Ecasound Interactive Mode CPU and Buffer Statistics

This article covers the specific command used to inspect real-time system performance in Ecasound's Interactive Mode (iam), focusing on audio buffer levels and CPU utilization. You will learn the exact command syntax, its shorthand alternative, how to run it during active processing, and how to interpret the resulting metrics.

The Command: status (or st)

In Ecasound Interactive Mode, the command that displays real-time CPU and buffer statistics is status (abbreviated as st).

When executed while the audio processing engine is running, this command queries the internal engine state and immediately outputs key performance metrics directly to the interactive terminal.

How to Use the Command

1. Launch Interactive Mode: Start Ecasound with the interactive mode flag:

   ecasound -c

2. Configure and Start Processing: Set up your inputs, outputs, and chains, then start the engine:

   ecasound ('help' for list of commands)
   > cs-add my_session
   > c-add 1
   > ai-add default
   > ao-add default
   > start

3. Check Statistics: While the engine is active, enter either command:

   > status

   or simply:

   > st

Output Details

The status command reports several vital real-time operational figures:

• Current Position and Time: Shows processed audio duration alongside the total timeline.
• Buffer Statistics: Reports current input and output buffer fill percentages, helping identify potential buffer underruns (xruns) or latency issues.
• CPU Usage: Measures and displays the percentage of processing power consumed by the Ecasound engine and its active signal chains.

Distinction Between status and engine-status

Do not confuse status with engine-status. While engine-status only returns high-level operational states (such as stopped, running, or paused), status specifically prints the detailed real-time performance figures for audio buffers and CPU load.