# miniaudio — Single-File Audio Playback and Capture Library in C

> miniaudio is a single-file, public-domain audio library for playback, capture, and decoding. It supports all major platforms and audio backends with zero external dependencies, making it the simplest way to add audio to C/C++ applications.

## Install

Save as a script file and run:

# miniaudio — Single-File Audio Playback and Capture Library in C

## Quick Use
```c
#define MINIAUDIO_IMPLEMENTATION
#include "miniaudio.h"

ma_engine engine;
ma_engine_init(NULL, &engine);
ma_engine_play_sound(&engine, "sound.wav", NULL);
// ... later
ma_engine_uninit(&engine);
```

## Introduction
miniaudio is a C library contained in a single header file that handles audio playback, recording, and decoding across all major platforms. It abstracts away platform-specific audio APIs while remaining lightweight enough for game engines, embedded apps, and quick prototypes.

## What miniaudio Does
- Plays and captures audio on Windows (WASAPI), macOS (Core Audio), Linux (PulseAudio, ALSA), and more
- Decodes WAV, FLAC, and MP3 files with built-in decoders
- Provides a high-level engine API for spatial audio and sound groups
- Supports sample rate conversion, channel mapping, and format conversion
- Runs on Android, iOS, Emscripten, and BSD in addition to desktop OSes

## Architecture Overview
miniaudio has two layers: a low-level device API that talks to platform audio backends, and a high-level engine that manages sound instances, effects, and spatialization. All audio processing happens in a lock-free callback running on a dedicated audio thread to avoid glitches.

## Self-Hosting & Configuration
- Copy the single header file into your project; define MINIAUDIO_IMPLEMENTATION in one .c file
- Choose a backend at compile time or let miniaudio auto-detect the best option
- Configure buffer sizes and sample rates via ma_device_config
- Use the engine API for game audio with 3D spatialization and groups
- Link no additional libraries; miniaudio loads platform APIs at runtime

## Key Features
- Truly single-file with zero external dependencies
- Public-domain (Unlicense or MIT-0) — no licensing concerns
- Low-latency audio suitable for real-time games and music apps
- Built-in WAV, FLAC, and MP3 decoders
- Lock-free design prevents audio glitches from main-thread stalls

## Comparison with Similar Tools
- **SDL_mixer** — requires SDL; miniaudio is fully standalone
- **OpenAL Soft** — 3D audio focus but heavier; miniaudio is simpler to integrate
- **FMOD/Wwise** — commercial game audio middleware; miniaudio is free and open source
- **PortAudio** — low-level only with no decoders; miniaudio adds playback and decoding in one file

## FAQ
**Q: Can I use miniaudio in a commercial project?**
A: Yes. It is dual-licensed under Unlicense and MIT-0, both of which allow unrestricted commercial use.

**Q: Does miniaudio support MIDI?**
A: No. miniaudio focuses on PCM audio playback, capture, and decoding. Use a separate library for MIDI.

**Q: How do I add effects like reverb?**
A: miniaudio includes a node graph system for chaining effects. Built-in nodes include low-pass filter, delay, and splitter.

**Q: What is the latency?**
A: With default settings, latency is typically 10-30ms depending on the platform and backend.

## Sources
- https://github.com/mackron/miniaudio
- https://miniaud.io/

---
Source: https://tokrepo.com/en/workflows/asset-75b19b53
Author: Script Depot