PipeWire GUI

A modern Qt-based GUI application for configuring PipeWire audio settings on Linux, with a focus on latency optimization.

Features

• Real-time Latency Control: Adjust quantum (buffer size) from 16-8192 samples
• Visual Feedback: See active vs desired settings with color-coded indicators
• Persistent Configuration: Save settings that survive system reboots
• Quick Presets: Ultra Low (64), Low (128), Normal (256), Safe (512), Default (1024), High (2048)
• Live Latency Calculator: Shows latency in milliseconds as you adjust settings
• Service Control: Built-in PipeWire restart functionality
• Verification System: Check if settings are properly applied

Requirements

• Linux with PipeWire audio system
• Python 3.6+
• PyQt6
• PipeWire and WirePlumber

Installation

Install Dependencies

On Arch Linux (including CachyOS):

sudo pacman -S python-pyqt6 pipewire wireplumber

On Ubuntu/Debian:

sudo apt install python3-pyqt6 pipewire wireplumber

Install the Application

# Clone the repository
git clone https://github.com/yourusername/pipewire-gui.git
cd pipewire-gui

# Install to application menu
./install.sh

Usage

Launch from Terminal

python3 pipewire_gui.py

Launch from Application Menu

After installation, find "PipeWire GUI" in your application launcher under Audio/Settings.

Understanding Quantum Settings

• Quantum: The buffer size in samples. Lower = lower latency but higher CPU usage
• Latency Calculation: (quantum ÷ sample_rate) × 1000 = latency in ms

Common Quantum Values at 48kHz:

• 64: 1.33ms - Ultra-low latency for professional audio
• 128: 2.67ms - Low latency for music production
• 256: 5.33ms - Balanced for general use
• 512: 10.67ms - Safe for most systems
• 1024: 21.33ms - Default, conservative setting
• 2048: 42.67ms - High latency, lowest CPU usage

Configuration

Settings can be applied in two modes:

1. Runtime Only: Temporary settings for testing (reset on restart)
2. Save to Config: Creates persistent configuration files in:
   • ~/.config/pipewire/pipewire.conf.d/99-quantum.conf
   • ~/.config/wireplumber/wireplumber.conf.d/51-alsa-quantum.conf

Tips

• Start with quantum 256 for a good balance of latency and stability
• If you experience audio crackling, increase the quantum value
• Use "Force Quantum" to lock the buffer size for consistent latency
• Set Maximum Quantum to 512 to prevent excessive latency under load

Troubleshooting

Audio crackling/dropouts: Increase quantum value or uncheck "Force Quantum"

Settings not persisting: Choose "Save to Config" and restart PipeWire

Settings not applying: Click "Restart PipeWire" after saving to config

License

MIT License

Author

Created for CachyOS/Arch Linux KDE Plasma users who want better control over PipeWire audio latency.

Contributing

Pull requests are welcome! Please test changes thoroughly with different quantum values.