Load Ecasound Chainsetups from Config Files

Ecasound fully supports loading predefined chainsetups from configuration files directly through the command line. By saving complex signal routing, inputs, outputs, and effect parameters into dedicated chainsetup files (typically bearing the .ecs extension), users can streamline audio processing workflows and eliminate the need to type lengthy command-line arguments repeatedly. This article explains the exact commands and syntax required to invoke and run these configuration files from your terminal.

To load a predefined chainsetup file from the command line, Ecasound provides the -s (or --setup-file) option. The standard syntax requires appending the path of your .ecs file directly to the flag or passing it as an argument:

ecasound -s:my_setup.ecs

Alternatively, you can write:

ecasound -s /path/to/my_setup.ecs

When invoked this way, Ecasound reads all defined audio chains, device connections, and controller parameters established within the specified file.

To immediately start processing without entering interactive mode, you can append processing control flags. For example, to load the setup, start playback or processing immediately, and exit once finished, use:

ecasound -s:my_setup.ecs -t:30 -x

In this command, -t:30 specifies a processing length of 30 seconds, while -x instructs Ecasound to automatically start and exit once complete.

If you prefer to enter Ecasound's interactive command-line interface (Ecasound Control Interface, or ECI) with the configuration already loaded, include the -c flag:

ecasound -c -s:my_setup.ecs

Once in interactive mode, you can inspect the setup using the cs-status command or control playback using start and stop.

Predefined configuration files can be created manually in any text editor using standard Ecasound syntax or generated from an existing session using the cs-save command inside interactive mode. Using the -s parameter ensures that batch processing, scheduled recordings, and routine audio operations remain automated, reliable, and easily reproducible.