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Ryujinx features full audio output support through multiple backends, providing high-quality sound reproduction for Nintendo Switch games.
Audio output is fully supported. Audio input (microphone) is currently not supported.

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Audio Backends

Ryujinx uses C# wrappers for industry-standard audio libraries, with automatic fallback between backends:

OpenAL

Primary - Cross-platform 3D audio library with excellent compatibility

SDL3

Fallback - Simple DirectMedia Layer 3 for broad hardware support

libsoundio

Fallback - Low-latency cross-platform audio I/O library

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OpenAL Backend

The primary audio backend uses OpenAL Soft, an open-source 3D audio API:

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Features

  • Cross-platform: Works on Windows, Linux, and macOS
  • 3D Positioning: Spatial audio support for immersive games
  • HRTF Support: Head-Related Transfer Function for binaural audio
  • Multiple Output Devices: Easy device selection and switching
  • Low Latency: Minimal audio delay for responsive gameplay

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Implementation Details

// From OpenALHardwareDeviceDriver.cs
public OpenALHardwareDeviceDriver()
{
    _device = ALC.OpenDevice(string.Empty);
    _context = ALC.CreateContext(_device, new ALContextAttributes());
    // Session management and buffer handling...
}
The OpenAL backend:
  • Opens the default audio device automatically
  • Creates a dedicated update thread for audio processing
  • Manages multiple concurrent audio sessions
  • Supports volume control per session
OpenAL is automatically selected if available on your system. It provides the best audio quality and performance.

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SDL3 Backend

The SDL3 backend provides fallback audio support:

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Advantages

  • Bundled: Comes with SDL3, no extra dependencies
  • Reliable: Battle-tested in countless games
  • Simple: Straightforward audio output
  • Compatible: Works on systems where OpenAL may have issues
SDL3 is the latest version of Simple DirectMedia Layer, completely rewritten for modern systems.

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libsoundio Backend

The libsoundio backend offers low-latency audio:

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Features

  • Ultra-low Latency: Optimized for minimal delay
  • Backend Flexibility: Uses WASAPI (Windows), ALSA/PulseAudio (Linux), CoreAudio (macOS)
  • Sample Rate Conversion: High-quality resampling
  • Channel Layout Support: Flexible speaker configurations

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Audio Architecture

Ryujinx’s audio system consists of several layers:

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Audio Renderer

The audio renderer emulates the Switch’s audio processing:

Voice Processing

Handles individual audio voices (sound sources) with mixing and effects

Effect Processing

Applies audio effects like reverb, delay, and filters

Mix Buffers

Manages audio mixing for multiple channels and sources

Sink Output

Final output to hardware through selected backend

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Audio Effects Supported

Effect TypeDescription
Reverb3D reverb for spatial audio environments
DelayEcho and delay effects
Biquad FilterFrequency filtering (low-pass, high-pass, etc.)
LimiterDynamic range compression
Auxiliary BufferAdditional effect processing chains
CompressorAudio dynamics compression
// Audio effects are implemented in:
// src/Ryujinx.Audio/Renderer/Server/Effect/

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Sample Format Support

Ryujinx supports multiple audio sample formats:
  • PCM16: 16-bit signed integer (most common)
  • PCM Float: 32-bit floating-point for high precision
  • Multiple Sample Rates: Automatic resampling to match your hardware
The target sample rate is 48000 Hz (48 kHz), which matches the Nintendo Switch’s native audio output.

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Channel Configuration

Flexible audio channel support:
ConfigurationDescription
MonoSingle channel
StereoStandard left/right (most common)
5.1 SurroundSix channels for home theater
7.1 SurroundEight channels for advanced setups
If a game requests an unsupported channel count, Ryujinx automatically downmixes to stereo.

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Device Session Management

The audio system manages multiple simultaneous audio sessions:

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Session Features

  • Independent Volume Control: Each session can have its own volume level
  • Sample Rate Conversion: Automatic resampling when needed
  • Buffer Management: Circular buffer for smooth audio playback
  • Thread Safety: Lock-free audio updates where possible
// From OpenALHardwareDeviceDriver.cs
public IHardwareDeviceSession OpenDeviceSession(
    Direction direction,
    IVirtualMemoryManager memoryManager,
    SampleFormat sampleFormat,
    uint sampleRate,
    uint channelCount)
{
    if (channelCount == 0)
        channelCount = 2; // Default to stereo
    
    if (sampleRate == 0)
        sampleRate = Constants.TargetSampleRate; // 48000 Hz
}

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Audio Buffer Management

Efficient buffer management ensures smooth playback:
  • Ring Buffers: Circular buffers prevent audio underruns
  • Automatic Queueing: Buffers are queued ahead of playback
  • Buffer Recycling: Memory-efficient buffer reuse
  • Dynamic Adjustment: Adapts to system load

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Volume Control

Granular volume management:

Master Volume

Global volume control affects all audio output

Per-Session Volume

Individual volume levels for different audio streams

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Performance Optimization

The audio system is optimized for minimal CPU usage:
  • Dedicated Audio Thread: Separate thread prevents audio glitches
  • Lock-Free Updates: Concurrent data structures reduce contention
  • Efficient Mixing: Optimized audio mixing algorithms
  • Hardware Acceleration: Uses audio hardware features when available

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Audio Output Latency

Ryujinx aims for low audio latency:
BackendTypical Latency
OpenAL20-40ms
SDL330-50ms
libsoundio10-30ms
Actual latency depends on your audio driver, hardware, and system configuration. Lower latency provides better audio-visual synchronization.

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Current Limitations

Audio Input Not Supported: Microphone input and voice chat features in games will not work.
Games that require microphone input may:
  • Skip microphone-related features
  • Display warnings or errors
  • Work with degraded functionality

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Technical Details

Key source directories:
  • Audio Core: src/Ryujinx.Audio/
  • OpenAL Backend: src/Ryujinx.Audio.Backends.OpenAL/
  • SDL3 Backend: src/Ryujinx.Audio.Backends.SDL3/
  • libsoundio Backend: src/Ryujinx.Audio.Backends.SoundIo/
  • Audio Renderer: src/Ryujinx.Audio/Renderer/

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Troubleshooting

  • Check your system audio settings
  • Verify audio device is not muted
  • Try switching audio backends if available
  • Check Ryujinx volume settings
  • Increase audio buffer size if possible
  • Close background applications
  • Check CPU usage (high load can cause audio issues)
  • Update audio drivers
  • This may indicate performance issues
  • Enable VSync to stabilize frame timing
  • Try different audio backends
  • Check if the game is running at full speed
  • Try disabling audio temporarily
  • Update audio backend libraries
  • Check system audio device compatibility
The audio system is continuously improved with each Ryujinx release, with better compatibility and lower latency.

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