PipeWire can have an "available delay" or latency, which is user-configurable through environment variables like PIPEWIRE_LATENCY by setting a buffer size and sample rate. Users can set PIPEWIRE_LATENCY="<buffer_size>/<sample_rate>" to specify the desired latency in seconds. Lower buffer sizes reduce latency but can increase CPU usage and risk audio glitches, while larger buffer sizes increase latency but improve stability. This video demonstrates how to set the buffer size and sample rate in PipeWire to reduce latency:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CVADCqkW9Xs
How to Control Latency in PipeWire Use the PIPEWIRE_LATENCY Environment Variable This is the most direct way to request a custom buffer size and latency for applications. You need to set it before launching the application. For example, to set a buffer of 128 frames at a 48kHz sample rate, you would use PIPEWIRE_LATENCY="128/48000" application. Configure the Buffer Size (Period Size) Lower Buffer Size: A smaller buffer (e.g., 128 or 256 samples) reduces latency but places more demand on the CPU and can lead to audio crackling or other issues. Higher Buffer Size: A larger buffer increases the delay but provides more stability and reduces the risk of glitches. Set the Sample Rate A higher sample rate (e.g., 48kHz or more) can also help in reducing latency. Common Causes of High Latency Incorrect System Configuration: Ensure PipeWire is correctly installed and configured, and that PulseAudio isn't still controlling the ALSA output. Hardware Issues: In some cases, high latency might be related to specific hardware configurations or drivers, such as on certain MSI or Dell laptops. High CPU Load: Demanding applications, especially Digital Audio Workstations (DAWs), can increase the system's load, affecting audio latency. Troubleshooting Tips Install pipewire-jack: For JACK support, install pipewire-jack on systems like Arch Linux. Use a Systemd User Service: To auto-start high-frequency tones or other background processes, create a systemd user service. Test Different Settings: Experiment with various buffer sizes and sample rates to find a balance between low latency and system stability for your specific hardware and applications. Check for Background Applications: Make sure no other applications or processes are consuming excessive CPU resources, as this can contribute to high latency. PipeWire - ArchWiki Sep 9, 2025 — Install pipewire-jack for JACK support. There is also lib32-pipewire-jack for multilib support. pw-jack(1) may be used to start JACK clients, but it is technica... Favicon ArchWiki Linux latency with pipewire? (Page 1) - Pianoteq user forum Jan 4, 2024 — Some users have reported noticeable latency with Pipewire and pianoteq: * Latency One user reported a noticeable latency of about 100 ms. Another user repor... Favicon Modartt user forum PipeWire Audio Muting/Delay/Cut-off on MSI Laptops (Tiger Lake-H ... Aug 18, 2025 — The issue is especially noticeable on MSI laptops with the Tiger Lake-H HD Audio Controller. This may or may not be a hardware defect. It may simply be how the ... Favicon Manjaro Linux Forum