Low-Latency Audio Protocol (LLAP)

Overview

LLAP is built for low-latency, high-fidelity audio streaming over standard IP networks. Its architecture takes inspiration from widely used proprietary protocols like Dante and Ravenna, while offering full transparency to developers and engineers. All specifications, firmware, and hardware designs are publicly available.

The protocol supports uncompressed and compressed audio streams, precise timing, and robust synchronization. This makes LLAP suitable for live sound reinforcement, broadcast, studio production, and complex distributed audio setups.

Devices integrate seamlessly with existing network infrastructure, and developers can create custom hardware or software solutions without being restricted by proprietary limitations.

System Architecture

LLAP uses UDP as its transport layer, optimized for low-latency delivery. Each packet carries a sequence number and timestamp, allowing receivers to reconstruct audio streams accurately. Optional redundancy ensures that packet loss does not impact live performance.

Dynamic session management allows devices to discover each other automatically and negotiate audio streams, including channel layouts and sample formats. Timing and synchronization are handled at microsecond precision, ensuring phase-accurate playback across multiple nodes.

Fig. 1 — LLAP System Overview: Depicts endpoints, controllers, and data flow within a typical networked deployment.

Packet Flow and Timing

Audio packets are structured with sequence numbers and timestamps to maintain order and precise timing. LLAP ensures synchronized playback across all connected devices, which is crucial in multi-channel and distributed audio setups.

Control and timing information embedded in each packet allow seamless integration with external systems such as lighting, video, and stage automation, maintaining consistent synchronization in live and studio environments.

Fig. 2 — Packet Sequence: Demonstrates packet ordering, timestamps, and synchronization for real-time playback.

LLAP’s packetization strategy balances minimal latency with reliability. Open access to the protocol allows developers to inspect, modify, or extend the system as needed, giving complete control over professional audio networking setups.