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 is for
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 is good
- 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.
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.
irrKlang plans and pricing
All plansCompared on game audio middleware
- Free plan
- Yes
- Spatial audio
- Yes
- Runtime platforms
- Windows, Linux, macOS
- Audio streaming
- Yes
