Arch Wiki

Appearance

Install & Configure PipeWire Manually ​

INFO

This is not necessary if you plan to install a desktop environment like GNOME or KDE.

Install Required Packages ​

  • pipewire: the latest and most widely used audio server.

  • lib32-pipewire: 32-bit version for compatibility.

  • pipewire-alsa: ALSA support for PipeWire.

  • pipewire-jack: JACK audio server support.

  • pipewire-pulse: PulseAudio support.

  • gst-plugin-pipewire: compatibility for other applications.

  • wireplumber and rtkit: ensure system compatibility and priority, addressing audio issues like distortion and crackling.

    shell
    sudo pacman -S lib32-pipewire pipewire pipewire-alsa pipewire-jack pipewire-pulse gst-plugin-pipewire wireplumber rtkit

Add User to the rtkit Group ​

INFO

Add the user executing the command to the rtkit group to provide PipeWire with the correct system priorities.

shell
sudo usermod -a -G rtkit $USER

Enable Audio Services to Autostart ​

INFO

Enable the audio services to start automatically for the user. DO NOT USE SUDO FOR THIS STEP. Only these three services are needed; the others will start automatically as required.

shell
systemctl --user enable pipewire pipewire-pulse wireplumber