SonoBus
sonobus.net
What it is
SonoBus is free software for streaming real-time audio between devices over the internet or a local network. Participants join by selecting a group name and may add a password. Controls cover latency, quality, and mixing, with optional compression, noise gate, equalization, and master reverb. Sessions can be recorded, and audio content can be played to the group. Audio formats include uncompressed PCM at 16, 24, or 32 bit and compressed Opus from 16–256 kbps per channel. SonoBus runs on Android, iOS, Linux, macOS, and Windows. Plugin editions include AU, VST, and AAX on macOS and Windows, plus VST3 and LV2 on GNU/Linux. The guide describes using it as an OBS VST filter and alongside Zoom for video. Communications are not encrypted; audio travels peer-to-peer while a connection server helps members find one another. A local connection server can be specified. Wired Ethernet is recommended for lower latency, while Wi-Fi may increase it.
Spec sheet
- Purpose
- SonoBus streams high-quality, low-latency audio between devices over the internet or a local network.Read 4 Oct 2026 · sonobus.net
- Integrations
- The user guide describes using SonoBus as a VST plugin filter in OBS and running Zoom alongside it for video.Read 4 Oct 2026 · sonobus.net
- Security
- SonoBus currently does not encrypt data communications; audio travels peer-to-peer, while the connection server helps group members find each other.Read 4 Oct 2026 · sonobus.net
- Support
- The maker directs users to its Google users group, support email, and Discord server for feedback and answers.Read 4 Oct 2026 · sonobus.net
- Audience and limits
- The user guide describes SonoBus as intended for people who already have a group to share real-time audio and says practical participant counts depend on device, network, and bandwidth conditions.Read 4 Oct 2026 · sonobus.net
- Audio controls
- Users can adjust latency, quality, and mix, with optional compression, noise gate, equalization, and master reverb.Read 4 Oct 2026 · sonobus.net
- Audio quality
- SonoBus supports uncompressed PCM at 16, 24, or 32 bit and compressed Opus at 16–256 kbps per channel.Read 4 Oct 2026 · sonobus.net
- Echo handling
- SonoBus does not use echo cancellation or automatic noise reduction, and the maker recommends headphones when using a live microphone.Read 4 Oct 2026 · sonobus.net
- Group sessions
- Users connect by choosing a group name and can optionally protect the group with a password.Read 4 Oct 2026 · sonobus.net
- Local server option
- The user guide says users can specify their own connection server, and the standalone app can provide connection-server functionality on a local network.Read 4 Oct 2026 · sonobus.net
- Network requirements
- The maker recommends wired Ethernet for lower latency and says Wi-Fi can require a larger jitter buffer and increase latency.Read 4 Oct 2026 · sonobus.net
- Plugin formats
- The app is available as AU, VST, and AAX plugins on macOS and Windows, and VST3 and LV2 plugins on GNU/Linux.Read 4 Oct 2026 · sonobus.net
- Recording and playback
- Users can record session audio and play audio content to the group.Read 4 Oct 2026 · sonobus.net
Plans and prices
SonoBus Free Free software · standalone apps and audio plugins Read 4 Oct 2026 · sonobus.net
Strong points and limits
Strong points
- Free on five major platform families
- Supports real-time group audio
- Offers adjustable latency and audio quality
- Provides recording and playback
- Available as multiple audio plugin formats
Limits
- Data communications are not encrypted
- No echo cancellation or automatic noise reduction
- Participant capacity depends on conditions
- Wi-Fi may increase latency
Who it suits
SonoBus suits groups that already have people to share real-time audio with, including musicians and other live collaborators. It also fits users needing plugins on desktop audio systems.
Verdict
SonoBus provides cross-platform, plugin-based real-time audio with configurable quality and recording. Users must account for its unencrypted communications, network requirements, and lack of automatic echo or noise handling.
Where Specifiction places it
- Music Collaboration Software#19 of 287.7
- Virtual Recording Studio Software#15 of 187.7
