How to Use the Command 'pw-play' (with examples)

PipeWire is a server for handling audio and video streams on Linux systems, designed to be a modern alternative to the legacy systems of PulseAudio and JACK. pw-play is a command-line tool that enables users to play audio files through PipeWire, offering an easy and effective method for audio playback directly from the terminal. It serves as a shorthand for pw-cat --playback, allowing users to quickly input commands to play audio files without needing to mess with verbose syntax. This command is particularly useful for users who need to test audio settings, debug issues, or simply play audio files without a graphical user interface.

Use case 1: Play a WAV sound file over the default target

Code:

pw-play path/to/file.wav

Motivation:

Using pw-play to play a WAV sound file over the default target is one of the simplest use cases and comes in handy when you want to quickly check an audio file’s playback without needing to open a heavier application like a music player. This method is especially useful for developers or system administrators who need to verify audio output, diagnose issues, or perform quick tests. It is also beneficial when working in environments where a graphical interface is unavailable, such as through remote access.

Explanation:

• pw-play: This is the command that initiates audio playback using PipeWire.
• path/to/file.wav: This argument specifies the path to the WAV audio file you wish to play. WAV is a common uncompressed audio format that is widely used for its high-quality sound. The path can be absolute or relative, depending on the file’s location in your system.

Example output:

The command does not generate typical console output but results in the file playing through the system’s default audio device. You should be able to hear the sound if the system audio is configured correctly. If there are any configuration errors or issues, error messages will appear in the terminal, providing feedback for troubleshooting.

Use case 2: Play a WAV sound file at a different volume level

Code:

pw-play --volume=0.1 path/to/file.wav

Motivation:

Adjusting the volume directly from the command line while playing a file is a valuable feature in situations where precise control over audio output is necessary, such as testing how audio sounds at different volume levels without altering system-wide settings. This use case is also advantageous when you are operating headless setups (without a display) or running scripts that automate multimedia tests or demonstrations where varying the volume is required.

Explanation:

• pw-play: The command for playing audio via PipeWire.
• --volume=0.1: The --volume option allows you to specify the playback volume as a decimal. Here, 0.1 signifies 10% of the maximum volume. This level of control is helpful for customizing audio output to suit different listening conditions without changing the system’s global volume settings.
• path/to/file.wav: This is the path to the audio file you wish to play, just like in the previous example.

Example output:

Again, there is no typical output displayed in the terminal, but you should hear the audio file playing at a lower pitch corresponding to the specified volume level. Should there be any issues, error messages will appear in the terminal.

Conclusion:

The pw-play command presents a straightforward and efficient means to engage with audio playback directly from the Linux terminal using PipeWire. It simplifies the task of playing audio files by allowing users to control where and how the audio is played, either through default settings or by applying specific configurations such as volume adjustments. Whether you’re testing, debugging, or simply interested in a lightweight audio playback option, pw-play provides the versatility and convenience needed to effectively handle audio in a command-line environment.