Full-stack audio
The entire stack is covered — from C++ DSP algorithms to TypeScript browser UIs. No handoffs, no translation layer.
Services — Freelance Audio Software Developer for Hire
Freelance audio software development for startups, studios, artists, and companies who need someone fluent in both audio engineering and modern software.
Few developers sit at the intersection of audio domain expertise and full-stack programming. That’s the sweet spot here — and it’s why clients bring problems that generic developers can’t solve.
Service packages
Section titled “Service packages”Audio Web Experience
Section titled “Audio Web Experience”Interactive audio for artist/brand websites.
Custom web audio playback, waveform visualisation, spatial audio, and immersive sound design — built to run in any modern browser.
What you get:
- Design consultation and technical planning
- Custom audio UI built with Web Audio API / AudioWorklet
- Responsive, accessible, production-ready delivery
- Deployment support
Who it’s for: Artists, labels, agencies, and brands wanting a web presence with audio superpowers.
Example work: Sidechain Compressor — a real-time audio compressor running in the browser via AudioWorklet.
Starting from €3,000 depending on complexity.
→ View in storePrototype Sprint
Section titled “Prototype Sprint”Go from idea to working demo in 2 weeks.
You have an audio product idea. I build a functional prototype and deliver it with a technical roadmap for production — so you can validate the concept, demo it to stakeholders, or raise funding.
What you get:
- 2-week focused development sprint
- Functional demo with core features working
- Technical roadmap document for production build
- Post-delivery review call
Who it’s for: Startups validating an audio product idea. Companies exploring browser-based audio tools. Teams needing a fast proof-of-concept.
Example work: Sidechain Compressor — a fully functional AudioWorklet compressor, prototyped and shipped.
Starting from €5,000 for a 2-week sprint.
→ View in storeCustom Plugin Development
Section titled “Custom Plugin Development”VST3 / CLAP / AU plugins — from DSP to shipped product.
Full plugin development: DSP algorithm design, real-time audio processing, GUI design and implementation, testing, and delivery as signed, installable binaries.
What you get:
- DSP algorithm design and implementation in C++ or Rust
- Plugin GUI (custom or JUCE-based)
- Cross-platform builds (macOS, Windows, Linux)
- Test suite and performance benchmarks
- Signed binaries ready for distribution
Who it’s for: Companies needing internal audio tools. Plugin developers wanting a production-quality implementation. Studios needing custom processing tools.
Example work: Compressor Plugin and Monster — C++ plugins with full documentation and testing.
Starting from €10,000 depending on complexity.
→ View in storeWebAssembly Audio Port
Section titled “WebAssembly Audio Port”Bring your desktop DSP code to the browser.
Port existing C/C++/Rust audio code to run in the browser via WebAssembly. Full integration with Web Audio API, optimised for real-time performance.
What you get:
- WASM compilation and optimisation of existing DSP code
- Web Audio API integration (AudioWorklet)
- Browser-compatible build pipeline
- Performance benchmarks and optimisation report
Who it’s for: Companies wanting to bring desktop audio tools to the web. Plugin developers exploring browser distribution. Teams needing DSP code running in WebAssembly.
Example work: WASM AudioWorklet — Rust DSP compiled to WebAssembly running in an AudioWorklet.
Starting from €5,000 depending on the size of the codebase.
→ View in storeHow it works
Section titled “How it works”- Discovery call — We discuss your project, goals, and constraints. Free, no obligation.
- Proposal — You receive a clear scope, timeline, and fixed price. No surprises.
- Build — Short iterations with regular check-ins. You see progress throughout.
- Deliver — You get production-ready code, documentation, and deployment support.
- Support — Follow-up questions and reasonable adjustments are included after delivery.
Project-based pricing keeps costs predictable. For ongoing work, retainer arrangements are available.
Why hire Joel
Section titled “Why hire Joel”10+ years in audio
Touring tech, broadcast engineer, game audio middleware. Audio understood from the musician’s side and the engineer’s side.
100+ shipped projects
This portfolio has over 100 projects. Working software gets shipped — not just prototypes.
Modern stack
TypeScript, Rust, C++, WebAssembly, Web Audio API, React, Astro. The right tool for the job, every time.
Frequently asked questions
Section titled “Frequently asked questions”What’s the typical timeline?
Section titled “What’s the typical timeline?”Most projects take 2–8 weeks depending on scope. Prototype sprints are fixed at 2 weeks. Plugin development typically takes 4–8 weeks. You’ll get a clear timeline in the proposal.
What technologies are used?
Section titled “What technologies are used?”It depends on the project. Web audio: TypeScript, Web Audio API, AudioWorklet, React. Plugins: C++, JUCE, Rust. ML audio: Python, TensorFlow. The best tool gets picked for your specific needs.
Remote work?
Section titled “Remote work?”Yes — remote with clients worldwide. Based in Gothenburg, Sweden (CET timezone).
Can you work with an existing codebase?
Section titled “Can you work with an existing codebase?”Absolutely. Integrating with existing projects and teams is routine. Your current code gets reviewed, improvements identified, and changes implemented without disrupting your workflow.
Not sure what’s needed?
Section titled “Not sure what’s needed?”That’s what the discovery call is for. We’ll discuss your goals and figure out the right scope and approach together. No charge, no obligation.
How much does it cost?
Section titled “How much does it cost?”Pricing depends on the project scope. The packages above give starting prices. For custom work, you’ll receive a fixed-price proposal after the discovery call so there are no surprises.