soapyrtlsdr
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Description:
SoapySDR RTL-SDR Support Module
Type: Formula  |  Tracked Since: Dec 28, 2025
Links: Homepage  |  formulae.brew.sh
Category: System utilities
Tags: sdr rtl-sdr radio hardware soapy
Install: brew install soapyrtlsdr
About:
SoapyRTLSDR is a plugin module for the SoapySDR framework that enables software-defined radio operations using RTL-SDR hardware. It provides a standardized interface for accessing device functions like gain control, frequency tuning, and sample streaming. This module bridges the gap between generic SDR applications and low-cost RTL2832U-based USB dongles.
Key Features:
  • SoapySDR plugin interface for RTL-SDR devices
  • Support for gain control and frequency tuning
  • Streaming of complex I/Q samples
  • Compatible with RTL2832U-based USB dongles
Use Cases:
  • Software-defined radio development and experimentation
  • Receiving FM radio, ADS-B aircraft tracking, or NOAA weather satellite images
  • RF signal analysis and spectrum monitoring
Alternatives:
  • rtl-sdr – Direct librtlsdr library access vs SoapySDR abstraction layer
  • SoapyAirspy – Alternative SDR hardware support within the same framework
Version History
Detected Version Rev Change Commit
Sep 11, 2025 12:59pm 2 VERSION_BUMP e0bc0037
Sep 10, 2024 11:25pm 2 VERSION_BUMP 795ed9ae
Nov 3, 2023 5:05pm 1 VERSION_BUMP 87c13ad8
Sep 24, 2023 9:44pm 0 VERSION_BUMP 0f44eaf4