eth68 brings sub-4ms Ethernet audio interface to Linux
eth68 is a new Ethernet-based audio interface for Linux offering 6 balanced inputs and 8 balanced outputs on 1/4 inch TRS connectors, DIN MIDI, and 48/96 kHz sampling via a Burr-Brown PCM3168A codec. It runs custom firmware on an STM32H7 microcontroller emulating a netJACK1 master endpoint, and integrates with JACK via a netone backend or directly with PipeWire through a pw-eth68 client, measuring 3.620ms round-trip latency at 48kHz with a 64-sample buffer.
GoKawiil's interpretation of the reporting above, not reported fact.
Low, measured round-trip latency below common perception thresholds could make eth68 attractive for live performance and studio monitoring setups where delay is audible and disruptive. Its ability to synchronize multiple units without increasing round-trip latency suggests a path to scaling channel counts for larger Linux-based audio rigs without the usual tradeoffs. Native JACK and PipeWire support signals a deliberate focus on open-source audio workflows rather than proprietary DAW ecosystems.
- eth68 achieves 3.620ms round-trip latency at 48kHz with a 64-sample buffer
- Supports 6 inputs and 8 outputs via TRS connectors plus DIN MIDI in a 1U rack unit
- Integrates directly with JACK (netone backend) and PipeWire (pw-eth68 client) on Linux
Source: naturalsystems.io, 2026-10-07
Published there as: “ETH-68: Ethernet Audio Interface for Linux”
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