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irrKlang
What irrKlang is
irrKlang is a cross-platform 2D and 3D sound engine and audio library for C++, C#, and other .NET languages. It runs on Windows, Linux, and macOS, and supports buffered and streamed playback. Supported formats include WAV, OGG, MP3, FLAC, MOD, IT, S3M, and XM. Features include 3D sound emulation for low-end hardware, linear and logarithmic rolloff, and effects such as echo, reverb, chorus, and distortion. Developers can extend playback formats with plugins or provide their own file-format readers and decoders. irrKlang is independent of Irrlicht, so it can be used in projects without that engine. It is free for non-commercial products; commercial products require an irrKlang Pro license. Listed one-time Pro options start at €65 for the hobbyist plan, which is for individuals and products sold for less than 20€. Linux use requires ALSA, and 64-bit systems require matching 64-bit ALSA and irrKlang versions. Downloads are available only to existing licensees.
Who it suits
irrKlang suits developers building audio into applications or games in C++ or .NET languages. Non-commercial use is free, while commercial products require a Pro license.
What it does well
- Supports 2D and 3D buffered or streamed playback.
- Runs on Windows, Linux, and macOS.
- Plays eight listed audio formats.
- Plugins can add playback formats.
- Free for non-commercial products.
What to know first
- Commercial products require a Pro license.
- Linux requires ALSA.
- Downloads are available only to existing licensees.
Limits
The free license applies to non-commercial products; commercial products require a Pro license. The €65 hobbyist license is for individuals and unlimited products sold for less than €20. Downloads are available only to existing licensees.
Plans
| Plan | Billed and limits | Price |
|---|---|---|
| irrKlang non commercial | Non-commercial products | Free |
| irrKlang Pro indie (unlimited) | Unlimited commercial products sold for less than 27€ | €290, paid once |
| irrKlang Pro unlimited (unlimited) | Unlimited commercial products | €2,950, paid once |
| irrKlang Pro full (single product) | One commercial product · includes updates, preliminary patches, prioritized email support | €490, paid once |
| irrKlang Pro hobbyist (unlimited) | Individuals, not companies · unlimited products sold for less than 20€ | €65, paid once |
As ambiera.com lists them, read 4 Oct 2026. The maker's own page has the final word.
Getting started
- Visit the irrKlang website.
- Select the non-commercial license for a non-commercial product, or choose a Pro license for commercial use.
- Obtain downloads as an existing licensee.
- Use the library from C++, C#, VisualBasic.NET, Delphi.NET or another supported .NET language.
- On Linux, install ALSA and use matching 64-bit versions of ALSA and irrKlang on 64-bit systems.
Verdict
irrKlang offers a broad set of audio formats, playback modes, and sound effects across three desktop operating systems. Developers should account for its commercial licensing requirement and Linux ALSA dependency.
Questions
Is irrKlang free?
It is free for non-commercial products. Commercial products require an irrKlang Pro license.
What does a Pro license cost?
Listed one-time prices are €65 for hobbyist, €290 for indie, €490 for full single-product and €2,950 for unlimited. The hobbyist plan is for individuals and products sold for less than €20; indie covers unlimited commercial products sold for less than €27; full covers one commercial product and includes updates, preliminary patches and prioritized email support.
Which platforms does it support?
irrKlang runs on Windows, Linux and macOS. Linux use requires ALSA, with matching 64-bit ALSA and irrKlang versions on 64-bit systems.
Which programming languages can use the library?
It is usable from C++ and .NET languages, including C#, VisualBasic.NET and Delphi.NET.
Does irrKlang depend on Irrlicht?
No. irrKlang is independent of Irrlicht and can be used in projects that do not use it.
How can users get downloads or support?
Downloads are available only to existing licensees. The maker directs questions to its forum or email contact; the Pro full license includes prioritized email support.
Facts from irrKlang's own pages
- Audio features
- Features include 3D sound emulation for low-end hardware, linear and logarithmic rolloff, and sound effects such as echo, reverb, chorus and distortion. · ambiera.com, 4 Oct 2026
- Audio formats
- It supports WAV, OGG, MP3, FLAC, MOD, IT, S3M and XM playback. · ambiera.com, 4 Oct 2026
- Commercial license
- Commercial products require an irrKlang Pro license; irrKlang is free for non-commercial products. · ambiera.com, 4 Oct 2026
- Download availability
- The download page says downloads are available only to existing licensees. · ambiera.com, 4 Oct 2026
- Extensibility
- Playback formats can be extended with plugins, and users can provide their own file-format readers and decoders. · ambiera.com, 4 Oct 2026
- Headquarters
- Neulengbach, Austria · ambiera.com, 28 Sept 2026
- Integrations
- irrKlang is independent of Irrlicht and can be used in projects that do not use it. · ambiera.com, 4 Oct 2026
- Language support
- The library is usable from C++ and .NET languages including C#, VisualBasic.NET and Delphi.NET. · ambiera.com, 4 Oct 2026
- Maker location
- Ambiera e.U. lists its address in Neulengbach, Austria. · ambiera.com, 4 Oct 2026
- Platform caveat
- On Linux, irrKlang requires ALSA; on 64-bit systems the matching 64-bit ALSA and irrKlang versions are required. · ambiera.com, 4 Oct 2026
- Playback
- The engine supports both buffered and streamed audio playback in 2D and 3D. · ambiera.com, 4 Oct 2026
- Product
- irrKlang is a cross-platform 2D and 3D sound engine and audio library for C++, C# and .NET languages. · ambiera.com, 4 Oct 2026
- Security and compliance
- The maker's license page provides an as-is warranty disclaimer and disclaims liability for damages; it does not state a security certification. · ambiera.com, 4 Oct 2026
- Support
- The maker directs users to its forum or email contact for questions, and the Pro full license includes prioritized email support. · ambiera.com, 4 Oct 2026
Where irrKlang stands on Freedom251
- Game Audio Middleware#4 of 24