Update live waveform using rtaudio

DynamicIsland.xcodeproj/project.pbxproj

@@ -26,6 +26,7 @@
 		7E9918722EFDAE5B002EDFD5 /* MediaRemoteAdapter.framework in Resources */ = {isa = PBXBuildFile; fileRef = F4C1DD09EC134302938E84F6 /* MediaRemoteAdapter.framework */; };
 		7EE1D73D2E6B1E0B00997219 /* ApplicationServices.framework in Frameworks */ = {isa = PBXBuildFile; fileRef = 7EE1D73C2E6B1E0B00997219 /* ApplicationServices.framework */; };
 		7EE1D73F2E6B1E1200997219 /* IOKit.framework in Frameworks */ = {isa = PBXBuildFile; fileRef = 7EE1D73E2E6B1E1200997219 /* IOKit.framework */; };
+		7EF10C122F817ECF004229A0 /* Accelerate.framework in Frameworks */ = {isa = PBXBuildFile; fileRef = 7EF10C112F817ECF004229A0 /* Accelerate.framework */; };
 		7EF19C172F577040005B9929 /* SwiftTerm in Frameworks */ = {isa = PBXBuildFile; productRef = 7EF19C162F577040005B9929 /* SwiftTerm */; };
 /* End PBXBuildFile section */
 
@@ -53,6 +54,7 @@
 		7E9911AF2EFD7D1B002EDFD5 /* Reindeer.json */ = {isa = PBXFileReference; lastKnownFileType = text.json; path = Reindeer.json; sourceTree = "<group>"; };
 		7EE1D73C2E6B1E0B00997219 /* ApplicationServices.framework */ = {isa = PBXFileReference; lastKnownFileType = wrapper.framework; name = ApplicationServices.framework; path = System/Library/Frameworks/ApplicationServices.framework; sourceTree = SDKROOT; };
 		7EE1D73E2E6B1E1200997219 /* IOKit.framework */ = {isa = PBXFileReference; lastKnownFileType = wrapper.framework; name = IOKit.framework; path = System/Library/Frameworks/IOKit.framework; sourceTree = SDKROOT; };
+		7EF10C112F817ECF004229A0 /* Accelerate.framework */ = {isa = PBXFileReference; lastKnownFileType = wrapper.framework; name = Accelerate.framework; path = System/Library/Frameworks/Accelerate.framework; sourceTree = SDKROOT; };
 		F4C1DD09EC134302938E84F6 /* MediaRemoteAdapter.framework */ = {isa = PBXFileReference; lastKnownFileType = wrapper.framework; name = MediaRemoteAdapter.framework; path = Frameworks/MediaRemoteAdapter.framework; sourceTree = SOURCE_ROOT; };
 		F54406E72CD4987A00C7AFD9 /* Atoll.app */ = {isa = PBXFileReference; explicitFileType = wrapper.application; includeInIndex = 0; path = Atoll.app; sourceTree = BUILT_PRODUCTS_DIR; };
 /* End PBXFileReference section */
@@ -113,6 +115,7 @@
 			buildActionMask = 2147483647;
 			files = (
 				7EF19C172F577040005B9929 /* SwiftTerm in Frameworks */,
+				7EF10C122F817ECF004229A0 /* Accelerate.framework in Frameworks */,
 				7E1ADF1D2EA209B1001DA867 /* SkyLightWindow in Frameworks */,
 				7EE1D73F2E6B1E1200997219 /* IOKit.framework in Frameworks */,
 				7EE1D73D2E6B1E0B00997219 /* ApplicationServices.framework in Frameworks */,
@@ -143,6 +146,7 @@
 		7E81304F2E3FB42700E08F3F /* Frameworks */ = {
 			isa = PBXGroup;
 			children = (
+				7EF10C112F817ECF004229A0 /* Accelerate.framework */,
 				7E25ECA02E6C6C3800700E72 /* CoreBrightness.framework */,
 				7E25ECA42E6C6E7800700E72 /* DisplayServices.framework */,
 				7E25ECA22E6C6E2600700E72 /* OSD.framework */,
@@ -504,6 +508,7 @@
 				RUNTIME_EXCEPTION_DISABLE_EXECUTABLE_PAGE_PROTECTION = NO;
 				RUNTIME_EXCEPTION_DISABLE_LIBRARY_VALIDATION = NO;
 				SWIFT_EMIT_LOC_STRINGS = YES;
+				SWIFT_OBJC_BRIDGING_HEADER = "DynamicIsland/DynamicIsland-Bridging-Header.h";
 				SWIFT_VERSION = 5.0;
 				SYSTEM_FRAMEWORK_SEARCH_PATHS = (
 					"$(SDKROOT)/System/Library/Frameworks",
@@ -576,6 +581,7 @@
 				RUNTIME_EXCEPTION_DISABLE_EXECUTABLE_PAGE_PROTECTION = NO;
 				RUNTIME_EXCEPTION_DISABLE_LIBRARY_VALIDATION = NO;
 				SWIFT_EMIT_LOC_STRINGS = YES;
+				SWIFT_OBJC_BRIDGING_HEADER = "DynamicIsland/DynamicIsland-Bridging-Header.h";
 				SWIFT_VERSION = 5.0;
 				SYSTEM_FRAMEWORK_SEARCH_PATHS = (
 					"$(SDKROOT)/System/Library/Frameworks",

DynamicIsland/ContentView.swift

@@ -1292,7 +1292,7 @@ struct ContentView: View {
                 .frame(width: 50, alignment: .center)
                 .matchedGeometryEffect(id: "spectrum", in: albumArtNamespace)
                 .mask {
-                    AudioSpectrumView(isPlaying: $musicManager.isPlaying)
+                    AudioVisualizerView(isPlaying: $musicManager.isPlaying)
                         .frame(width: 16, height: 12)
                 }
                 .frame(maxWidth: .infinity, maxHeight: .infinity)

DynamicIsland/DynamicIsland-Bridging-Header.h

@@ -0,0 +1,18 @@
+/*
+ * Atoll (DynamicIsland)
+ * Copyright (C) 2024-2026 Atoll Contributors
+ *
+ * Swift bridging header for Objective-C/C++ code.
+ *
+ * This program is free software: you can redistribute it and/or modify
+ * it under the terms of the GNU General Public License as published by
+ * the Free Software Foundation, either version 3 of the License, or
+ * (at your option) any later version.
+ */
+
+#ifndef DynamicIsland_Bridging_Header_h
+#define DynamicIsland_Bridging_Header_h
+
+#import "audio/AudioBridge.h"
+
+#endif /* DynamicIsland_Bridging_Header_h */

DynamicIsland/DynamicIslandApp.swift

@@ -155,6 +155,58 @@ class AppDelegate: NSObject, NSApplicationDelegate {
         installTopMenuItemsIfNeeded()
     }
     
+    /// Setup observers for music player state changes to restart AudioTap capture
+    private func setupAudioTapMusicObservers() {
+        // Listen for app launches to restart capture when music apps are opened
+        let targetBundleIDs = [
+            "com.apple.Music",
+            "com.spotify.client",
+            "com.apple.Safari",
+            "com.tidal.desktop",
+            "tv.plex.plexamp",
+            "com.roon.Roon",
+            "com.audirvana.Audirvana-Studio",
+            "com.vox.vox",
+            "com.coppertino.Vox",
+        ]
+        
+        NSWorkspace.shared.notificationCenter.addObserver(
+            forName: NSWorkspace.didLaunchApplicationNotification,
+            object: nil,
+            queue: .main
+        ) { notification in
+            guard let app = notification.userInfo?[NSWorkspace.applicationUserInfoKey] as? NSRunningApplication,
+                  let bundleID = app.bundleIdentifier,
+                  targetBundleIDs.contains(bundleID) else { return }
+            
+            // A target music app was launched, restart capture to include it
+            if Defaults[.enableRealTimeWaveform] {
+                print("🎵 [AudioTap] Music app launched: \(bundleID), restarting capture...")
+                // Give the app a moment to fully launch
+                DispatchQueue.main.asyncAfter(deadline: .now() + 2.0) {
+                    AudioTap.shared.restartCapture()
+                }
+            }
+        }
+        
+        // Also observe app terminations to restart capture
+        NSWorkspace.shared.notificationCenter.addObserver(
+            forName: NSWorkspace.didTerminateApplicationNotification,
+            object: nil,
+            queue: .main
+        ) { notification in
+            guard let app = notification.userInfo?[NSWorkspace.applicationUserInfoKey] as? NSRunningApplication,
+                  let bundleID = app.bundleIdentifier,
+                  targetBundleIDs.contains(bundleID) else { return }
+            
+            // A target music app was terminated, restart capture to update the list
+            if Defaults[.enableRealTimeWaveform] {
+                print("🎵 [AudioTap] Music app terminated: \(bundleID), restarting capture...")
+                AudioTap.shared.restartCapture()
+            }
+        }
+    }
+    
     func applicationWillTerminate(_ notification: Notification) {
         let userInfo: [String: Any] = [
             AtollDistributedNotifications.UserInfoKey.sourcePID: NSNumber(value: ProcessInfo.processInfo.processIdentifier)
@@ -172,6 +224,9 @@ class AppDelegate: NSObject, NSApplicationDelegate {
         extensionXPCServiceHost.stop()
         extensionRPCServer.stop()
         
+        // Stop AudioTap capture
+        AudioTap.shared.stopCapture()
+
         // Restore Lunar's native OSD if integration was active
         LunarManager.shared.appWillTerminate()
     }
@@ -471,6 +526,28 @@ class AppDelegate: NSObject, NSApplicationDelegate {
         // Setup Privacy Indicator Manager (camera and microphone monitoring)
         PrivacyIndicatorManager.shared.startMonitoring()
         
+        // Setup Real-time Audio Waveform capture if enabled
+        if Defaults[.enableRealTimeWaveform] {
+            Task {
+                await AudioTap.shared.startCapture()
+            }
+            setupAudioTapMusicObservers()
+        }
+        
+        // Observe enableRealTimeWaveform changes
+        Defaults.publisher(.enableRealTimeWaveform, options: [])
+            .sink { [weak self] change in
+                if change.newValue {
+                    Task {
+                        await AudioTap.shared.startCapture()
+                    }
+                    self?.setupAudioTapMusicObservers()
+                } else {
+                    AudioTap.shared.stopCapture()
+                }
+            }
+            .store(in: &cancellables)
+        
         // Observe tab changes - use immediate resize to keep the notch pinned
         // Deferred to next run loop tick because @Published fires on willSet,
         // so coordinator.currentView still holds the OLD value at emission time.

DynamicIsland/Info.plist

@@ -7,6 +7,8 @@
 		<key>NSAllowsArbitraryLoads</key>
 		<true/>
 	</dict>
+	<key>NSAudioCaptureUsageDescription</key>
+	<string>Atoll needs audio capture permission to display the real-time music waveform visualizer.</string>
 	<key>NSScreenCaptureUsageDescription</key>
 	<string>Atoll needs screen recording permission to capture screenshots for the AI assistant feature.</string>
 	<key>SUEnableDownloaderService</key>

DynamicIsland/Localizable.xcstrings

@@ -14697,6 +14697,9 @@
           }
         }
       }
+    },
+    "Enable real-time waveform" : {
+
     },
     "Enable reminder live activity" : {
       "localizations" : {
@@ -22984,6 +22987,9 @@
           }
         }
       }
+    },
+    "Music Visualizer" : {
+
     },
     "muted" : {
       "localizations" : {
@@ -37227,6 +37233,9 @@
           }
         }
       }
+    },
+    "When enabled, the music visualizer displays real-time audio spectrum data synced to your music. Requires macOS 14.2+ and uses minimal CPU/GPU resources via the Accelerate framework." : {
+
     },
     "When enabled, the notch slides up and hides on external (non-notch) displays until you hover over it." : {
       "comment" : "A description of the feature that hides the notch on non-notch displays.",

DynamicIsland/audio/AudioBridge.h

@@ -0,0 +1,27 @@
+/*
+ * Atoll (DynamicIsland)
+ * Copyright (C) 2024-2026 Atoll Contributors
+ *
+ * Objective-C bridge to expose C++ AudioProcessor to Swift.
+ *
+ * This program is free software: you can redistribute it and/or modify
+ * it under the terms of the GNU General Public License as published by
+ * the Free Software Foundation, either version 3 of the License, or
+ * (at your option) any later version.
+ */
+
+#import <Foundation/Foundation.h>
+#import <simd/simd.h>
+
+NS_ASSUME_NONNULL_BEGIN
+
+@interface AudioBridge : NSObject
+
+- (void)processBuffer:(const float *)buffer count:(int)count;
+
+// Reads atomically from the processor — safe to call from any thread
+- (simd_float4)getSmoothedMagnitudes;
+
+@end
+
+NS_ASSUME_NONNULL_END

DynamicIsland/audio/AudioBridge.mm

@@ -0,0 +1,47 @@
+/*
+ * Atoll (DynamicIsland)
+ * Copyright (C) 2024-2026 Atoll Contributors
+ *
+ * Objective-C++ implementation bridging AudioProcessor to Swift.
+ *
+ * This program is free software: you can redistribute it and/or modify
+ * it under the terms of the GNU General Public License as published by
+ * the Free Software Foundation, either version 3 of the License, or
+ * (at your option) any later version.
+ */
+
+#import "AudioBridge.h"
+#import "AudioProcessor.hpp"
+
+@implementation AudioBridge {
+    AudioProcessor *processor;
+}
+
+- (instancetype)init {
+    self = [super init];
+    if (self) {
+        processor = new AudioProcessor();
+    }
+    return self;
+}
+
+- (void)processBuffer:(const float *)buffer count:(int)count {
+    processor->process(buffer, count);
+}
+
+- (simd_float4)getSmoothedMagnitudes {
+    // Calls getBand() which does memory_order_relaxed atomic loads —
+    // no heap allocation, safe to call from the render thread
+    return simd_make_float4(
+        processor->getBand(0),
+        processor->getBand(1),
+        processor->getBand(2),
+        processor->getBand(3)
+    );
+}
+
+- (void)dealloc {
+    delete processor;
+}
+
+@end

DynamicIsland/audio/AudioProcessor.cpp

@@ -0,0 +1,11 @@
+/*
+ * Atoll (DynamicIsland)
+ * Copyright (C) 2024-2026 Atoll Contributors
+ *
+ * This program is free software: you can redistribute it and/or modify
+ * it under the terms of the GNU General Public License as published by
+ * the Free Software Foundation, either version 3 of the License, or
+ * (at your option) any later version.
+ */
+
+#include "AudioProcessor.hpp"

DynamicIsland/audio/AudioProcessor.hpp

@@ -0,0 +1,134 @@
+/*
+ * Atoll (DynamicIsland)
+ * Copyright (C) 2024-2026 Atoll Contributors
+ *
+ * Real-time audio processor using Accelerate framework for efficient FFT
+ * and band filtering. Adapted from rtaudio project.
+ *
+ * This program is free software: you can redistribute it and/or modify
+ * it under the terms of the GNU General Public License as published by
+ * the Free Software Foundation, either version 3 of the License, or
+ * (at your option) any later version.
+ */
+
+#ifndef AudioProcessor_hpp
+#define AudioProcessor_hpp
+
+#include <Accelerate/Accelerate.h>
+#include <atomic>
+#include <cmath>
+
+class AudioProcessor {
+private:
+    static constexpr int   kBlockSize = 512;   // lower latency than 1024
+    static constexpr int   kBands     = 4;
+    static constexpr float kAttack    = 0.85f; // fast rise
+    static constexpr float kRelease   = 0.40f; // slower fall — more musical
+    static constexpr float kGains[kBands] = {3.5f, 6.0f, 9.0f, 20.0f};
+
+    float    sampleRate;
+    int      writePos = 0;
+    float    mono[kBlockSize]      = {};
+    float    filtered[kBlockSize]  = {};
+
+    vDSP_biquad_Setup setups[kBands];
+    alignas(16) float delays[kBands][4] = {};
+
+    float envelopes[kBands] = {};
+
+    // Lock-free: audio thread writes, render thread reads
+    // One atomic per band — fits in a cache line
+    alignas(64) std::atomic<float> bandParams[kBands] = {};
+
+public:
+    explicit AudioProcessor(float sr = 48000.0f) : sampleRate(sr) {
+        // Single biquad per band — just enough separation, minimal CPU
+        setupBiquad(0, FilterType::LowPass,  250.0f,  0.707f);
+        setupBiquad(1, FilterType::BandPass, 707.0f,  0.40f);
+        setupBiquad(2, FilterType::BandPass, 3464.0f, 0.85f);
+        setupBiquad(3, FilterType::HighPass, 6000.0f, 0.707f);
+    }
+
+    ~AudioProcessor() {
+        for (int i = 0; i < kBands; ++i)
+            vDSP_biquad_DestroySetup(setups[i]);
+    }
+
+    // Called by CoreAudio — must be real-time safe (no alloc, no locks)
+    void process(const float* __restrict__ buffer, int totalSamples) {
+        if (__builtin_expect(totalSamples <= 0, 0)) return;
+
+        const float* src = buffer;
+        int remaining = totalSamples;
+
+        while (remaining > 0) {
+            int toCopy = std::min(remaining, kBlockSize - writePos);
+            memcpy(mono + writePos, src, toCopy * sizeof(float));
+            writePos  += toCopy;
+            src       += toCopy;
+            remaining -= toCopy;
+
+            if (writePos >= kBlockSize) {
+                processBlock();
+                writePos = 0;
+            }
+        }
+    }
+
+    // Called by render thread — lock-free read
+    float getBand(int i) const {
+        return bandParams[i].load(std::memory_order_relaxed);
+    }
+
+private:
+    enum class FilterType { LowPass, BandPass, HighPass };
+
+    void processBlock() {
+        for (int i = 0; i < kBands; ++i) {
+            vDSP_biquad(setups[i], delays[i], mono, 1, filtered, 1, kBlockSize);
+
+            // RMS over the block — more stable than peak for driving animation
+            float rms = 0.0f;
+            vDSP_rmsqv(filtered, 1, &rms, kBlockSize);
+
+            if (__builtin_expect(!std::isfinite(rms), 0)) rms = 0.0f;
+            
+            float boostedRms = rms * kGains[i];
+            boostedRms = std::min(boostedRms, 1.0f);
+
+            // Asymmetric envelope: attack fast, release slow
+            float prev = envelopes[i];
+            envelopes[i] = (boostedRms > prev)
+                ? prev * (1.0f - kAttack)  + boostedRms * kAttack
+                : prev * (1.0f - kRelease) + boostedRms * kRelease;
+
+            bandParams[i].store(envelopes[i], std::memory_order_relaxed);
+        }
+    }
+
+    void setupBiquad(int idx, FilterType type, float freq, float q) {
+        const double w0    = 2.0 * M_PI * freq / sampleRate;
+        const double sinw  = std::sin(w0);
+        const double cosw  = std::cos(w0);
+        const double alpha = sinw / (2.0 * q);
+
+        double b0, b1, b2;
+        const double a0 =  1.0 + alpha;
+        const double a1 = -2.0 * cosw;
+        const double a2 =  1.0 - alpha;
+
+        switch (type) {
+            case FilterType::LowPass:
+                b0 = (1.0 - cosw) * 0.5; b1 = 1.0 - cosw; b2 = b0; break;
+            case FilterType::HighPass:
+                b0 = (1.0 + cosw) * 0.5; b1 = -(1.0 + cosw); b2 = b0; break;
+            case FilterType::BandPass:
+                b0 = alpha; b1 = 0.0; b2 = -alpha; break;
+        }
+
+        const double coeffs[5] = { b0/a0, b1/a0, b2/a0, a1/a0, a2/a0 };
+        setups[idx] = vDSP_biquad_CreateSetup(coeffs, 1);
+    }
+};
+
+#endif // !AudioProcessor_hpp

DynamicIsland/audio/AudioTap.swift

@@ -0,0 +1,346 @@
+/*
+ * Atoll (DynamicIsland)
+ * Copyright (C) 2024-2026 Atoll Contributors
+ *
+ * CoreAudio tap for capturing real-time audio from music applications.
+ * Uses macOS 14.2+ Process Tap API for efficient audio capture.
+ * Adapted from rtaudio project.
+ *
+ * This program is free software: you can redistribute it and/or modify
+ * it under the terms of the GNU General Public License as published by
+ * the Free Software Foundation, either version 3 of the License, or
+ * (at your option) any later version.
+ */
+
+import AppKit
+import AudioToolbox
+import CoreAudio
+import simd
+import os.log
+
+private let audioTapLog = OSLog(subsystem: "com.atoll.dynamicisland", category: "AudioTap")
+
+// Debug: track callback invocations
+private var callbackCount: Int = 0
+
+// CoreAudio fires this on a high-priority background real-time thread.
+let audioIOProc: AudioDeviceIOProc = {
+    inDevice, inNow, inInputData, inInputTime, outOutputData, inOutputTime, clientData in
+
+    guard let clientData = clientData else { return noErr }
+    let scanner = Unmanaged<AudioTap>.fromOpaque(clientData).takeUnretainedValue()
+
+    if scanner.isPaused { return noErr }
+
+    let mutableInputData = UnsafeMutablePointer(mutating: inInputData)
+    let bufferList = UnsafeMutableAudioBufferListPointer(mutableInputData)
+
+    if let firstBuffer = bufferList.first, let data = firstBuffer.mData {
+        // CoreAudio gives us byte size, divide by 4 (Float size) to get array length
+        let floatCount = Int32(firstBuffer.mDataByteSize) / Int32(MemoryLayout<Float>.size)
+
+        let floatData = data.assumingMemoryBound(to: Float.self)
+
+        // Pass the mono array directly to C++
+        scanner.bridge.processBuffer(floatData, count: floatCount)
+        
+        // Debug: log periodically with audio level info
+        callbackCount += 1
+        if callbackCount % 1000 == 0 {
+            // Calculate max absolute value in buffer to check if audio is present
+            var maxVal: Float = 0.0
+            for i in 0..<Int(floatCount) {
+                let absVal = abs(floatData[i])
+                if absVal > maxVal { maxVal = absVal }
+            }
+            os_log(.debug, log: audioTapLog, "🔊 Audio callback fired %d times, buffer size: %d, max amplitude: %f", callbackCount, floatCount, maxVal)
+            
+            // Also log the current band values from the bridge
+            let mags = scanner.bridge.getSmoothedMagnitudes()
+            os_log(.debug, log: audioTapLog, "🎚️ Bridge magnitudes: [%f, %f, %f, %f]", mags.x, mags.y, mags.z, mags.w)
+        }
+    }
+
+    return noErr
+}
+
+private func getAudioObjectID(for pid: pid_t) -> AudioObjectID? {
+    var audioObjectID: AudioObjectID = kAudioObjectUnknown
+    var pidValue = pid
+
+    var address = AudioObjectPropertyAddress(
+        mSelector: kAudioHardwarePropertyTranslatePIDToProcessObject,
+        mScope: kAudioObjectPropertyScopeGlobal,
+        mElement: kAudioObjectPropertyElementMain
+    )
+
+    var size = UInt32(MemoryLayout<AudioObjectID>.size)
+    let qualifierSize = UInt32(MemoryLayout<pid_t>.size)
+
+    // We query the global system object (kAudioObjectSystemObject)
+    // We pass the PID as the "qualifier", and it returns the AudioObjectID
+    let status = AudioObjectGetPropertyData(
+        AudioObjectID(kAudioObjectSystemObject),
+        &address,
+        qualifierSize,
+        &pidValue,
+        &size,
+        &audioObjectID
+    )
+
+    if status == noErr && audioObjectID != kAudioObjectUnknown {
+        return audioObjectID
+    }
+
+    return nil
+}
+
+/// Singleton class for real-time audio capture from music apps
+class AudioTap: NSObject {
+    static let shared = AudioTap()
+    
+    let bridge = AudioBridge()
+    var isPaused: Bool = false
+    private var displayMagnitudes = simd_float4(0, 0, 0, 0)
+
+    // CoreAudio stuff
+    private var tapID: AudioObjectID = kAudioObjectUnknown
+    private var aggregateDeviceID: AudioObjectID = kAudioObjectUnknown
+    private var ioProcID: AudioDeviceIOProcID? = nil
+    private var captureIsRunning = false
+    
+    // Serial queue to prevent race conditions
+    private let audioQueue = DispatchQueue(label: "com.atoll.audiotap", qos: .userInitiated)
+    
+    // Debounce restart requests
+    private var pendingRestartWorkItem: DispatchWorkItem?
+
+    private let targetBundleIDs = [
+        "com.apple.Music",
+        "com.spotify.client",
+        "com.apple.Safari",
+        "com.tidal.desktop",
+        "tv.plex.plexamp",
+        "com.roon.Roon",
+        "com.audirvana.Audirvana-Studio",
+        "com.vox.vox",
+        "com.coppertino.Vox",
+    ]
+
+    private override init() {
+        super.init()
+    }
+
+    // Helper function to smooth out the magnitudes for prettifying purposes
+    func getSmoothedMagnitudes() -> simd_float4 {
+        // Zero bridging overhead. Just passing 16 bytes of memory.
+        let targetLevels = bridge.getSmoothedMagnitudes()
+
+        let smoothingFactor: Float = 0.4
+
+        // Vector math! This does all 4 calculations simultaneously.
+        let difference = targetLevels - displayMagnitudes
+        displayMagnitudes += difference * smoothingFactor
+
+        return displayMagnitudes
+    }
+
+    func startCapture() async {
+        await withCheckedContinuation { continuation in
+            audioQueue.async { [weak self] in
+                self?.startCaptureSync()
+                continuation.resume()
+            }
+        }
+    }
+    
+    private func startCaptureSync() {
+        guard !captureIsRunning else {
+            print("⚠️ [AudioTap] Capture already running, skipping start")
+            return
+        }
+
+        let runningApps = NSWorkspace.shared.runningApplications
+        var targetPIDs: [AudioDeviceID] = []
+
+        for app in runningApps {
+            if let bundleID = app.bundleIdentifier, targetBundleIDs.contains(bundleID) {
+                if let deviceID = getAudioObjectID(for: app.processIdentifier) {
+                    targetPIDs.append(deviceID)
+                    print("🎯 [AudioTap] Found \(app.localizedName ?? "App") with PID: \(app.processIdentifier), AudioObjectID: \(deviceID)")
+                }
+            }
+        }
+
+        if targetPIDs.isEmpty {
+            print("⚠️ [AudioTap] None of our target apps are running right now.")
+            return
+        }
+
+        let description = CATapDescription()
+        description.processes = targetPIDs
+        description.isMixdown = true
+        description.isMono = true
+        
+        print("📋 [AudioTap] Creating tap for \(targetPIDs.count) processes: \(targetPIDs)")
+
+        tapID = AudioObjectID(kAudioObjectUnknown)
+        var status = AudioHardwareCreateProcessTap(description, &tapID)
+        guard status == noErr else {
+            print("🛑 [AudioTap] Tap Error: \(status) (\(fourCharCodeToString(status)))")
+            return
+        }
+        print("✅ [AudioTap] Created process tap with ID: \(tapID)")
+
+        // Get the tap's unique hardware UID
+        var tapUID: CFString = "" as CFString
+        var propertySize = UInt32(MemoryLayout<CFString>.stride)
+        var propertyAddress = AudioObjectPropertyAddress(
+            mSelector: kAudioTapPropertyUID,
+            mScope: kAudioObjectPropertyScopeGlobal,
+            mElement: kAudioObjectPropertyElementMain
+        )
+
+        status = withUnsafeMutablePointer(to: &tapUID) { uidPtr in
+            AudioObjectGetPropertyData(tapID, &propertyAddress, 0, nil, &propertySize, uidPtr)
+        }
+        guard status == noErr else {
+            print("🛑 [AudioTap] UID Error: \(status) (\(fourCharCodeToString(status)))")
+            cleanupPartialSetup()
+            return
+        }
+        print("✅ [AudioTap] Got tap UID: \(tapUID)")
+
+        // Create the Aggregate Device (a "virtual microphone" that we can route the tap into)
+        let tapList = [[kAudioSubTapUIDKey: tapUID]]
+        let aggregateDict: [String: Any] = [
+            kAudioAggregateDeviceNameKey: "Atoll_Virtual_Tap",
+            kAudioAggregateDeviceUIDKey: UUID().uuidString,
+            kAudioAggregateDeviceIsPrivateKey: true,  // Hides it from the user's sound settings
+            kAudioAggregateDeviceTapListKey: tapList,
+        ]
+
+        aggregateDeviceID = AudioObjectID(kAudioObjectUnknown)
+        status = AudioHardwareCreateAggregateDevice(
+            aggregateDict as CFDictionary, &aggregateDeviceID)
+        guard status == noErr else {
+            print("🛑 [AudioTap] Aggregate Error: \(status) (\(fourCharCodeToString(status)))")
+            cleanupPartialSetup()
+            return
+        }
+        print("✅ [AudioTap] Created aggregate device with ID: \(aggregateDeviceID)")
+
+        // Bind the Callback to the device
+        let selfPointer = Unmanaged.passUnretained(self).toOpaque()
+        status = AudioDeviceCreateIOProcID(aggregateDeviceID, audioIOProc, selfPointer, &ioProcID)
+
+        guard status == noErr, let validIOProcID = ioProcID else {
+            print("🛑 [AudioTap] IOProc Error: \(status) (\(fourCharCodeToString(status)))")
+            cleanupPartialSetup()
+            return
+        }
+        print("✅ [AudioTap] Created IO proc")
+
+        // Start listening
+        status = AudioDeviceStart(aggregateDeviceID, validIOProcID)
+        guard status == noErr else {
+            print("🛑 [AudioTap] Start Error: \(status) (\(fourCharCodeToString(status)))")
+            cleanupPartialSetup()
+            return
+        }
+
+        captureIsRunning = true
+        callbackCount = 0
+        print("🟢 [AudioTap] CoreAudio CATap flowing through Aggregate Device!")
+    }
+    
+    private func cleanupPartialSetup() {
+        if let validIOProcID = ioProcID, aggregateDeviceID != kAudioObjectUnknown {
+            AudioDeviceDestroyIOProcID(aggregateDeviceID, validIOProcID)
+        }
+        if aggregateDeviceID != kAudioObjectUnknown {
+            AudioHardwareDestroyAggregateDevice(aggregateDeviceID)
+        }
+        if tapID != kAudioObjectUnknown {
+            AudioHardwareDestroyProcessTap(tapID)
+        }
+        tapID = kAudioObjectUnknown
+        aggregateDeviceID = kAudioObjectUnknown
+        ioProcID = nil
+    }
+
+    func restartCapture() {
+        // Cancel any pending restart
+        pendingRestartWorkItem?.cancel()
+        
+        // Debounce: wait 500ms before actually restarting
+        let workItem = DispatchWorkItem { [weak self] in
+            self?.audioQueue.async {
+                print("🔄 [AudioTap] Restarting capture...")
+                self?.stopCaptureSync()
+                // Small delay to let CoreAudio fully release resources
+                Thread.sleep(forTimeInterval: 0.1)
+                self?.startCaptureSync()
+            }
+        }
+        pendingRestartWorkItem = workItem
+        DispatchQueue.main.asyncAfter(deadline: .now() + 0.5, execute: workItem)
+    }
+
+    func stopCapture() {
+        audioQueue.sync { [weak self] in
+            self?.stopCaptureSync()
+        }
+    }
+    
+    private func stopCaptureSync() {
+        guard captureIsRunning else { return }
+
+        // Stop listening
+        if let validIOProcID = ioProcID, aggregateDeviceID != kAudioObjectUnknown {
+            AudioDeviceStop(aggregateDeviceID, validIOProcID)
+            AudioDeviceDestroyIOProcID(aggregateDeviceID, validIOProcID)
+        }
+
+        // Destroy resources
+        if aggregateDeviceID != kAudioObjectUnknown {
+            AudioHardwareDestroyAggregateDevice(aggregateDeviceID)
+        }
+
+        if tapID != kAudioObjectUnknown {
+            AudioHardwareDestroyProcessTap(tapID)
+        }
+
+        tapID = kAudioObjectUnknown
+        aggregateDeviceID = kAudioObjectUnknown
+        ioProcID = nil
+        captureIsRunning = false
+        
+        // Reset display magnitudes
+        displayMagnitudes = simd_float4(0, 0, 0, 0)
+
+        print("🔴 [AudioTap] CoreAudio CATap capture stopped")
+    }
+    
+    var isCapturing: Bool {
+        captureIsRunning
+    }
+
+    deinit {
+        stopCaptureSync()
+    }
+}
+
+// Helper to convert OSStatus to readable string
+private func fourCharCodeToString(_ code: OSStatus) -> String {
+    let bytes = [
+        UInt8((code >> 24) & 0xFF),
+        UInt8((code >> 16) & 0xFF),
+        UInt8((code >> 8) & 0xFF),
+        UInt8(code & 0xFF)
+    ]
+    if bytes.allSatisfy({ $0 >= 32 && $0 < 127 }) {
+        return String(bytes: bytes, encoding: .ascii) ?? "????"
+    }
+    return String(code)
+}

DynamicIsland/audio/AudioVisualizerView.swift

@@ -0,0 +1,35 @@
+/*
+ * Atoll (DynamicIsland)
+ * Copyright (C) 2024-2026 Atoll Contributors
+ *
+ * Unified audio visualizer that conditionally uses real-time audio spectrum
+ * or the original animated spectrum based on user preference.
+ *
+ * This program is free software: you can redistribute it and/or modify
+ * it under the terms of the GNU General Public License as published by
+ * the Free Software Foundation, either version 3 of the License, or
+ * (at your option) any later version.
+ */
+
+import SwiftUI
+import Defaults
+
+/// Unified audio visualizer view that switches between real-time and animated based on user preference
+struct AudioVisualizerView: View {
+    @Binding var isPlaying: Bool
+    @Default(.enableRealTimeWaveform) private var enableRealTimeWaveform
+    
+    var body: some View {
+        if enableRealTimeWaveform {
+            RealTimeAudioSpectrumView(isPlaying: $isPlaying)
+        } else {
+            AudioSpectrumView(isPlaying: $isPlaying)
+        }
+    }
+}
+
+#Preview("Animated") {
+    AudioVisualizerView(isPlaying: .constant(true))
+        .frame(width: 16, height: 20)
+        .padding()
+}

DynamicIsland/audio/RealTimeAudioSpectrum.swift

@@ -0,0 +1,161 @@
+/*
+ * Atoll (DynamicIsland)
+ * Copyright (C) 2024-2026 Atoll Contributors
+ *
+ * Real-time audio spectrum visualization using CoreAudio tap data.
+ * Adapted from rtaudio project.
+ *
+ * This program is free software: you can redistribute it and/or modify
+ * it under the terms of the GNU General Public License as published by
+ * the Free Software Foundation, either version 3 of the License, or
+ * (at your option) any later version.
+ */
+
+import AppKit
+import Cocoa
+import SwiftUI
+import simd
+
+/// NSView-based real-time audio spectrum visualizer
+class RealTimeAudioSpectrum: NSView {
+    private var barLayers: [CAShapeLayer] = []
+    private var isPlaying: Bool = true
+    private var animationTimer: Timer?
+    
+    override init(frame frameRect: NSRect) {
+        super.init(frame: frameRect)
+        wantsLayer = true
+        setupBars()
+    }
+
+    deinit {
+        stopAnimating()
+    }
+    
+    required init?(coder: NSCoder) {
+        super.init(coder: coder)
+        wantsLayer = true
+        setupBars()
+    }
+
+    private func setupBars() {
+        let barWidth: CGFloat = 2
+        let barCount = 4
+        let spacing: CGFloat = barWidth
+        let totalWidth = CGFloat(barCount) * (barWidth + spacing)
+        let totalHeight: CGFloat = 14
+        frame.size = CGSize(width: totalWidth, height: totalHeight)
+
+        for i in 0 ..< barCount {
+            let xPosition = CGFloat(i) * (barWidth + spacing)
+            let barLayer = CAShapeLayer()
+            barLayer.frame = CGRect(x: xPosition, y: 0, width: barWidth, height: totalHeight)
+            barLayer.position = CGPoint(x: xPosition + barWidth / 2, y: totalHeight / 2)
+            barLayer.fillColor = NSColor.white.cgColor
+            
+            let path = NSBezierPath(roundedRect: CGRect(x: 0, y: 0, width: barWidth, height: totalHeight),
+                                    xRadius: barWidth / 2,
+                                    yRadius: barWidth / 2)
+            barLayer.path = path.cgPath
+            
+            barLayers.append(barLayer)
+            layer?.addSublayer(barLayer)
+        }
+    }
+    
+    override func viewDidMoveToWindow() {
+        super.viewDidMoveToWindow()
+        if window == nil {
+            stopAnimating()
+        } else if isPlaying {
+            startAnimating()
+        }
+    }
+
+    private func startAnimating() {
+        guard animationTimer == nil else { return }
+        // Use a timer at ~30fps for smooth animation
+        animationTimer = Timer.scheduledTimer(withTimeInterval: 1.0/30.0, repeats: true) { [weak self] _ in
+            self?.updateBarsFromAudio()
+        }
+    }
+    
+    private func stopAnimating() {
+        animationTimer?.invalidate()
+        animationTimer = nil
+        resetBars()
+    }
+    
+    private var debugLogCounter = 0
+    
+    private func updateBarsFromAudio() {
+        guard isPlaying else {
+            resetBars()
+            return
+        }
+        
+        // Get real-time magnitudes from AudioTap
+        let magnitudes = AudioTap.shared.getSmoothedMagnitudes()
+        
+        // Debug: log magnitudes periodically
+        debugLogCounter += 1
+        if debugLogCounter % 60 == 0 { // Every 2 seconds at 30fps
+            print("📊 [Spectrum] Magnitudes: [\(magnitudes.x), \(magnitudes.y), \(magnitudes.z), \(magnitudes.w)]")
+        }
+        
+        // Update each bar with its corresponding band magnitude
+        for (index, barLayer) in barLayers.enumerated() {
+            let magnitude = magnitudes[index]
+            // Map magnitude (0-1) to scale (0.2 - 1.0) for visual appeal
+            let scale = max(0.2, min(1.0, CGFloat(magnitude) * 1.5 + 0.2))
+            
+            CATransaction.begin()
+            CATransaction.setDisableActions(true)
+            barLayer.transform = CATransform3DMakeScale(1, scale, 1)
+            CATransaction.commit()
+        }
+    }
+    
+    private func resetBars() {
+        for barLayer in barLayers {
+            CATransaction.begin()
+            CATransaction.setDisableActions(true)
+            barLayer.transform = CATransform3DMakeScale(1, 0.2, 1)
+            CATransaction.commit()
+        }
+    }
+    
+    func setPlaying(_ playing: Bool) {
+        isPlaying = playing
+        if isPlaying {
+            startAnimating()
+        } else {
+            stopAnimating()
+        }
+    }
+}
+
+/// SwiftUI wrapper for RealTimeAudioSpectrum
+struct RealTimeAudioSpectrumView: NSViewRepresentable {
+    @Binding var isPlaying: Bool
+    
+    func makeNSView(context: Context) -> RealTimeAudioSpectrum {
+        let spectrum = RealTimeAudioSpectrum()
+        spectrum.setPlaying(isPlaying)
+        return spectrum
+    }
+    
+    func updateNSView(_ nsView: RealTimeAudioSpectrum, context: Context) {
+        nsView.setPlaying(isPlaying)
+    }
+
+    static func dismantleNSView(_ nsView: RealTimeAudioSpectrum, coordinator: ()) {
+        nsView.setPlaying(false)
+    }
+}
+
+#Preview {
+    RealTimeAudioSpectrumView(isPlaying: .constant(true))
+        .frame(width: 16, height: 20)
+        .padding()
+}

DynamicIsland/components/Extensions/ExtensionRenderingHelpers.swift

@@ -476,7 +476,7 @@ struct ExtensionEdgeContentView: View {
                 .fill((colorDescriptor.isAccent ? accent : colorDescriptor.swiftUIColor).gradient)
                 .frame(width: 48, height: 14)
                 .mask {
-                    AudioSpectrumView(isPlaying: .constant(true))
+                    AudioVisualizerView(isPlaying: .constant(true))
                         .frame(width: 16, height: 12)
                 }
         case let .animation(data, size):

DynamicIsland/components/LockScreen/LockScreenMusicPanel.swift

@@ -326,7 +326,7 @@ struct LockScreenMusicPanel: View {
             Rectangle()
                 .fill(Defaults[.coloredSpectrogram] ? Color(nsColor: musicManager.avgColor).gradient : Color.gray.gradient)
                 .mask {
-                    AudioSpectrumView(isPlaying: .constant(musicManager.isPlaying))
+                    AudioVisualizerView(isPlaying: .constant(musicManager.isPlaying))
                         .frame(width: width, height: height)
                 }
                 .frame(width: width, height: height)

DynamicIsland/components/MinimalisticMusicView.swift

@@ -110,7 +110,7 @@ struct MinimalisticMusicView: View {
                 .fill(Defaults[.coloredSpectrogram] ? Color(nsColor: musicManager.avgColor).gradient : Color.gray.gradient)
                 .frame(width: 50, alignment: .center)
                 .mask {
-                    AudioSpectrumView(isPlaying: $musicManager.isPlaying)
+                    AudioVisualizerView(isPlaying: $musicManager.isPlaying)
                         .frame(width: 16, height: 12)
                 }
                 .frame(width: max(0, vm.effectiveClosedNotchHeight - (isHovering ? 0 : 12)),

DynamicIsland/components/Notch/MinimalisticMusicPlayerView.swift

@@ -640,7 +640,7 @@ private struct MinimalisticReminderDetailsView: View {
         Rectangle()
             .fill(Defaults[.coloredSpectrogram] ? Color(nsColor: MusicManager.shared.avgColor).gradient : Color.gray.gradient)
             .mask {
-                AudioSpectrumView(isPlaying: .constant(MusicManager.shared.isPlaying))
+                AudioVisualizerView(isPlaying: .constant(MusicManager.shared.isPlaying))
                     .frame(width: 20, height: 16)
             }
             .frame(width: 20, height: 16)

DynamicIsland/components/Settings/SettingsView.swift

@@ -2615,6 +2615,20 @@ struct Media: View {
                 Text("Media playback live activity")
             }
 
+            Section {
+                Defaults.Toggle(key: .enableRealTimeWaveform) {
+                    HStack {
+                        Text("Enable real-time waveform")
+                        customBadge(text: "Beta")
+                    }
+                }
+                .settingsHighlight(id: highlightID("Enable real-time waveform"))
+            } header: {
+                Text("Music Visualizer")
+            } footer: {
+                Text("When enabled, the music visualizer displays real-time audio spectrum data synced to your music. Requires macOS 14.2+ and uses minimal CPU/GPU resources via the Accelerate framework.")
+            }
+
             Section {
                 Defaults.Toggle(key: .enableLockScreenMediaWidget) {
                     Text("Show lock screen media panel")

DynamicIsland/models/Constants.swift

@@ -774,6 +774,7 @@ extension Defaults.Keys {
     
         // MARK: Media playback
     static let coloredSpectrogram = Key<Bool>("coloredSpectrogram", default: true)
+    static let enableRealTimeWaveform = Key<Bool>("enableRealTimeWaveform", default: false)
     static let enableSneakPeek = Key<Bool>("enableSneakPeek", default: false)
     static let sneakPeekStyles = Key<SneakPeekStyle>("sneakPeekStyles", default: .standard)
     static let showSneakPeekOnTrackChange = Key<Bool>("showSneakPeekOnTrackChange", default: true)