---
name: "virtual_oss_cmd"
section: "8"
platform: "freebsd"
package: "base"
version: "16.0-CURRENT-20261027-61c70dc16a79"
release: "FreeBSD 16.0-CURRENT (2026-10-27)"
platforms: ["freebsd"]
url: "https://new.carta.tech/virtual_oss_cmd"
---

# virtual\_oss\_cmd(8)

modify a running virtual\_oss(8) instance's options

## NAME

**virtual\_oss\_cmd** – modify a running [virtual\_oss(8)](/virtual_oss/8.md) instance's options

## SYNOPSIS

**virtual\_oss\_cmd**

## DESCRIPTION

**virtual\_oss\_cmd** pass additional command line arguments to a running [virtual\_oss(8)](/virtual_oss/8.md) instance via its control device. Supported command line arguments:

- **-E** *xxx*

  - **-F** *xxx*

  - **-G** *xxx*

  - **-L** *xxx*

  - **-M** *xxx*

  - **-O** *xxx*

  - **-P** *xxx*

  - **-R** *xxx*

  - **-a** *xxx*

  - **-b** *xxx*

  - **-c** *xxx*

  - **-d** *xxx*

  - **-e** *xxx*

  - **-f** *xxx*

  - **-l** *xxx*

  - **-m** *xxx*

  - **-p** *xxx*

  - **-s** *xxx*

  - **-w** *xxx*

  Refer to [virtual\_oss(8)](/virtual_oss/8.md) for a detailed description of the command line arguments.

## EXAMPLES

To change the recording device:

```
virtual_oss_cmd /dev/vdsp.ctl -R /dev/dsp4
```

To change the playback device:

```
virtual_oss_cmd /dev/vdsp.ctl -P /dev/dsp4
```

To enable recording:

```
virtual_oss_cmd /dev/vdsp.ctl -E 1
```

To disable recording:

```
virtual_oss_cmd /dev/vdsp.ctl -E 0
```

To create a new DSP device on the fly:

```
virtual_oss_cmd /dev/vdsp.ctl -b 16 -c 2 -d dsp.new
```

To show system information:

```
virtual_oss_cmd /dev/vdsp.ctl
```

## SEE ALSO

[virtual\_oss(8)](/virtual_oss/8.md)

## AUTHORS

**virtual\_oss\_cmd** was written by Hans Petter Selasky hselasky@freebsd.org.