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Terminal Audio Visualizer With cava

Draw a live spectrum analyzer from the microphone or system playback.

macOSaudiomediasoundLow risk
Run cava to show a live audio spectrum in the terminal; press q to quit.

01Command

Command
$ cava

02What it does

cava captures audio and renders animated frequency bars with Unicode or block characters. By default it monitors output, but it can be pointed at a specific input device in its config file. It is a favorite for pairing with a terminal music player.

03Risk

RiskLow risk
Requirementsbrew install cava
CompatibilitymacOS with Homebrew installed
!Warning: On macOS cava needs access to the audio input; grant microphone permission if asked.

04Undo

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

05Sources

  • karlstav/cava
    GitHub · vendor-doc · 2026-09-20
    Evidence: Documents cava bars, color and input configuration.
  • Homebrew formula: cava
    Homebrew · vendor-doc · 2026-09-20
    Evidence: Installs cava, a console audio visualizer.

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

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