NAME

pcmplay - play PCM files on audio device

SYNOPSIS

pcmplay [ -un ] [ -d dev ] [ -b size ] [ -s bits ] [ -f freq ] [ -c num ] [ -g gain ] file ... | -

DESCRIPTION

pcmplay reads one or more files (or standard input if ``-'' is specified) and plays them on the audio device. file is assumed to be a headerless (``raw'') PCM audio file.

OPTIONS

pcmplay options may be either the traditional POSIX one letter options, or the GNU style long options. POSIX style options start with a single ``-'', while GNU long options start with ``--''.

-u, --unsigned: The audio data is assumed to be unsigned. The default is signed data.
-n, --network: The audio data is assumed to be in network byte order (also called ``big-endian''). The default is intel byte order (``little-endian''). This option only applies to 16 bit samples.
-d device, --device dev: Specify the audio device to use. The default is /dev/dsp.
-b size, --buffer size: Use an audio output buffer of size Kbytes, the default is 32 Kbytes. If you experience short hangs in the audio output, you might try to reduce or enlarge the buffer with this option.
-s bits, --bits bits: Specify the number of bits per sample. This must be either 8 or 16 (the default is 16).
-f freq, --frequency freq: Specify the sampling frequency in Hertz (Hz). The default is 44100 Hz.
-c num, --channels num: Specify the number of channels. This must be either 1 (mono) or 2 (stereo). The default is 2.
-g gain, --gain gain: Set audio hardware output gain (default: don't change).

OPERANDS

The following operands are supported:

file(s): The path name(s) of one or more input files. If a dash ``-'' is specified, PCM data will be read from the standard input. Input data is assumed to be appropriate PCM audio files. However, since they are headerless (raw), it is not possible to recognize invalid files, so it is possible to specify any type of file.

BE CAREFUL: Playing inappropriate data at a too high volume can damage your audio hardware and speakers! Turn the volume down before playing anything with this program, unless you are absolutely sure that your equipment can handle it. Use this program at your own risk!

NOTES

If you don't use any options, input data is assumed to be linear PCM, 44.1 kHz, signed 16 bit stereo in intel byte order (little-endian). This is the format of CD audio tracks.

pcmplay does not perform any data conversion. Use sox(1) if you need to convert sample rates, number of channels or other parameters.

Your soundcard must support the specified type of audio data. For example, you cannot play 16 bit samples on an 8 bit soundcard.

BUGS

Yes. This is an alpha version.

AUTHOR

Internet references:
http://www.heim3.tu-clausthal.de/~olli/tosha/
That's the homepage of the CD-DA reader tosha(1) which also contains the latest version of pcmplay.