Install & Configure PipeWire Manually

This is not necessary if you plan to install a desktop environment like GNOME or KDE.

• Install Required Packages
  First, install the necessary packages:

  • pipewire: the latest and most widely used audio server.
  • lib32-pipewire: 32-bit version for compatibility.
  • pipewire-alsa: ALSA support for PipeWire.
  • pipewire-jack: JACK audio server support.
  • pipewire-pulse: PulseAudio support.
  • gst-plugin-pipewire: compatibility for other applications.
  • wireplumber and rtkit: ensure system compatibility and priority, addressing audio issues like distortion and crackling.

• Dependencies

  sudo pacman -S lib32-pipewire pipewire pipewire-alsa pipewire-jack pipewire-pulse gst-plugin-pipewire wireplumber rtkit

• Add User to the rtkit Group

  Add the user executing the command to the rtkit group to provide PipeWire with the correct system priority.

  sudo usermod -a -G rtkit $USER

• Enable Audio Services to Autostart

  Enable the audio services to start automatically for the user. DO NOT USE SUDO FOR THIS STEP. Only these three services are needed; the others will start automatically as required.

  systemctl --user enable pipewire pipewire-pulse wireplumber