Web audio is the use of browser-based audio APIs and related web technologies to synthesize, process, analyze, route and present sound.
Web audio connects sound design, browser runtimes, interactive media, creative coding and public sound tools.
activevalidatedv1.0.0
Definition
Web audio is the practice of building audio systems inside browser runtimes. It includes playback, synthesis, routing, analysis and interaction.
Scope
The concept includes the Web Audio API, audio graphs, analyzers, oscillators, buffers, effects, user gestures, latency and integration with visual systems.
Applications
Electronic Artefacts can use web audio for public demonstrations, interactive essays, ORETH prototypes and browser-native listening tools.
Limitations
Browser audio is constrained by device performance, browser policy, autoplay rules and long-term API compatibility.
References
See the W3C Web Audio API, ORETH, signal archaeology and creative coding.
Identity and publication
Record metadata
Entity ID
ea:concept:web-audio
Publication class
canonical
Status
active
Maturity
research
Confidence
validated
Published
2026-06-24
Modified
2026-06-24
Version
1.0.0
Citation
How to cite this record
Web Audio. 1.0.0. Electronic Artefacts, 2026-06-24. https://electronicartefacts.com/knowledge/concepts/web-audio/