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OpenAL Soft

openal-soft.org

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Spec score 7.8 #13 of 24 in Game Audio Middleware

What it is

OpenAL Soft is a free, LGPL-licensed software implementation of the OpenAL 3D audio API for playing sound in virtual 3D environments. It handles distance attenuation, Doppler shift, and directional emitters. The EFX extension adds effects such as air absorption, occlusion, and environmental reverb. The library supports streaming audio, multichannel buffers, and audio capture, with output options including mono, stereo, 4-channel, 5.1, 7.1, HRTF, UHJ, and B-Format. Implemented audio backends include PipeWire, PulseAudio, ALSA, WASAPI, CoreAudio, JACK, SDL2, and SDL3. Developers can use loopback devices to connect playback with other audio systems and incorporate the library into projects. The latest release identified on the site is version 1.25.2, available as source and Win32 and Win64 binaries. Building requires CMake 3.13 or newer and a compiler supporting C++20; Autotools is not supported. Runtime platforms listed are Windows, macOS, Linux, and Android. The project directs bug reports and feature requests to its GitHub issue tracker and points users to the #openal IRC channel for help.

Spec sheet

Purpose
OpenAL Soft is a software implementation of the OpenAL 3D audio API for playing audio in a virtual 3D environment.Read 3 Oct 2026 · openal-soft.org
Intended users
The site describes a reusable audio library and provides CMake build instructions for incorporating it into projects.Read 3 Oct 2026 · openal-soft.org
Platforms
The library supports Linux, Windows, Android, OS X, iOS, and other platforms.Read 3 Oct 2026 · openal-soft.org
Integrations
The site says loopback devices can be used for playback to interface with other audio systems.Read 3 Oct 2026 · openal-soft.org
Security
The opened official page does not state security certifications or compliance claims.Read 3 Oct 2026 · openal-soft.org
Support
The project directs users to its GitHub issue tracker for bugs and feature requests and to the #openal IRC channel for help.Read 3 Oct 2026 · openal-soft.org
License
OpenAL Soft is LGPL-licensed.Read 3 Oct 2026 · openal-soft.org
Audio backends
Implemented backends include PipeWire, PulseAudio, ALSA, WASAPI, CoreAudio, JACK, SDL2, SDL3, and others.Read 3 Oct 2026 · openal-soft.org
Audio capabilities
It supports streaming audio, multichannel buffers, and audio capture.Read 3 Oct 2026 · openal-soft.org
Build requirements
Building requires CMake 3.13 or newer and should work with most compilers supporting C++20; Autotools is not supported.Read 3 Oct 2026 · openal-soft.org
Effects
Its EFX extension provides effects including air absorption, occlusion, and environmental reverb.Read 3 Oct 2026 · openal-soft.org
Latest release
The site identifies version 1.25.2 as the latest release and provides it in source form and as Win32 and Win64 binaries.Read 3 Oct 2026 · openal-soft.org
Output formats
Supported output includes mono, stereo, 4-channel, 5.1, 7.1, HRTF, UHJ, and B-Format.Read 3 Oct 2026 · openal-soft.org
Spatial audio
The API handles distance attenuation, Doppler shift, and directional sound emitters.Read 3 Oct 2026 · openal-soft.org

Plans and prices

OpenAL Soft Free LGPL-licensed software implementation of the OpenAL 3D audio API Read 3 Oct 2026 · openal-soft.org

Every OpenAL Soft plan and price →

Strong points and limits

Strong points

  • Free, LGPL-licensed software
  • Handles distance, Doppler, and directional audio
  • Supports streaming and audio capture
  • Offers multiple output formats and backends
  • Loopback can connect other audio systems

Limits

  • Autotools is not supported
  • Building requires CMake 3.13 or newer
  • Build compilers must support C++20

Who it suits

OpenAL Soft suits developers incorporating 3D audio playback into software projects. It is also relevant to teams needing streaming, capture, spatial effects, or multiple audio backend options.

Verdict

OpenAL Soft provides spatial audio, effects, streaming, and capture through a reusable library. Developers should check its build requirements and confirm that their intended backend and output format are supported.

Where Specifiction places it

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