pulseaudio ☆
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Description:
Sound system for POSIX OSes
Type: Formula  |  Tracked Since: Dec 28, 2025
Links: Homepage  |  formulae.brew.sh
Category: Multimedia
Tags: audio sound multimedia network-audio daemons
Install: brew install pulseaudio
About:
PulseAudio is a feature-rich, cross-platform sound server for POSIX OSes that acts as a middleware between applications and the kernel's audio layers. It enables advanced audio features like networked audio streaming, per-application volume control, and seamless audio device switching. Its primary value is providing a flexible and powerful audio management layer that standard Linux/Unix audio systems lack natively.
Key Features:
  • Network transparency: Stream audio to or from remote machines over the network
  • Advanced mixing: Per-application volume controls and simultaneous audio streams
  • Dynamic routing: Easily reroute audio streams between devices on the fly
  • Plugin architecture: Extensible with modules for EQ, surround sound, and more
Use Cases:
  • Managing complex audio setups with multiple input and output devices
  • Streaming high-quality audio from a desktop to a home theater system
  • Developing applications that require advanced audio routing and control
Alternatives:
  • PipeWire – A modern successor aiming to replace both PulseAudio and JACK, offering lower latency and better handling of video streams.
  • JACK – Focused on ultra-low latency for professional audio production, but less suited for general-purpose desktop audio.
Version History
Detected Version Rev Change Commit
Nov 25, 2024 9:40am 0 VERSION_BUMP 8cb2f99e
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