alsswitch

alsswitch is a command-line utility and library designed to manage audio output devices on Linux systems, specifically focusing on the Advanced Linux Sound Architecture (ALSA). Its primary function is to allow users to easily switch between different sound cards or audio output profiles without requiring complex configuration file edits or restarts of audio applications.

The tool operates by interacting with ALSA's plugin system. ALSA's plugins can route audio streams to various destinations, and alsswitch leverages this capability to provide a user-friendly interface for selecting these destinations. This can be particularly useful in systems with multiple sound cards, such as onboard audio and dedicated sound cards, or when dealing with audio interfaces that present multiple output channels or virtual devices.

Users can typically invoke alsswitch from the terminal to list available audio devices or profiles and then select their preferred output. This selection is then set as the default for ALSA, meaning subsequent audio streams will be directed to the chosen device. The library component of alsswitch can also be integrated into other applications, allowing them to dynamically manage audio output based on user preferences or system conditions. Its simplicity and direct interaction with ALSA make it a valuable tool for audio enthusiasts and system administrators seeking granular control over sound output on their Linux machines.