Seeking Advice on Advanced Audio-Video Configuration in Qubes OS 4.2.1

User Support Hardware Issues
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Hi everyone,

I’m looking for guidance on how to best configure my audio and video setup within Qubes OS 4.2.1. Here’s a rundown of my hardware and usage scenario:

  • Hardware:

    • GPU: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4090
    • Monitor: Samsung Odyssey Neo G9 57" (7680x2160 @ 240Hz)
    • Audio Interface: Audient iD22 (connected to Sennheiser HD 650 headphones, Eve Audio studio monitors, and subwoofer)
    • Webcam: OBSBOT Tiny 2
    • Keyboard and Mouse: Logitech G915 Wireless RGB Mechanical Keyboard, Logitech G502 X Plus Mouse (both USB)

  • Usage Scenario:

    • Webcam: Primary use for streaming video with light audio input.
    • Audio Interface: Used for studio mic input and high-quality audio output to headphones and studio monitors.
    • GPU: Used for rendering games, graphic design, and 3D designs.

I’m aiming for a setup that allows seamless usage of these peripherals across various VMs while maintaining the security principles of Qubes OS. Here are the specific challenges and questions I have:

  1. Audio Configuration:

    • Should I continue using a dedicated sys-audio VM for my audio interface and webcam audio?
    • Is there any advantage to using the NVIDIA audio device for high-quality audio playback, even when the GPU is not actively used? If so, how can I manage this securely, considering the GPU and its audio device share the same bus?
    • What are the potential quality or performance impacts of this setup on audio and video recording/playback?
    • Sometimes, I want to use the GPU and high-quality audio together for gaming or watching movies in 4K. Often, I use audio alone to listen to music or audio on the internet while watching YouTube.

  2. Webcam Configuration:

    • Should I create a separate sys-webcam VM, or integrate webcam functionality into a broader sys-multimedia VM that handles both audio and video?
    • If integrating, what are the best practices to ensure seamless and secure functionality across different VMs?
    • I regularly have web conferences privately and professionally for multiple businesses during the day, and while I don’t need high-quality audio (Using the webcam mic is suitable), I do need the ability to go into multiple guest VMs with back-to-back web conferences.

  3. GPU Usage:

    • How should I structure the use of sys-gui-gpu to leverage the GPU for intensive tasks while keeping audio and video isolated for security?
    • Sometimes I use what my computer was designed for: playing games in 4K, listening in high-quality audio while streaming the whole thing to Twitch, YouTube, or other social media platforms.

I want to keep in mind the future growth path of Qubes OS. I have heard Qubes OS is moving or has moved to PipeWire and is slowly working towards an official sys-audio functionality (I’m not sure if this is accurate). So, is an Offical sys-webcam, sys-video, or sys-multimedia on the horizon?

Any advice, configurations, or experiences with similar setups would be greatly appreciated. I want to ensure the best performance and quality for my audio and video needs while adhering to Qubes OS’s security paradigms.

Thanks in advance for your help!

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