pw-loopback(1)

pw-loopback creates virtual loopback devices in PipeWire that allow audio from one application to be captured by another. This is useful for recording audio output, virtual audio routing, and software mixing scenarios where you want to chain multiple audio applications together.

The loopback device appears as both a playback and recording device in PipeWire, creating a virtual audio "cable" between applications without requiring actual hardware.

Create a basic loopback device that automatically connects playback to recording

pw-loopback

Create and monitor a loopback device, keeping it active until terminated

pw-loopback -m

Create a loopback device with a custom name and keep it running

pw-loopback -n 'My Loopback' -m

Create a loopback with 256 samples latency for lower delay

pw-loopback --latency 256

Create loopback connected to a specific ALSA output device

pw-loopback -p alsa_output.pci-0000_00_1f.3.analog-stereo -m

Create loopback in background, automatically stop after 5 minutes

pw-loopback & sleep 300 && pkill pw-loopback