How to Add Chains in Ecasound Interactive Mode

This guide explains how to dynamically create, configure, and route a new audio chain inside Ecasound's interactive mode without restarting the session. You will learn the exact interactive commands required to instantiate a chain, assign audio inputs and outputs, and connect the updated chainsetup into an active processing engine.

1. Launch Ecasound Interactive Mode

Start Ecasound in interactive mode from your terminal using the -c flag:

ecasound -c

If you already have a running chainsetup, you can issue commands directly at the ecasound> prompt.

2. Add and Select a New Chain

To create a new chain, use the c-add command followed by the name you wish to assign to the chain. Once created, select it as the active target for subsequent configuration commands using c-select:

ecasound> c-add chain2
ecasound> c-select chain2

3. Assign Audio Inputs and Outputs

With the new chain selected, configure where the audio comes from and where it goes.

Add an input (such as an audio file, ALSA device, or JACK port) using ai-add:

ecasound> ai-add input.wav

Add an output destination using ao-add:

ecasound> ao-add alsa

4. Add Real-Time Effects (Optional)

If you need signal processing on this chain, add chain operators using cop-add:

ecasound> cop-add -efl:1000

5. Connect and Run the Setup

If the engine is stopped, prepare and start the engine with the updated chainsetup:

ecasound> cs-connect
ecasound> start

If the engine is already running, apply the changes dynamically by updating the connection state:

ecasound> stop
ecasound> cs-connect
ecasound> start

You can verify that your new chain is properly recognized and active by typing cs-status or c-list.