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RtAudio VS OpenAL

Compare RtAudio VS OpenAL and see what are their differences

RtAudio logo RtAudio

RtAudio is a set of C++ classes that provide a common API for realtime audio input/output across...

OpenAL logo OpenAL

OpenAL is a cross-platform 3D audio API appropriate for use with gaming applications and many other...
  • RtAudio Landing page
    Landing page //
    2022-01-24
  • OpenAL Landing page
    Landing page //
    2019-10-21

RtAudio features and specs

  • Cross-Platform Support
    RtAudio provides a unified interface for audio input and output across multiple platforms, including Windows, macOS, and Linux, enabling seamless cross-platform audio application development.
  • Easy to Use
    The library offers a straightforward API that simplifies the process of handling audio streams, making it accessible for beginners and efficient for experienced developers.
  • Minimal Dependencies
    RtAudio is designed to have minimal external dependencies, which helps in reducing complexity and potential conflicts with other libraries or systems.
  • Real-Time Audio Processing
    RtAudio supports real-time audio processing, which is essential for applications that require low-latency audio interaction such as music production software and live audio applications.

Possible disadvantages of RtAudio

  • Limited Advanced Features
    While RtAudio is great for basic audio input and output, it lacks some advanced features found in other audio libraries like advanced mixing, sound effects, and 3D audio support.
  • Platform-Specific Limitations
    Although RtAudio is cross-platform, certain features and performance characteristics may vary depending on the underlying platform's capabilities and specific audio hardware.
  • Less Active Development
    RtAudio might not be as actively maintained or updated as some other audio libraries, which may affect its compatibility with newer platforms and technologies over time.
  • Basic Documentation
    The documentation available for RtAudio may not be as comprehensive or detailed as for some other audio libraries, which might pose a challenge for developers seeking in-depth guidance.

OpenAL features and specs

  • Cross-Platform Compatibility
    OpenAL is designed to be cross-platform, allowing developers to utilize it on various operating systems, making it a versatile choice for multi-platform audio development.
  • Open Source
    Being open source means that OpenAL is free to use and modify, which encourages community contributions and provides developers with a customizable audio solution.
  • 3D Audio Support
    OpenAL provides robust support for 3D spatial sound processing, enabling realistic audio experiences that are crucial for immersive applications like gaming and virtual reality.
  • Hardware Acceleration
    OpenAL can utilize hardware acceleration for audio processing, improving performance and reducing CPU load, which is beneficial for maintaining high application performance.
  • Established Ecosystem
    With a long history and a broad user base, OpenAL has an established ecosystem with ample documentation, support resources, and community knowledge, aiding developers in troubleshooting and implementation.

Possible disadvantages of OpenAL

  • Limited Updates
    OpenAL has seen limited updates and development in recent years, which may lead to compatibility issues with newer technologies and lack of modern features.
  • Complexity
    The API can be complex and challenging for beginners to grasp, particularly for those unfamiliar with low-level audio processing concepts.
  • Inconsistent Implementations
    Different platforms may have slightly different implementations of OpenAL, leading to inconsistencies and potentially unexpected behavior across systems.
  • Lack of Advanced Features
    Compared to some modern audio libraries, OpenAL may lack advanced audio features and effects that are increasingly sought after in high-end audio applications.
  • Steep Learning Curve
    For developers who are not well-versed in audio programming, OpenAL can present a steep learning curve, potentially increasing development time and effort.

RtAudio videos

How to Install RtAudio on the Raspberry pi

OpenAL videos

What is Openal used for?

More videos:

  • Review - (2/3) OpenAL implementation audio quality comparison: X-Fi card

Category Popularity

0-100% (relative to RtAudio and OpenAL)
Development Tools
31 31%
69% 69
Game Engine
29 29%
71% 71
Rapid Application Development
Game Development
27 27%
73% 73

User comments

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What are some alternatives?

When comparing RtAudio and OpenAL, you can also consider the following products

PortAudio - PortAudio is a cross platform, open-source, audio I/O library.

Wwise - Game audio engine, designed to give artists more control and save programmers' time.

JUCE - JUCE is a wide-ranging C++ class library for building rich cross-platform applications and plugins...

FMOD - FMOD Studio is an audio middleware solution and engine for games.

OpenAL Soft - OpenAL Soft is an LGPL-licensed, cross-platform, software implementation of the OpenAL 3D audio API.

SoLoud - Easy to use, free, portable c/c++ audio engine for games.