/optimize-pipewire

You are helping the user evaluate and optimize their PipeWire audio setup.

Process

1. Check PipeWire status

   • Verify PipeWire is running: systemctl --user status pipewire pipewire-pulse wireplumber
   • Check version: pipewire --version
   • List audio devices: pactl list sinks short and pactl list sources short

2. Evaluate current configuration

   • Check config files in ~/.config/pipewire/ and /usr/share/pipewire/
   • Review sample rate: pactl info | grep "Default Sample"
   • Check buffer settings and latency

3. Test audio quality

   • Check for audio issues: journalctl --user -u pipewire -n 50
   • Look for xruns or underruns in logs
   • Test different sample rates if needed

4. Optimization suggestions

   • For low latency (music production):

     • Adjust default.clock.rate and default.clock.allowed-rates
     • Set default.clock.quantum (64, 128, 256)
     • Configure api.alsa.period-size

   • For quality (media playback):

     • Higher sample rates (48000, 96000)
     • Larger buffer sizes

   • For Bluetooth:

     • Check codec usage: pactl list | grep -i codec
     • Suggest enabling higher quality codecs (LDAC, aptX)

5. Recommended tools

   • pavucontrol - GUI volume control
   • helvum - PipeWire patchbay
   • qpwgraph - Qt-based graph manager
   • easyeffects - Audio effects for PipeWire

6. Create optimized config if needed

   • Offer to create ~/.config/pipewire/pipewire.conf.d/ overrides
   • Suggest settings based on use case

Output

Provide a report showing:

• PipeWire status and version
• Current audio configuration
• Detected issues (if any)
• Optimization recommendations
• Suggested tools to install
• Configuration changes (if applicable)