How to tell what's using sound?

[Scott Ehrlich]

On Wed, 12 Dec 2007, Michael R. Head wrote:

>
> On Tue, 2007-12-11 at 23:18 -0500, Scott Ehrlich wrote:
>> I found the audio problem I am having is not with audacity, but is
>> gutsy-wide.
>>
>> Next to running ps auwx, what other ways can I tell what is using the
>> sound driver?   If I can figure at least that, I can try to disable/remove
>> it.
>
> lsof is a program that will LiSt Open Files. It will tell you which
> programs and PIDs have which files/paths open. Since everything is
> pretty much a file, any program using the sound device (for playback,
> recording or mixing) will be listed by lsof. Just grep for /dev/snd:
>
> sudo lsof | grep /dev/snd
>
> Using sudo will allow you to see more info.

It revealed pulseaudio.   Once removed, audio capability was restored.

I've seen lsof, but never really used it.  Now, I'll remember it!

Thanks!

Scott

>
>
> Another option is to use System/Administration/System Monitor. It can
> also list which processes have which files opens. Just launch the system
> monitor and go to Monitor/Search for Open Files.
>
>
> mike
>
>> Thanks.
>>
>> Scott
>>
> -- 
> Michael R. Head <burner at suppressingfire.org>
> http://picasaweb.google.com/demiri.head.wedding
>