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JACK Audio Connection Kit
What it is
JACK Audio Connection Kit is a free sound server API and daemon implementation for connecting audio and MIDI applications with real-time, low-latency operation. Client applications can connect to an audio device and share audio with one another. JACK emphasizes synchronous execution among clients, and applications communicate through callbacks and registered ports for sending and receiving data. It supports connections for both audio and MIDI, with audio represented internally as 32-bit floating-point values. The project lists compatible applications including Audacity, Ardour, Blender, Mixxx, QjackCtl, and VLC. JACK is available for Linux, macOS, and Windows. Linux users are directed to their distribution’s package manager for binaries; listed macOS installers are for macOS 10.12 or higher, and Windows installers are for Windows 7 or higher. The project hosts source repositories for JACK1 and JACK2 on GitHub. The server uses the GPL, while the library uses the LGPL, which permits proprietary programs to link with it. Discussion and help are available through JACK and Linux audio mailing lists, IRC channels, and community forums. The software is distributed without warranty.
For and against
For
- Connects audio and MIDI applications.
- Designed for synchronous client operation and low latency.
- Available for Linux, macOS, and Windows.
- The LGPL library permits proprietary programs to link with it.
Against
- Linux binaries are obtained through distribution package managers.
- Listed macOS installers require macOS 10.12 or higher.
- Listed Windows installers require Windows 7 or higher.
- Distributed without warranty.
The verdict
JACK provides a free way for compatible applications to share audio and MIDI connections. Check the platform installer requirements and license terms for your intended use.
Who it suits
JACK suits people connecting audio or MIDI applications, including developers building software that communicates through its callback and port model.
Plans and prices
JACK Audio Connection Kit
Free software; GPL server and LGPL library
Read 7 Oct 2026 · jackaudio.org
On the record
- Audio format
- JACK represents audio data internally as 32-bit floating-point values.jackaudio.org · read 7 Oct 2026
- Audio routing
- JACK lets client applications connect to an audio device and share audio with each other.jackaudio.org · read 7 Oct 2026
- Design focus
- JACK’s design focuses on synchronous execution of clients and low-latency operation.jackaudio.org · read 7 Oct 2026
- Developer API
- Applications use a callback model and register ports to send and receive data through JACK.jackaudio.org · read 7 Oct 2026
- Integrations
- The applications directory lists compatible tools including Audacity, Ardour, Blender, Mixxx, QjackCtl, and VLC.jackaudio.org · read 7 Oct 2026
- Licensing
- JACK is free software; the server uses the GPL and the library uses the LGPL, which permits proprietary programs to link with it.jackaudio.org · read 7 Oct 2026
- Linux installation
- For Linux binaries, the downloads page directs users to their distribution’s package manager.jackaudio.org · read 7 Oct 2026
- MIDI support
- The official site describes JACK connections for both audio and MIDI data.jackaudio.org · read 7 Oct 2026
- Platform requirements
- The listed macOS installers are for macOS 10.12 or higher, and the listed Windows installers are for Windows 7 or higher.jackaudio.org · read 7 Oct 2026
- Purpose
- JACK is a professional sound server API and daemon implementations for real-time, low-latency connections between audio and MIDI applications.jackaudio.org · read 7 Oct 2026
- Source code
- The maker hosts JACK1 and JACK2 source repositories on GitHub and provides clone instructions.jackaudio.org · read 7 Oct 2026
- Support
- The maker points users to JACK and Linux audio mailing lists, IRC channels, and community forums for discussion and help.jackaudio.org · read 7 Oct 2026
- Warranty
- The software is distributed without warranty, including implied warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose.jackaudio.org · read 7 Oct 2026
