Pulseaudio Hw:0,0 vs. Pulseaudio Plughw:0,0

Attribute	Pulseaudio Hw:0,0	Pulseaudio Plughw:0,0
Device Name	hw:0,0	plughw:0,0
Direct Hardware Access	Yes	No
Sample Rate Conversion	No	Yes
Channel Mapping	Fixed	Flexible

Introduction

Pulseaudio is a sound server for Linux and other Unix-like operating systems that allows for better audio handling and control. When configuring Pulseaudio, users may come across the options of using Hw:0,0 or Plughw:0,0. These options have different attributes and functionalities that can impact the audio experience. In this article, we will compare the attributes of Pulseaudio Hw:0,0 and Pulseaudio Plughw:0,0 to help users make an informed decision when setting up their audio configurations.

Pulseaudio Hw:0,0

When using Pulseaudio with the Hw:0,0 option, users are directly accessing the hardware device for audio input and output. This means that the audio data is sent directly to the sound card without any additional processing or conversions. This can result in lower latency and better audio quality, as there are fewer steps involved in the audio processing pipeline. However, using Hw:0,0 requires the audio data to be in a specific format that is supported by the hardware device, which can limit the flexibility of the audio configuration.

Another attribute of Pulseaudio Hw:0,0 is that it may not support all audio formats or sample rates that are supported by the sound card. This can lead to compatibility issues with certain audio files or applications that require specific formats. Additionally, using Hw:0,0 may require manual configuration of the audio settings to ensure that the audio data is being sent and received correctly by the hardware device. Overall, Pulseaudio Hw:0,0 offers direct access to the hardware device for audio processing, but may have limitations in terms of format support and configuration.

Pulseaudio Plughw:0,0

On the other hand, when using Pulseaudio with the Plughw:0,0 option, users are accessing a plugin that allows for more flexibility in audio processing. The "plug" plugin in Pulseaudio is responsible for converting audio data between different formats and sample rates to ensure compatibility with the hardware device. This means that users can send audio data in various formats and let the plugin handle the necessary conversions before sending it to the sound card.

One of the key attributes of Pulseaudio Plughw:0,0 is its ability to support a wide range of audio formats and sample rates, making it more versatile than using Hw:0,0. This can be beneficial for users who work with different types of audio files or applications that require specific formats. Additionally, using Plughw:0,0 can simplify the audio configuration process, as the plugin takes care of the necessary conversions automatically.

However, using Pulseaudio Plughw:0,0 may introduce additional latency in the audio processing pipeline, as the data needs to be converted before being sent to the hardware device. This can impact real-time audio applications that require low latency for optimal performance. Additionally, the plugin may introduce some level of audio quality degradation due to the conversion process. Overall, Pulseaudio Plughw:0,0 offers more flexibility in audio processing, but may have drawbacks in terms of latency and audio quality.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the attributes of Pulseaudio Hw:0,0 and Pulseaudio Plughw:0,0 offer different advantages and disadvantages when configuring audio settings. Pulseaudio Hw:0,0 provides direct access to the hardware device for audio processing, resulting in lower latency and potentially better audio quality. However, it may have limitations in terms of format support and configuration. On the other hand, Pulseaudio Plughw:0,0 offers more flexibility in audio processing, supporting a wide range of formats and sample rates. However, it may introduce additional latency and audio quality degradation due to the conversion process. Users should consider their specific audio needs and preferences when choosing between Hw:0,0 and Plughw:0,0 in their Pulseaudio configurations.