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Helvum is a graphical patchbay for PipeWire on Linux. It shows the applications and devices on your system as boxes with ports, and you create or remove links between them by drawing or deleting connections. It handles audio, video, and MIDI streams, and it is a routing tool only: it does not record, edit, or mix audio, and it does not replace PipeWire itself.
What Helvum does
PipeWire is the media server that sits between Linux applications and hardware. Every application output and device input appears to it as a node with ports, and the links between those ports decide where media flows. Helvum gives that graph a visual front end. Instead of typing commands with pw-link or editing session configuration, you see the nodes on a canvas and connect the ports you need.
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The project README describes Helvum as a “GTK-based patchbay for pipewire” and says it was inspired by Catia, a patchbay for the JACK audio system. The Flathub listing gives the practical purpose in one sentence: “It allows creating and removing connections between applications and/or devices to reroute flow of audio, video and MIDI data to where it is needed.” That sentence describes the listing, not an individual developer’s statement.
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Helvum is distributed through more than one channel, and the versions they carry are not synchronized. Check the channel you actually install from, and quote the version together with its channel and the date you checked it.
#1 Best Overall
- Pro performance with great pre-amps - Achieve a brighter recording thanks to the high performing mic pre-amps of the Scarlett 3rd Gen. A switchable Air mode will add extra clarity to your acoustic instruments when recording with your Solo 3rd Gen
- Get the perfect guitar and vocal take with - With two high-headroom instrument inputs to plug in your guitar or bass so that they shine through. Capture your voice and instruments without any unwanted clipping or distortion thanks to our Gain Halos
- Studio quality recording for your music & podcasts - Achieve pro sounding recordings with Scarlett 3rd Gen’s high-performance converters enabling you to record and mix at up to 24-bit/192kHz. Your recordings will retain all of their sonic qualities
- Low-noise for crystal clear listening - 2 low-noise balanced outputs provide clean audio playback with 3rd Gen. Hear all the nuances of your tracks or music from Spotify, Apple & Amazon Music. Plug-in headphones for private listening in high-fidelity
- Everything in the box: Includes Pro Tools Intro+, Ableton Live Lite, Cubase LE, and Hitmaker Expansion: a suite of essential effects, powerful software instruments, and easy-to-use mastering tools
| Channel | Version listed | Architectures or scope | Status stated by the source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flathub (Flatpak) | 0.6.2, with a change entry about four months old when the listing was checked in 2026 | x86_64 and aarch64; no changelog provided on the listing | Community-provided and marked unverified |
| Debian trixie (Debian stable) | 0.5.1+20240829-2 | Package files for several architectures, including amd64 and arm64 | Distribution package record; this is the version for Debian trixie, not the newest release anywhere |
| crates.io (Rust crate) | 0.4.99, released 2023-12-09 | Not stated | docs.rs describes the crate as deprecated and no longer updated |
The Flathub listing reports 2,286 downloads per month. That is the figure shown on the live listing when it was observed in 2026. It is not an audited user count and may change, so treat it as an indicator of interest, not as adoption data.
How to install Helvum
Start with your distribution’s package or the Flathub listing. Use the project README for source builds only if neither route suits your system.
Rank #2
- The new generation of the songwriter's interface: Plug in your mic and guitar and let Scarlett Solo 4th Gen bring big studio sound to wherever you make music
- Studio-quality sound: With a huge 120dB dynamic range, the newest generation of Scarlett uses the same converters as Focusrite’s flagship interfaces, found in the world's biggest studios
- Find your signature sound: Scarlett 4th Gen's improved Air mode lifts vocals and guitars to the front of the mix, adding musical presence and rich harmonic drive to your recordings
- All you need to record, mix and master your music: Includes industry-leading recording software and a full collection of record-making plugins
- Everything in the box: Includes Pro Tools Intro+, Ableton Live Lite, Cubase LE, and Hitmaker Expansion: a suite of essential effects, powerful software instruments, and easy-to-use mastering tools
Route 1: distribution package
- Search your package manager for
helvum. On Debian trixie, the package record is namedhelvumand installs version 0.5.1+20240829-2. - Install it, then start Helvum from your application menu or run
helvumin a terminal. - Confirm that PipeWire is the running audio server before you expect the graph to show anything. Helvum displays the PipeWire graph; it does not start PipeWire for you.
Route 2: Flathub
- Add Flathub to your system if it is not already present, following the setup instructions on flathub.org.
- Install the Helvum listing from Flathub, which provides version 0.6.2 at the time of the 2026 check.
- Remember that the Flatpak sandbox still needs access to the PipeWire socket to show and change the graph. If nodes do not appear, check your Flatpak permissions before assuming a fault in Helvum.
Route 3: build from source
The project README documents two approaches: a Flatpak build and a manual build with Meson. The manual build requires Rust, Clang, and the GTK and PipeWire development packages. Build instructions depend on current SDK and library versions, so follow the README in the repository rather than an older guide, and expect to resolve dependency names for your distribution yourself.
Do not use cargo install as the default route. The crates.io crate is marked deprecated on docs.rs and is no longer updated, so a crate install will not give you the current code.
Rank #3
- The new generation of the artist's interface: Connect your mic to Scarlett's 4th Gen mic pres. Plug in your guitar. Fire up the included software. Start making your first big hit
- Studio-quality sound: With a huge 120dB dynamic range, the newest generation of Scarlett uses the same converters as Focusrite’s flagship interfaces, found in the world's biggest studios
- Never lose a great take: Scarlett 4th Gen's Auto Gain sets the perfect level for your mic or guitar, and Clip Safe prevents clipping, so you can focus on the music
- Find your signature sound: Air mode lifts vocals and guitars to the front of the mix, adding musical presence and rich harmonic drive to your recordings
- With Scarlett 4th Gen, you have all you need to record, mix and master your music: Includes industry-leading recording software and a full collection of record-making plugins
Features: what ships and what is only planned
The README is the primary source for planned features. It lists volume control and a debug mode that shows advanced node and port information. Those are plans. Do not assume they are present in the version you install; check the release you have against the project’s own documentation before relying on either.
The core capability the sources confirm is creating and removing connections between nodes, across audio, video, and MIDI. Routing is the job Helvum is built for, and nothing in the sources claims it is a mixer, a DAW, or a recorder.
Rank #4
- ✔️[High-fidelity sound quality, accurate sampling] The Synido 2x2 audio interface uses a high-quality independent audio chip to reduce recording latency, support 24-bit depth and 48kHz sampling rate, and ensure every detail is restored. Whether it is recording or live broadcasting, it can provide a clear and natural sound quality experience
- ✔️[Three monitoring modes, easy to switch] The audio interface provides three monitoring modes to meet different needs. In Stereo mode, independent left and right channels present the original input (such as a microphone or instrument), which is suitable for accurate recording. Mix mode can mix input audio and computer audio in real-time, which is suitable for live broadcast or recording, and is easy to adjust instantly. USB mode only monitors computer audio, which is suitable for post-editing or audio processing. Whether it is recording, live broadcast, or post-production, the three modes can be easily switched to make audio creation more efficient and professional
- ✔️[User-friendly design] The audio interface is intuitively designed, and equipped with three independent control areas, and the XLR interface supports 6.35mm and XLR microphones, which are compatible with various devices. The green, orange, and red LED lights display the volume level, helping you to grasp the volume status at any time and avoid distortion. Supports easy switching between Line In and instrument input, adapts to different devices, reduces interference and distortion, and does not need to adjust gain frequently, improving efficiency
- ✔️[Professional 48V phantom power] Synido audio interface is equipped with 48V phantom power switch and supports 48V dynamic microphone with excellent noise reduction performance, provides a highly sensitive recording experience, accurately picks up sound, and effectively reduces noise interference, ensuring clear and stable sound quality output
- ✔️[Lightweight and portable, plug and play, create at any time] The USB audio interface weighs only 300g and measures 14 x 11.5x 4.5 cm. It is compact and portable and can be taken anywhere anytime. Equipped with a 3.5mm to 6.35mm adapter and a USB-C to USB-A data cable, you can easily use it by directly connecting to your mobile phone or computer
Maintenance status: what is and is not established
A fork of the project on GitHub carries a README that says, “Helvum is currently not actively maintained.” That is a useful warning, but it comes from a fork’s README rather than a dated announcement from the upstream project, so it cannot settle the status of the original project on its own.
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Flathub and Debian listings show that packages exist. They do not show whether upstream development is active. The sources available for this article do not provide a complete upstream activity timeline. Before you rely on Helvum for a production audio setup, check the project repository’s recent commits and releases, and check the distribution’s package changelog for the version you plan to install.
Best Value
- PIYONE Plug-and-Play USB C Audio Interface. Experience seamless connectivity with this class-compliant audio interface for Mac and PC. The modern audio interface USB C port handles both high-speed data transfer and bus power, eliminating bulky external power supplies. No drivers are required—simply plug into your laptop and start creating with this portable xlr audio interface.
- Studio-Grade 24-bit/192kHz Fidelity. Capture every nuance with professional resolution and a wide dynamic range. This 2 channel audio interface features high-performance converters that ensure crystal-clear, low-noise recordings. Whether you need an audio interface for PC or mobile, the Q28 delivers the high-fidelity sound required for professional music production.
- Elegant Design with Illuminated Control. Enhance your interface for recording music with signature fixed LED light rings on each gain knob. This premium aesthetic ensures easy visibility in dimly lit studios while adding a modern, professional look to your setup. It’s the perfect blend of style and function for your home recording audio interface.
- Versatile 2 Channel XLR USB Interface. Connect any source with maximum flexibility via two combo jacks. This 2 input audio interface is perfect for recording vocals with a condenser mic or using the Hi-Z input as a guitar interface for PC. With integrated 48V phantom power supply audio interface capabilities, it provides clean, ample gain for even the most demanding microphones.
- Zero-Latency Monitoring & 3.5mm Connectivity. This home recording audio interface is built for performance. The Direct Monitor feature allows for silent, zero-latency tracking, while the built-in 3.5mm headphone jack ensures compatibility with standard headsets without needing adapters. Powerful, portable, and ready to perform, it’s the ultimate xlr interface for laptop users and mobile creators.
Helvum or qpwgraph
Readers often ask whether Helvum or qpwgraph is the better PipeWire patchbay. The evidence gathered for this article does not answer that question. No source establishes differences in features, the persistence of routing state across sessions, reliability, or the workflows each tool suits best.
If you are making the choice yourself, compare the two on the points that matter for your work: which PipeWire media types each handles, whether your connections survive a restart, how each organizes a busy graph, how each is packaged for your distribution, how recently each has been released, and whether the interface fits how you think about signal flow. Test both on your own machine with your own applications and hardware.
Hardware and optional extras
Helvum needs no special hardware. It is free to install on Flathub and through distribution packages. If you want to route signals from physical microphones or instruments, a USB audio interface is a common addition, and it is entirely optional. The sources do not verify compatibility with any particular interface, so check the interface’s Linux driver support yourself before buying.
Excerpt-level summary is not needed here: Helvum is a routing tool, and the choice of hardware sits outside its scope.
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