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Play and Process Audio With SoX

Use the play command that ships with SoX to audition audio files.

macOSaudiomediasoundLow risk
Run play audio.wav to hear the file through the default output.

01Command

Command
$ play audio.wav

02What it does

SoX is a universal sound converter, and its play companion plays any supported format. Add effect chains such as reverb, speed 1.5 or gain -3 to transform audio on the fly, and use rec to record from the microphone.

03Risk

RiskLow risk
Requirementsbrew install sox
CompatibilitymacOS with Homebrew installed
!Warning: Effects are applied to playback only for play; to keep a result, pass an output file to sox instead.

04Undo

✓No undo needed — this command does not change persistent state.

05Sources

  • SoX — Sound eXchange
    sox.sourceforge.net · vendor-doc · 2026-09-20
    Evidence: Official SoX site documenting play, rec and effect chains.
  • Homebrew formula: sox
    Homebrew · vendor-doc · 2026-09-20
    Evidence: Installs sox and its play/rec helper binaries.

Last verified: 2026-09-20 · Category: Media

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