Software library used by developers to add 3D positional audio to video games, virtual reality experiences and other application.
OpenAL is a freeware openal extension app and developer tool developed by Creative Labs for Windows, it's powerful, comprehensive and professional.
The download has been tested by an editor here on a PC and a list of features has been compiled; see below.
3D Audio API library
OpenAL is a cross-platform 3D audio API appropriate for use with gaming applications and many other types of audio applications.
OpenAL, the Open Audio Library, is a joint effort to create an open, vendor-neutral, cross-platform API for interactive, primarily spatialized audio. Its primary audience is made up of application developers and desktop users that rely on portable standards like OpenGL for games and other multimedia applications.
The library models a collection of audio sources moving in a 3D space that are heard by a single listener somewhere in that space. The basic OpenAL objects are a Listener, a Source, and a Buffer. There can be a large number of Buffers, which contain audio data. Each buffer can be attached to one or more Sources, which represent points in 3D space which are emitting audio. There is always one Listener object (per audio context), which represents the position where the sources are heard -- rendering is done from the perspective of the Listener.
Features of OpenAL
- 3D Audio: Experience realistic spatial sound through full 3D positional audio effects.
- Advanced Audio Coding: Support for AAC, MP3 and other audio codecs.
- Audio Capture: Record audio directly from your soundcard.
- EAX Support: High-quality, realistic environmental audio effects.
- High-Quality Audio: Generate realistic, high-quality audio.
- Low Latency: Minimal delay between sound source and playback.
- Modular Design: Easily add custom audio plugins.
- Multi-Channel Audio: Support for up to 7.1 channel surround sound.
- Open Source: Open source development for custom audio solutions.
- Real-Time Mixing: Dynamic control of audio mixing.
- Reverb Effects: Simulate realistic reverberation effects.
- Scalable Performance: Adjust audio processing for any application.
- Simulated Surround Sound: Experience a simulated 5.1 or 7.1 surround sound.
- Sound Effects: Create and play realistic sound effects.
Compatibility and License
OpenAL is provided under a freeware license on Windows from programming software with no restrictions on usage. Download and installation of this PC software is free and 2.1 is the latest version last time we checked.
Since the publisher or product no longer exists, the download of OpenAL is from the archive and therefore outdated; updates to this software should not be expected.
What version of Windows can OpenAL run on?
OpenAL can be used on a computer running Windows 11 or Windows 10. Previous versions of the OS shouldn't be a problem with Windows 8 and Windows 7 having been tested. It runs on both 32-bit and 64-bit systems with no dedicated 64-bit download provided.
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