Rivendell review
A focused Linux system for automated radio audio playout, scheduling, and podcast management.
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
Rivendell is an open-source radio broadcast automation system for broadcasters that need structured audio acquisition, library management, scheduling, and on-air playout. It runs on GNU/Linux and can be installed as a standalone, server, or client system on dedicated hardware. Its scope suits stations building an automated audio operation, with additional tools for voice tracking, log editing, live assist, recording, and podcast episode management.
The workflow depth is centered on radio operations rather than general live production. Rivendell supports automated audio playout, event scheduling, automatic recording, customizable program logs, and SoundPanel arrays for live-assist operation. It also handles PCM16, PCM24, and MPEG Layer 2 audio, while podcast episode posting and management extend the system beyond the live broadcast itself. These features make it a strong fit for stations that need repeatable scheduling and a managed audio library, especially when automation is more important than visual production.
Its ecosystem includes AudioScience audio adapters, JACK Audio Connection Kit, MySQL, and third-party traffic and music scheduling systems. The open-source model and GNU General Public License version 2 make Rivendell suitable for organizations that want free software and the ability to operate a radio-focused system on Linux hardware. Choose it for automated audio broadcasting, live assist, and related podcast workflows. Choose an alternative when the central requirement is live video streaming, multistreaming, or browser-based production.
Rivendell pros and cons
- Where it wins
- Automates scheduling, recording, and audio playout for radio workflows
- Supports voice tracking, customizable program logs, and live-assist operation
- Connects with AudioScience, JACK, MySQL, and scheduling systems
- Where it doesn't
- Runs on GNU/Linux rather than a broader set of platforms
- Focuses on audio radio automation, not end-to-end live video streaming
- Does not provide documented multistreaming or browser-based production
Rivendell fact sheet, pricing and score →
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