between models can be enormous; a profile that shines in some may sound dull in others. Creates profiles per device and alternate them with shortcuts or scripts if your workflow requires it.

History: GStreamer plugin and ecosystem

Before the current focus on PipeWire, there was a plugin for GStreamer 1.0 maintained by ThePBone. You can still check it out out of curiosity or for specific projects that rely on GStreamer. Plugin code on GitHub for those who require specific integrations.

This history explains why you'll find mixed documentation online: some guides talk about the plugin, others about the main app in PipeWire, and others about the PulseAudio package. choose the PipeWire branch, for support and user experience.

Where can I learn more and get my questions answered?

In addition to the README on GitHub, the communities on Arch, Manjaro, and Reddit forums are a goldmine. Many guides are created by users who share their learning curves, profiles, and comparisons with other tools. Telegram with Viper4Linux useful if you get stuck on a specific setting.

If you're new to the AUR, the Manjaro wiki has a clear introduction that will guide you through best practices and the process of building packages from user repositories. Mastering the AUR opens up opportunities.

Reminder of good practices

Make copies of your presets before experimenting with major changes. Note what you touched and why, so you can revert them. check limiter thresholdsnot just the master volume.

When using the convolver, make sure you understand which IR you are loading and for what purpose (acoustic correction, room emulation, coloration). A poorly adjusted convolve can make things worse.So take it one step at a time.

With all of the above, you now have a solid foundation to install, start, and begin to take advantage of JamesDSP on Linux. versatile, from tweaks to complex chainsAnd with PipeWire's support, you'll achieve a stable and efficient integration.