From Analog Cables to Packets
Getting Started with Networked Audio in Open Systems
Networked audio is no longer the future - it's here. But for many developers, getting started is confusing, especially with proprietary systems and fragmented documentation.
This talk provides a technical introduction to the world of networked audio. We’ll explain the core concepts of networked audio protocols and show how they work in practice using PipeWire’s AVB/Milan implementation on Linux.
Whether you're building audio systems, interested in open standards, or just want to understand what’s behind the "networked" buzzword, this talk will give you the groundwork to explore further.
Simon Gapp
Always wanted to be a rockstar—ended up writing network stacks instead. With roots in live sound and a background in electrical engineering, I now build real-time audio systems that run over networks instead of stage cables.
I focus on open technologies like TSN and Milan, working across embedded Linux, C/C++, and FPGAs to prototype, test, and ship robust networked audio solutions. I care about standards that work, automation that helps, and building systems that stay in sync—down to the nanosecond.