diff --git a/src/audio/CMakeLists.txt b/src/audio/CMakeLists.txt
index d4c89214..6ad35f8f 100644
--- a/src/audio/CMakeLists.txt
+++ b/src/audio/CMakeLists.txt
@@ -1,7 +1,7 @@
 idf_component_register(
   SRCS "audio_decoder.cpp" "audio_task.cpp" "chunk.cpp" "fatfs_audio_input.cpp"
   "stream_message.cpp" "i2s_audio_output.cpp" "stream_buffer.cpp"
-  "audio_playback.cpp" "stream_event.cpp" "audio_element.cpp"
+  "audio_playback.cpp" "stream_event.cpp" "audio_element.cpp" "pipeline.cpp"
   INCLUDE_DIRS "include"
   REQUIRES "codecs" "drivers" "cbor" "result" "tasks" "span" "memory")
 
diff --git a/src/audio/audio_decoder.cpp b/src/audio/audio_decoder.cpp
index 9879b042..f8614478 100644
--- a/src/audio/audio_decoder.cpp
+++ b/src/audio/audio_decoder.cpp
@@ -2,13 +2,16 @@
 
 #include <string.h>
 
+#include <algorithm>
 #include <cstddef>
 #include <cstdint>
 #include <memory>
 
+#include "cbor/tinycbor/src/cborinternal_p.h"
 #include "freertos/FreeRTOS.h"
 
 #include "esp_heap_caps.h"
+#include "esp_log.h"
 #include "freertos/message_buffer.h"
 #include "freertos/portmacro.h"
 
@@ -21,126 +24,106 @@ namespace audio {
 
 static const char* kTag = "DEC";
 
-static const std::size_t kChunkSize = 1024;
-static const std::size_t kReadahead = 8;
-
 AudioDecoder::AudioDecoder()
     : IAudioElement(),
-      arena_(kChunkSize, kReadahead, MALLOC_CAP_SPIRAM),
       stream_info_({}),
       has_samples_to_send_(false),
       needs_more_input_(true) {}
 
 AudioDecoder::~AudioDecoder() {}
 
-auto AudioDecoder::HasUnprocessedInput() -> bool {
-  return !needs_more_input_ || has_samples_to_send_;
-}
-
-auto AudioDecoder::IsOverBuffered() -> bool {
-  return arena_.BlocksFree() == 0;
-}
-
-auto AudioDecoder::ProcessStreamInfo(const StreamInfo& info) -> void {
-  stream_info_ = info;
-
-  if (info.chunk_size) {
-    chunk_reader_.emplace(info.chunk_size.value());
-  } else {
-    ESP_LOGE(kTag, "no chunk size given");
-    return;
+auto AudioDecoder::ProcessStreamInfo(const StreamInfo& info) -> bool {
+  if (!std::holds_alternative<StreamInfo::Encoded>(info.data)) {
+    return false;
   }
+  const auto& encoded = std::get<StreamInfo::Encoded>(info.data);
 
   // Reuse the existing codec if we can. This will help with gapless playback,
   // since we can potentially just continue to decode as we were before,
   // without any setup overhead.
+  // TODO: use audio type from stream
   if (current_codec_ != nullptr &&
-      current_codec_->CanHandleFile(info.path.value_or(""))) {
+      current_codec_->CanHandleType(encoded.type)) {
     current_codec_->ResetForNewStream();
-    return;
+    return true;
   }
 
-  auto result = codecs::CreateCodecForFile(info.path.value_or(""));
+  // TODO: use audio type from stream
+  auto result = codecs::CreateCodecForType(encoded.type);
   if (result.has_value()) {
     current_codec_ = std::move(result.value());
   } else {
     ESP_LOGE(kTag, "no codec for this file");
-    return;
-  }
-
-  stream_info_ = info;
-  has_sent_stream_info_ = false;
-}
-
-auto AudioDecoder::ProcessChunk(const cpp::span<std::byte>& chunk) -> void {
-  if (current_codec_ == nullptr || !chunk_reader_) {
-    // Should never happen, but fail explicitly anyway.
-    ESP_LOGW(kTag, "received chunk without chunk size or codec");
-    return;
+    return false;
   }
 
-  ESP_LOGI(kTag, "received new chunk (size %u)", chunk.size());
-  current_codec_->SetInput(chunk_reader_->HandleNewData(chunk));
-  needs_more_input_ = false;
+  return true;
 }
 
-auto AudioDecoder::ProcessEndOfStream() -> void {
-  has_samples_to_send_ = false;
-  needs_more_input_ = true;
-  current_codec_.reset();
+auto AudioDecoder::Process(std::vector<Stream>* inputs, MutableStream* output)
+    -> void {
+  // We don't really expect multiple inputs, so just pick the first that
+  // contains data. If none of them contain data, then we can still flush
+  // pending samples.
+  auto input =
+      std::find_if(inputs->begin(), inputs->end(),
+                   [](const Stream& s) { return s.data.size_bytes() > 0; });
+
+  if (input != inputs->end()) {
+    const StreamInfo* info = input->info;
+    if (!stream_info_ || *stream_info_ != *info) {
+      // The input stream has changed! Immediately throw everything away and
+      // start from scratch.
+      // TODO: special case gapless playback? needs thought.
+      stream_info_ = *info;
+      has_samples_to_send_ = false;
+      has_set_stream_info_ = false;
+
+      ProcessStreamInfo(*info);
+    }
 
-  SendOrBufferEvent(std::unique_ptr<StreamEvent>(
-      StreamEvent::CreateEndOfStream(input_events_)));
-}
+    current_codec_->SetInput(input->data);
+  }
 
-auto AudioDecoder::Process() -> void {
-  if (has_samples_to_send_) {
-    // Writing samples is relatively quick (it's just a bunch of memcopy's), so
-    // do them all at once.
-    while (has_samples_to_send_ && !IsOverBuffered()) {
-      if (!has_sent_stream_info_) {
-        has_sent_stream_info_ = true;
+  while (true) {
+    if (has_samples_to_send_) {
+      if (!has_set_stream_info_) {
+        has_set_stream_info_ = true;
         auto format = current_codec_->GetOutputFormat();
-        stream_info_->bits_per_sample = format.bits_per_sample;
-        stream_info_->sample_rate = format.sample_rate_hz;
-        stream_info_->channels = format.num_channels;
-        stream_info_->chunk_size = kChunkSize;
-
-        auto event =
-            StreamEvent::CreateStreamInfo(input_events_, *stream_info_);
-        SendOrBufferEvent(std::unique_ptr<StreamEvent>(event));
-      }
-
-      auto block = arena_.Acquire();
-      if (!block) {
-        return;
+        output->info->data.emplace<StreamInfo::Pcm>(
+            format.bits_per_sample, format.sample_rate_hz, format.num_channels);
       }
 
-      auto write_res =
-          current_codec_->WriteOutputSamples({block->start, block->size});
-      block->used_size = write_res.first;
+      auto write_res = current_codec_->WriteOutputSamples(
+          output->data.subspan(output->info->bytes_in_stream));
+      output->info->bytes_in_stream += write_res.first;
       has_samples_to_send_ = !write_res.second;
 
-      auto chunk = std::unique_ptr<StreamEvent>(
-          StreamEvent::CreateArenaChunk(input_events_, *block));
-      if (!SendOrBufferEvent(std::move(chunk))) {
-        return;
+      if (has_samples_to_send_) {
+        // We weren't able to fit all the generated samples into the output
+        // buffer. Stop trying; we'll finish up during the next pass.
+        break;
       }
     }
-    // We will process the next frame during the next call to this method.
-  }
-
-  if (!needs_more_input_) {
-    auto res = current_codec_->ProcessNextFrame();
-    if (res.has_error()) {
-      // TODO(jacqueline): Handle errors.
-      return;
-    }
-    needs_more_input_ = res.value();
-    has_samples_to_send_ = true;
 
-    if (needs_more_input_) {
-      chunk_reader_->HandleBytesUsed(current_codec_->GetInputPosition());
+    if (input != inputs->end()) {
+      auto res = current_codec_->ProcessNextFrame();
+      if (res.has_error()) {
+        // TODO(jacqueline): Handle errors.
+        return;
+      }
+      input->data = input->data.subspan(current_codec_->GetInputPosition());
+
+      if (res.value()) {
+        // We're out of data in this buffer. Finish immediately; there's nothing
+        // to send.
+        break;
+      } else {
+        has_samples_to_send_ = true;
+      }
+    } else {
+      // No input; nothing to do.
+      break;
     }
   }
 }
diff --git a/src/audio/audio_playback.cpp b/src/audio/audio_playback.cpp
index c95a5d63..613f629c 100644
--- a/src/audio/audio_playback.cpp
+++ b/src/audio/audio_playback.cpp
@@ -13,6 +13,7 @@
 #include "fatfs_audio_input.hpp"
 #include "gpio_expander.hpp"
 #include "i2s_audio_output.hpp"
+#include "pipeline.hpp"
 #include "storage.hpp"
 #include "stream_buffer.hpp"
 #include "stream_info.hpp"
@@ -20,11 +21,10 @@
 
 namespace audio {
 
-auto AudioPlayback::create(drivers::GpioExpander* expander,
-                           std::shared_ptr<drivers::SdStorage> storage)
+auto AudioPlayback::create(drivers::GpioExpander* expander)
     -> cpp::result<std::unique_ptr<AudioPlayback>, Error> {
   // Create everything
-  auto source = std::make_shared<FatfsAudioInput>(storage);
+  auto source = std::make_shared<FatfsAudioInput>();
   auto codec = std::make_shared<AudioDecoder>();
 
   auto sink_res = I2SAudioOutput::create(expander);
@@ -35,41 +35,47 @@ auto AudioPlayback::create(drivers::GpioExpander* expander,
 
   auto playback = std::make_unique<AudioPlayback>();
 
-  // Configure the pipeline
-  playback->ConnectElements(source.get(), codec.get());
-  playback->ConnectElements(codec.get(), sink.get());
+  Pipeline *pipeline = new Pipeline(sink.get());
+  pipeline->AddInput(codec.get())->AddInput(source.get());
 
-  // Launch!
-  StartAudioTask("src", {}, source);
-  StartAudioTask("dec", {}, codec);
-  StartAudioTask("sink", 0, sink);
-
-  playback->input_handle_ = source->InputEventQueue();
+  task::Start(pipeline);
 
   return playback;
 }
 
-AudioPlayback::AudioPlayback() {}
+AudioPlayback::AudioPlayback() {
+  // Create everything
+  auto source = std::make_shared<FatfsAudioInput>();
+  auto codec = std::make_shared<AudioDecoder>();
 
-AudioPlayback::~AudioPlayback() {}
+  auto sink_res = I2SAudioOutput::create(expander);
+  if (sink_res.has_error()) {
+    return cpp::fail(ERR_INIT_ELEMENT);
+  }
+  auto sink = sink_res.value();
 
-auto AudioPlayback::Play(const std::string& filename) -> void {
-  StreamInfo info;
-  info.path = filename;
-  auto event = StreamEvent::CreateStreamInfo(input_handle_, info);
-  xQueueSend(input_handle_, &event, portMAX_DELAY);
-  event = StreamEvent::CreateEndOfStream(input_handle_);
-  xQueueSend(input_handle_, &event, portMAX_DELAY);
+  auto playback = std::make_unique<AudioPlayback>();
+
+  Pipeline *pipeline = new Pipeline(sink.get());
+  pipeline->AddInput(codec.get())->AddInput(source.get());
+
+  task::Start(pipeline);
+
+  return playback;
 }
 
-auto AudioPlayback::LogStatus() -> void {
-  auto event = StreamEvent::CreateLogStatus();
-  xQueueSendToFront(input_handle_, &event, portMAX_DELAY);
+AudioPlayback::~AudioPlayback() {
+  pipeline_->Quit();
 }
 
-auto AudioPlayback::ConnectElements(IAudioElement* src, IAudioElement* sink)
-    -> void {
-  src->OutputEventQueue(sink->InputEventQueue());
+auto AudioPlayback::Play(const std::string& filename) -> void {
+  // TODO: concurrency, yo!
+  file_source->OpenFile(filename);
+  pipeline_->Play();
+}
+
+auto AudioPlayback::LogStatus() -> void {
+  // TODO.
 }
 
 }  // namespace audio
diff --git a/src/audio/audio_task.cpp b/src/audio/audio_task.cpp
index ce6d724e..542bada8 100644
--- a/src/audio/audio_task.cpp
+++ b/src/audio/audio_task.cpp
@@ -2,16 +2,20 @@
 
 #include <stdlib.h>
 
+#include <algorithm>
+#include <cstddef>
 #include <cstdint>
 #include <deque>
 #include <memory>
 
 #include "cbor.h"
+#include "esp_err.h"
 #include "esp_heap_caps.h"
 #include "esp_log.h"
 #include "freertos/portmacro.h"
 #include "freertos/projdefs.h"
 #include "freertos/queue.h"
+#include "pipeline.hpp"
 #include "span.hpp"
 
 #include "arena.hpp"
@@ -25,25 +29,26 @@
 
 namespace audio {
 
+namespace task {
+
 static const char* kTag = "task";
+static const std::size_t kStackSize = 24 * 1024;
+static const uint8_t kAudioCore = 0;
 
-auto StartAudioTask(const std::string& name,
-                    std::optional<BaseType_t> core_id,
-                    std::shared_ptr<IAudioElement> element) -> void {
-  auto task_handle = std::make_unique<TaskHandle_t>();
+auto Start(Pipeline* pipeline) -> Handle* {
+  auto input_queue = xQueueCreate(8, 1);
 
   // Newly created task will free this.
-  AudioTaskArgs* args = new AudioTaskArgs{.element = element};
-
-  ESP_LOGI(kTag, "starting audio task %s", name.c_str());
-  if (core_id) {
-    xTaskCreatePinnedToCore(&AudioTaskMain, name.c_str(),
-                            element->StackSizeBytes(), args, kTaskPriorityAudio,
-                            task_handle.get(), *core_id);
-  } else {
-    xTaskCreate(&AudioTaskMain, name.c_str(), element->StackSizeBytes(), args,
-                kTaskPriorityAudio, task_handle.get());
-  }
+  AudioTaskArgs* args = new AudioTaskArgs{
+      .pipeline = pipeline,
+      .input = input_queue,
+  };
+
+  ESP_LOGI(kTag, "starting audio task");
+  xTaskCreatePinnedToCore(&AudioTaskMain, "pipeline", kStackSize, args,
+                          kTaskPriorityAudio, NULL, kAudioCore);
+
+  return new Handle(input_queue);
 }
 
 void AudioTaskMain(void* args) {
@@ -51,113 +56,88 @@ void AudioTaskMain(void* args) {
   // called before the task quits.
   {
     AudioTaskArgs* real_args = reinterpret_cast<AudioTaskArgs*>(args);
-    std::shared_ptr<IAudioElement> element = std::move(real_args->element);
+    std::unique_ptr<Pipeline> pipeline(real_args->pipeline);
+    QueueHandle_t input;
+    StreamBufferHandle_t output;
     delete real_args;
 
-    // Queue of events that we have received on our input queue, but not yet
-    // processed.
-    std::deque<std::unique_ptr<StreamEvent>> pending_events;
-
-    // TODO(jacqueline): quit event
-    while (true) {
-      // First, we pull events from our input queue into pending_events. This
-      // keeps us responsive to any events that need to be handled immediately.
-      // Then we check if there's any events to flush downstream.
-      // Then we pass anything requiring processing to the element.
-
-      bool has_work_to_do =
-          (!pending_events.empty() || element->HasUnflushedOutput() ||
-           element->HasUnprocessedInput()) &&
-          !element->IsOverBuffered();
-
-      if (has_work_to_do) {
-        ESP_LOGD(kTag, "checking for events");
-      } else {
-        ESP_LOGD(kTag, "waiting for events");
-      }
-
-      // If we have no new events to process and the element has nothing left to
-      // do, then just delay forever waiting for a new event.
-      TickType_t ticks_to_wait = has_work_to_do ? 0 : portMAX_DELAY;
-
-      StreamEvent* new_event = nullptr;
-      bool has_event =
-          xQueueReceive(element->InputEventQueue(), &new_event, ticks_to_wait);
-
-      if (has_event) {
-        if (new_event->tag == StreamEvent::UNINITIALISED) {
-          ESP_LOGE(kTag, "discarding invalid event!!");
-        } else if (new_event->tag == StreamEvent::CHUNK_NOTIFICATION) {
-          delete new_event;
-        } else if (new_event->tag == StreamEvent::LOG_STATUS) {
-          element->ProcessLogStatus();
-          if (element->OutputEventQueue() != nullptr) {
-            xQueueSendToFront(element->OutputEventQueue(), &new_event, 0);
-          } else {
-            delete new_event;
-          }
-        } else {
-          // This isn't an event that needs to be actioned immediately. Add it
-          // to our work queue.
-          pending_events.emplace_back(new_event);
-          ESP_LOGD(kTag, "deferring event");
+    std::vector<Pipeline*> elements = pipeline->GetIterationOrder();
+    std::size_t max_inputs =
+        (*std::max_element(elements.begin(), elements.end(),
+                           [](Pipeline const* first, Pipeline const* second) {
+                             return first->NumInputs() < second->NumInputs();
+                           }))
+            ->NumInputs();
+
+    // We need to be able to simultaneously map all of an element's inputs, plus
+    // its output. So preallocate that many ranges.
+    std::vector<MappableRegion<kPipelineBufferSize>> in_regions(max_inputs);
+    MappableRegion<kPipelineBufferSize> out_region;
+    std::for_each(in_regions.begin(), in_regions.end(),
+                  [](const MappableRegion<kBufferSize>& region) {
+                    assert(region.is_valid);
+                  });
+    assert(out_region.is_valid);
+
+    // Each element has exactly one output buffer.
+    std::vector<HimemAlloc<kPipelineBufferSize>> buffers(elements.size());
+    std::vector<StreamInfo> buffer_infos(buffers.size());
+    std::for_each(buffers.begin(), buffers.end(),
+                  [](const HimemAlloc<kPipelineBufferSize>& alloc) {
+                    assert(alloc.is_valid);
+                  });
+
+    bool playing = true;
+    bool quit = false;
+    while (!quit) {
+      // TODO: full event here?
+      Command cmd;
+      bool has_cmd = xQueueReceive(input, &cmd, 0);
+      if (has_cmd) {
+        switch (cmd) {
+          case PLAY:
+            playing = true;
+            break;
+          case PAUSE:
+            playing = false;
+            break;
+          case QUIT:
+            quit = true;
+            break;
         }
-        // Loop again, so that we service all incoming events before doing our
-        // possibly expensive processing.
-        continue;
       }
-
-      if (element->HasUnflushedOutput()) {
-        ESP_LOGD(kTag, "flushing output");
-      }
-
-      // We have no new events. Next, see if there's anything that needs to be
-      // flushed.
-      if (element->HasUnflushedOutput() && !element->FlushBufferedOutput()) {
-        // We had things to flush, but couldn't send it all. This probably
-        // implies that the downstream element is having issues servicing its
-        // input queue, so hold off for a moment before retrying.
-        ESP_LOGW(kTag, "failed to flush buffered output");
-        vTaskDelay(pdMS_TO_TICKS(100));
-        continue;
+      if (quit) {
+        break;
       }
 
-      if (element->HasUnprocessedInput()) {
-        ESP_LOGD(kTag, "processing input events");
-        element->Process();
-        continue;
-      }
-
-      // The element ran out of data, so now it's time to let it process more
-      // input.
-      while (!pending_events.empty()) {
-        std::unique_ptr<StreamEvent> event;
-        pending_events.front().swap(event);
-        pending_events.pop_front();
-        ESP_LOGD(kTag, "processing event, tag %i", event->tag);
-
-        if (event->tag == StreamEvent::STREAM_INFO) {
-          ESP_LOGD(kTag, "processing stream info");
-
-          element->ProcessStreamInfo(*event->stream_info);
-
-        } else if (event->tag == StreamEvent::ARENA_CHUNK) {
-          ESP_LOGD(kTag, "processing arena data");
-
-          memory::ArenaRef ref(event->arena_chunk);
-          auto callback =
-              StreamEvent::CreateChunkNotification(element->InputEventQueue());
-          if (!xQueueSend(event->source, &callback, 0)) {
-            ESP_LOGW(kTag, "failed to send chunk notif");
-            continue;
+      if (playing) {
+        for (int i = 0; i < elements.size(); i++) {
+          std::vector<MutableStream> in_streams;
+          elements.at(i)->InStreams(&in_regions, &in_streams);
+          MutableStream out_stream = elements.at(i)->OutStream(&out_region);
+
+          // Crop the input and output streams to the ranges that are safe to
+          // touch. For the input streams, this is the region that contains
+          // data. For the output stream, this is the region that does *not*
+          // already contain data.
+          std::vector<Stream> cropped_in_streams;
+          std::for_each(in_streams.begin(), in_streams.end(),
+                        [&](MutableStream& s) {
+                          cropped_in_streams.emplace_back(
+                              s.info, s.data.first(s.info->bytes_in_stream));
+                        });
+
+          elements.at(i)->OutputElement()->Process(&cropped_in_streams,
+                                                   &out_stream);
+
+          for (int stream = 0; stream < in_streams.size(); stream++) {
+            MutableStream& orig_stream = in_streams.at(stream);
+            Stream& cropped_stream = cropped_in_streams.at(stream);
+            std::move(cropped_stream.data.begin(), cropped_stream.data.end(),
+                      orig_stream.data.begin());
+            orig_stream.info->bytes_in_stream =
+                cropped_stream.data.size_bytes();
           }
-
-          // TODO(jacqueline): Consider giving the element a full ArenaRef here,
-          // so that it can hang on to it and potentially save an alloc+copy.
-          element->ProcessChunk({ref.ptr.start, ref.ptr.used_size});
-
-          // TODO: think about whether to do the whole queue
-          break;
         }
       }
     }
@@ -165,4 +145,6 @@ void AudioTaskMain(void* args) {
   vTaskDelete(NULL);
 }
 
+}  // namespace task
+
 }  // namespace audio
diff --git a/src/audio/fatfs_audio_input.cpp b/src/audio/fatfs_audio_input.cpp
index 5354c5fd..bd8748eb 100644
--- a/src/audio/fatfs_audio_input.cpp
+++ b/src/audio/fatfs_audio_input.cpp
@@ -7,6 +7,8 @@
 
 #include "arena.hpp"
 #include "esp_heap_caps.h"
+#include "esp_log.h"
+#include "ff.h"
 #include "freertos/portmacro.h"
 
 #include "audio_element.hpp"
@@ -15,43 +17,23 @@
 #include "stream_event.hpp"
 #include "stream_info.hpp"
 #include "stream_message.hpp"
+#include "types.hpp"
 
 static const char* kTag = "SRC";
 
 namespace audio {
 
-static const std::size_t kChunkSize = 24 * 1024;
-static const std::size_t kChunkReadahead = 2;
-
-FatfsAudioInput::FatfsAudioInput(std::shared_ptr<drivers::SdStorage> storage)
-    : IAudioElement(),
-      arena_(kChunkSize, kChunkReadahead, MALLOC_CAP_SPIRAM),
-      storage_(storage),
-      current_file_(),
-      is_file_open_(false) {}
+FatfsAudioInput::FatfsAudioInput()
+    : IAudioElement(), current_file_(), is_file_open_(false) {}
 
 FatfsAudioInput::~FatfsAudioInput() {}
 
-auto FatfsAudioInput::HasUnprocessedInput() -> bool {
-  return is_file_open_;
-}
-
-auto FatfsAudioInput::IsOverBuffered() -> bool {
-  return arena_.BlocksFree() == 0;
-}
-
-auto FatfsAudioInput::ProcessStreamInfo(const StreamInfo& info) -> void {
+auto FatfsAudioInput::OpenFile(const std::string& path) -> void {
   if (is_file_open_) {
     f_close(&current_file_);
     is_file_open_ = false;
   }
-
-  if (!info.path) {
-    // TODO(jacqueline): Handle errors.
-    return;
-  }
-  ESP_LOGI(kTag, "opening file %s", info.path->c_str());
-  std::string path = *info.path;
+  ESP_LOGI(kTag, "opening file %s", path.c_str());
   FRESULT res = f_open(&current_file_, path.c_str(), FA_READ);
   if (res != FR_OK) {
     ESP_LOGE(kTag, "failed to open file! res: %i", res);
@@ -60,51 +42,30 @@ auto FatfsAudioInput::ProcessStreamInfo(const StreamInfo& info) -> void {
   }
 
   is_file_open_ = true;
-
-  StreamInfo new_info(info);
-  new_info.chunk_size = kChunkSize;
-  ESP_LOGI(kTag, "chunk size: %u bytes", kChunkSize);
-
-  auto event = StreamEvent::CreateStreamInfo(input_events_, new_info);
-  SendOrBufferEvent(std::unique_ptr<StreamEvent>(event));
 }
 
-auto FatfsAudioInput::ProcessChunk(const cpp::span<std::byte>& chunk) -> void {}
-
-auto FatfsAudioInput::ProcessEndOfStream() -> void {
-  if (is_file_open_) {
-    f_close(&current_file_);
-    is_file_open_ = false;
-    SendOrBufferEvent(std::unique_ptr<StreamEvent>(
-        StreamEvent::CreateEndOfStream(input_events_)));
+auto FatfsAudioInput::Process(std::vector<Stream>* inputs,
+                              MutableStream* output) -> void {
+  if (!is_file_open_) {
+    return;
   }
-}
-
-auto FatfsAudioInput::Process() -> void {
-  if (is_file_open_) {
-    auto dest_block = memory::ArenaRef::Acquire(&arena_);
-    if (!dest_block) {
-      return;
-    }
 
-    FRESULT result = f_read(&current_file_, dest_block->ptr.start,
-                            dest_block->ptr.size, &dest_block->ptr.used_size);
-    if (result != FR_OK) {
-      ESP_LOGE(kTag, "file I/O error %d", result);
-      // TODO(jacqueline): Handle errors.
-      return;
-    }
-
-    if (dest_block->ptr.used_size < dest_block->ptr.size ||
-        f_eof(&current_file_)) {
-      f_close(&current_file_);
-      is_file_open_ = false;
-    }
+  FRESULT result =
+      f_read(&current_file_, output->data.data(), output->data.size_bytes(),
+             &output->info->bytes_in_stream);
+  if (result != FR_OK) {
+    ESP_LOGE(kTag, "file I/O error %d", result);
+    // TODO(jacqueline): Handle errors.
+    return;
+  }
 
-    auto dest_event = std::unique_ptr<StreamEvent>(
-        StreamEvent::CreateArenaChunk(input_events_, dest_block->Release()));
+  // TODO: read from filename?
+  output->info->data = StreamInfo::Encoded{codecs::STREAM_MP3};
 
-    SendOrBufferEvent(std::move(dest_event));
+  if (output->info->bytes_in_stream < output->data.size_bytes() ||
+      f_eof(&current_file_)) {
+    f_close(&current_file_);
+    is_file_open_ = false;
   }
 }
 
diff --git a/src/audio/i2s_audio_output.cpp b/src/audio/i2s_audio_output.cpp
index 110227cf..7766ebed 100644
--- a/src/audio/i2s_audio_output.cpp
+++ b/src/audio/i2s_audio_output.cpp
@@ -1,6 +1,7 @@
 #include "i2s_audio_output.hpp"
 
 #include <algorithm>
+#include <variant>
 
 #include "esp_err.h"
 #include "freertos/portmacro.h"
@@ -10,14 +11,12 @@
 #include "freertos/projdefs.h"
 #include "gpio_expander.hpp"
 #include "result.hpp"
+#include "stream_info.hpp"
 
-static const TickType_t kIdleTimeBeforeMute = pdMS_TO_TICKS(1000);
 static const char* kTag = "I2SOUT";
 
 namespace audio {
 
-static const std::size_t kDmaQueueLength = 8;
-
 auto I2SAudioOutput::create(drivers::GpioExpander* expander)
     -> cpp::result<std::shared_ptr<I2SAudioOutput>, Error> {
   // First, we need to perform initial configuration of the DAC chip.
@@ -38,40 +37,26 @@ auto I2SAudioOutput::create(drivers::GpioExpander* expander)
 
 I2SAudioOutput::I2SAudioOutput(drivers::GpioExpander* expander,
                                std::unique_ptr<drivers::AudioDac> dac)
-    : expander_(expander),
-      dac_(std::move(dac)),
-      chunk_reader_(),
-      latest_chunk_() {}
+    : expander_(expander), dac_(std::move(dac)), current_config_() {}
 
 I2SAudioOutput::~I2SAudioOutput() {}
 
-auto I2SAudioOutput::HasUnprocessedInput() -> bool {
-  return latest_chunk_.size() > 0;
-}
-
-auto I2SAudioOutput::IsOverBuffered() -> bool {
-  return false;
-}
-
-auto I2SAudioOutput::ProcessStreamInfo(const StreamInfo& info) -> void {
-  // TODO(jacqueline): probs do something with the channel hey
-
-  if (!info.bits_per_sample || !info.sample_rate) {
-    ESP_LOGE(kTag, "audio stream missing bits or sample rate");
-    return;
+auto I2SAudioOutput::ProcessStreamInfo(const StreamInfo& info) -> bool {
+  if (!std::holds_alternative<StreamInfo::Pcm>(info.data)) {
+    return false;
   }
 
-  if (!info.chunk_size) {
-    ESP_LOGE(kTag, "audio stream missing chunk size");
-    return;
+  StreamInfo::Pcm pcm = std::get<StreamInfo::Pcm>(info.data);
+
+  if (current_config_ && pcm == *current_config_) {
+    return true;
   }
-  chunk_reader_.emplace(*info.chunk_size);
 
-  ESP_LOGI(kTag, "incoming audio stream: %u bpp @ %u Hz", *info.bits_per_sample,
-           *info.sample_rate);
+  ESP_LOGI(kTag, "incoming audio stream: %u bpp @ %u Hz", pcm.bits_per_sample,
+           pcm.sample_rate);
 
   drivers::AudioDac::BitsPerSample bps;
-  switch (*info.bits_per_sample) {
+  switch (pcm.bits_per_sample) {
     case 16:
       bps = drivers::AudioDac::BPS_16;
       break;
@@ -83,11 +68,11 @@ auto I2SAudioOutput::ProcessStreamInfo(const StreamInfo& info) -> void {
       break;
     default:
       ESP_LOGE(kTag, "dropping stream with unknown bps");
-      return;
+      return false;
   }
 
   drivers::AudioDac::SampleRate sample_rate;
-  switch (*info.sample_rate) {
+  switch (pcm.sample_rate) {
     case 44100:
       sample_rate = drivers::AudioDac::SAMPLE_RATE_44_1;
       break;
@@ -96,37 +81,25 @@ auto I2SAudioOutput::ProcessStreamInfo(const StreamInfo& info) -> void {
       break;
     default:
       ESP_LOGE(kTag, "dropping stream with unknown rate");
-      return;
+      return false;
   }
 
-  dac_->Reconfigure(bps, sample_rate);
-}
-
-auto I2SAudioOutput::ProcessChunk(const cpp::span<std::byte>& chunk) -> void {
-  latest_chunk_ = chunk_reader_->HandleNewData(chunk);
-}
+  // TODO(jacqueline): probs do something with the channel hey
 
-auto I2SAudioOutput::ProcessEndOfStream() -> void {
-  dac_->Stop();
-  SendOrBufferEvent(std::unique_ptr<StreamEvent>(
-      StreamEvent::CreateEndOfStream(input_events_)));
-}
+  dac_->Reconfigure(bps, sample_rate);
+  current_config_ = pcm;
 
-auto I2SAudioOutput::ProcessLogStatus() -> void {
-  dac_->LogStatus();
+  return true;
 }
 
-auto I2SAudioOutput::Process() -> void {
-  // Note: avoid logging here! We need to get bytes from the chunk buffer into
-  // the I2S DMA buffer as fast as possible, to avoid running out of samples.
-  std::size_t bytes_written = dac_->WriteData(latest_chunk_);
-  if (bytes_written == latest_chunk_.size_bytes()) {
-    latest_chunk_ = cpp::span<std::byte>();
-    chunk_reader_->HandleBytesLeftOver(0);
-  } else {
-    latest_chunk_ = latest_chunk_.subspan(bytes_written);
-  }
-  return;
+auto I2SAudioOutput::Process(std::vector<Stream>* inputs, MutableStream* output)
+    -> void {
+  std::for_each(inputs->begin(), inputs->end(), [&](Stream& s) {
+    if (ProcessStreamInfo(s.info)) {
+      std::size_t bytes_written = dac_->WriteData(s.data);
+      s.data = s.data.subspan(bytes_written);
+    }
+  });
 }
 
 auto I2SAudioOutput::SetVolume(uint8_t volume) -> void {
diff --git a/src/audio/include/audio_decoder.hpp b/src/audio/include/audio_decoder.hpp
index 47642469..be8daf99 100644
--- a/src/audio/include/audio_decoder.hpp
+++ b/src/audio/include/audio_decoder.hpp
@@ -3,6 +3,7 @@
 #include <cstddef>
 #include <cstdint>
 #include <memory>
+#include <vector>
 
 #include "chunk.hpp"
 #include "ff.h"
@@ -10,6 +11,7 @@
 
 #include "audio_element.hpp"
 #include "codec.hpp"
+#include "stream_info.hpp"
 
 namespace audio {
 
@@ -22,28 +24,21 @@ class AudioDecoder : public IAudioElement {
   AudioDecoder();
   ~AudioDecoder();
 
-  auto StackSizeBytes() const -> std::size_t override { return 10 * 1024; };
-
-  auto HasUnprocessedInput() -> bool override;
-  auto IsOverBuffered() -> bool override;
-
-  auto ProcessStreamInfo(const StreamInfo& info) -> void override;
-  auto ProcessChunk(const cpp::span<std::byte>& chunk) -> void override;
-  auto ProcessEndOfStream() -> void override;
-  auto Process() -> void override;
+  auto Process(std::vector<Stream>* inputs, MutableStream* output)
+      -> void override;
 
   AudioDecoder(const AudioDecoder&) = delete;
   AudioDecoder& operator=(const AudioDecoder&) = delete;
 
  private:
-  memory::Arena arena_;
   std::unique_ptr<codecs::ICodec> current_codec_;
   std::optional<StreamInfo> stream_info_;
-  std::optional<ChunkReader> chunk_reader_;
 
-  bool has_sent_stream_info_;
+  bool has_set_stream_info_;
   bool has_samples_to_send_;
   bool needs_more_input_;
+
+  auto ProcessStreamInfo(const StreamInfo& info) -> bool;
 };
 
 }  // namespace audio
diff --git a/src/audio/include/audio_element.hpp b/src/audio/include/audio_element.hpp
index 91036348..c9192e4a 100644
--- a/src/audio/include/audio_element.hpp
+++ b/src/audio/include/audio_element.hpp
@@ -40,62 +40,8 @@ class IAudioElement {
   IAudioElement();
   virtual ~IAudioElement();
 
-  /*
-   * Returns the stack size in bytes that this element requires. This should
-   * be tuned according to the observed stack size of each element, as different
-   * elements have fairly different stack requirements (particular decoders).
-   */
-  virtual auto StackSizeBytes() const -> std::size_t { return 4096; };
-
-  /* Returns this element's input buffer. */
-  auto InputEventQueue() const -> QueueHandle_t { return input_events_; }
-  /* Returns this element's output buffer. */
-  auto OutputEventQueue() const -> QueueHandle_t { return output_events_; }
-  auto OutputEventQueue(const QueueHandle_t q) -> void { output_events_ = q; }
-
-  virtual auto HasUnprocessedInput() -> bool = 0;
-
-  virtual auto IsOverBuffered() -> bool { return false; }
-
-  auto HasUnflushedOutput() -> bool { return !buffered_output_.empty(); }
-  auto FlushBufferedOutput() -> bool;
-
-  /*
-   * Called when a StreamInfo message is received. Used to configure this
-   * element in preperation for incoming chunks.
-   */
-  virtual auto ProcessStreamInfo(const StreamInfo& info) -> void = 0;
-
-  /*
-   * Called when a ChunkHeader message is received. Includes the data associated
-   * with this chunk of stream data. This method should return the number of
-   * bytes in this chunk that were actually used; leftover bytes will be
-   * prepended to the next call.
-   */
-  virtual auto ProcessChunk(const cpp::span<std::byte>& chunk) -> void = 0;
-
-  virtual auto ProcessEndOfStream() -> void = 0;
-
-  virtual auto ProcessLogStatus() -> void {}
-
-  /*
-   * Called when there has been no data received over the input buffer for some
-   * time. This could be used to synthesize output, or to save memory by
-   * releasing unused resources.
-   */
-  virtual auto Process() -> void = 0;
-
- protected:
-  auto SendOrBufferEvent(std::unique_ptr<StreamEvent> event) -> bool;
-
-  // Queue for events coming into this element. Owned by us.
-  QueueHandle_t input_events_;
-  // Queue for events going into the next element. Not owned by us, may be null
-  // if we're not yet in a pipeline.
-  // FIXME: it would be nicer if this was non-nullable.
-  QueueHandle_t output_events_;
-  // Output events that have been generated, but are yet to be sent downstream.
-  std::deque<std::unique_ptr<StreamEvent>> buffered_output_;
+  virtual auto Process(std::vector<Stream>* inputs, MutableStream* output)
+      -> void = 0;
 };
 
 }  // namespace audio
diff --git a/src/audio/include/audio_playback.hpp b/src/audio/include/audio_playback.hpp
index a1bea64f..507e6f73 100644
--- a/src/audio/include/audio_playback.hpp
+++ b/src/audio/include/audio_playback.hpp
@@ -5,7 +5,9 @@
 #include <string>
 #include <vector>
 
+#include "audio_task.hpp"
 #include "esp_err.h"
+#include "fatfs_audio_input.hpp"
 #include "result.hpp"
 #include "span.hpp"
 
@@ -23,12 +25,10 @@ namespace audio {
 class AudioPlayback {
  public:
   enum Error { ERR_INIT_ELEMENT, ERR_MEM };
-  static auto create(drivers::GpioExpander* expander,
-                     std::shared_ptr<drivers::SdStorage> storage)
+  static auto create(drivers::GpioExpander* expander)
       -> cpp::result<std::unique_ptr<AudioPlayback>, Error>;
 
-  // TODO(jacqueline): configure on the fly once we have things to configure.
-  AudioPlayback();
+  AudioPlayback(FatfsAudioInput *file_input);
   ~AudioPlayback();
 
   /*
@@ -44,9 +44,10 @@ class AudioPlayback {
   AudioPlayback& operator=(const AudioPlayback&) = delete;
 
  private:
-  auto ConnectElements(IAudioElement* src, IAudioElement* sink) -> void;
+  FatfsAudioInput *file_source;
 
-  QueueHandle_t input_handle_;
+  std::vector<std::unique_ptr<IAudioElement>> all_elements_;
+  std::unique_ptr<task::Handle> pipeline_;
 };
 
 }  // namespace audio
diff --git a/src/audio/include/audio_task.hpp b/src/audio/include/audio_task.hpp
index df70ebaa..8db99850 100644
--- a/src/audio/include/audio_task.hpp
+++ b/src/audio/include/audio_task.hpp
@@ -6,17 +6,38 @@
 
 #include "audio_element.hpp"
 #include "freertos/portmacro.h"
+#include "pipeline.hpp"
 
 namespace audio {
 
+namespace task {
 struct AudioTaskArgs {
-  std::shared_ptr<IAudioElement>& element;
+  Pipeline* pipeline;
+  QueueHandle_t input;
 };
 
-auto StartAudioTask(const std::string& name,
-                    std::optional<BaseType_t> core_id,
-                    std::shared_ptr<IAudioElement> element) -> void;
+extern "C" void AudioTaskMain(void* args);
 
-void AudioTaskMain(void* args);
+enum Command { PLAY, PAUSE, QUIT };
+
+class Handle {
+ public:
+  explicit Handle(QueueHandle_t input);
+  ~Handle();
+
+  auto SetStreamInfo() -> void;
+  auto Play() -> void;
+  auto Pause() -> void;
+  auto Quit() -> void;
+
+  auto OutputBuffer() -> StreamBufferHandle_t;
+
+ private:
+  QueueHandle_t input;
+};
+
+auto Start(Pipeline* pipeline) -> Handle*;
+
+}  // namespace task
 
 }  // namespace audio
diff --git a/src/audio/include/fatfs_audio_input.hpp b/src/audio/include/fatfs_audio_input.hpp
index 9f2d676c..b3a6d843 100644
--- a/src/audio/include/fatfs_audio_input.hpp
+++ b/src/audio/include/fatfs_audio_input.hpp
@@ -3,41 +3,36 @@
 #include <cstdint>
 #include <memory>
 #include <string>
+#include <vector>
 
 #include "arena.hpp"
 #include "chunk.hpp"
 #include "freertos/FreeRTOS.h"
 
+#include "ff.h"
 #include "freertos/message_buffer.h"
 #include "freertos/queue.h"
 #include "span.hpp"
 
 #include "audio_element.hpp"
-#include "storage.hpp"
 #include "stream_buffer.hpp"
 
 namespace audio {
 
 class FatfsAudioInput : public IAudioElement {
  public:
-  explicit FatfsAudioInput(std::shared_ptr<drivers::SdStorage> storage);
+  explicit FatfsAudioInput();
   ~FatfsAudioInput();
 
-  auto HasUnprocessedInput() -> bool override;
-  auto IsOverBuffered() -> bool override;
+  auto OpenFile(const std::string& path) -> void;
 
-  auto ProcessStreamInfo(const StreamInfo& info) -> void override;
-  auto ProcessChunk(const cpp::span<std::byte>& chunk) -> void override;
-  auto ProcessEndOfStream() -> void override;
-  auto Process() -> void override;
+  auto Process(std::vector<Stream>* inputs, MutableStream* output)
+      -> void override;
 
   FatfsAudioInput(const FatfsAudioInput&) = delete;
   FatfsAudioInput& operator=(const FatfsAudioInput&) = delete;
 
  private:
-  memory::Arena arena_;
-  std::shared_ptr<drivers::SdStorage> storage_;
-
   FIL current_file_;
   bool is_file_open_;
 };
diff --git a/src/audio/include/i2s_audio_output.hpp b/src/audio/include/i2s_audio_output.hpp
index 2bea091b..57881b35 100644
--- a/src/audio/include/i2s_audio_output.hpp
+++ b/src/audio/include/i2s_audio_output.hpp
@@ -2,6 +2,7 @@
 
 #include <cstdint>
 #include <memory>
+#include <vector>
 
 #include "audio_element.hpp"
 #include "chunk.hpp"
@@ -9,6 +10,7 @@
 
 #include "dac.hpp"
 #include "gpio_expander.hpp"
+#include "stream_info.hpp"
 
 namespace audio {
 
@@ -22,14 +24,8 @@ class I2SAudioOutput : public IAudioElement {
                  std::unique_ptr<drivers::AudioDac> dac);
   ~I2SAudioOutput();
 
-  auto HasUnprocessedInput() -> bool override;
-  auto IsOverBuffered() -> bool override;
-
-  auto ProcessStreamInfo(const StreamInfo& info) -> void override;
-  auto ProcessChunk(const cpp::span<std::byte>& chunk) -> void override;
-  auto ProcessEndOfStream() -> void override;
-  auto ProcessLogStatus() -> void override;
-  auto Process() -> void override;
+  auto Process(std::vector<Stream>* inputs, MutableStream* output)
+      -> void override;
 
   I2SAudioOutput(const I2SAudioOutput&) = delete;
   I2SAudioOutput& operator=(const I2SAudioOutput&) = delete;
@@ -40,8 +36,9 @@ class I2SAudioOutput : public IAudioElement {
   drivers::GpioExpander* expander_;
   std::unique_ptr<drivers::AudioDac> dac_;
 
-  std::optional<ChunkReader> chunk_reader_;
-  cpp::span<std::byte> latest_chunk_;
+  std::optional<StreamInfo::Pcm> current_config_;
+
+  auto ProcessStreamInfo(const StreamInfo& info) -> bool;
 };
 
 }  // namespace audio
diff --git a/src/audio/include/pipeline.hpp b/src/audio/include/pipeline.hpp
new file mode 100644
index 00000000..42f70828
--- /dev/null
+++ b/src/audio/include/pipeline.hpp
@@ -0,0 +1,42 @@
+#pragma once
+
+#include <memory>
+#include <optional>
+#include <string>
+
+#include "freertos/portmacro.h"
+
+#include "audio_element.hpp"
+#include "himem.hpp"
+#include "stream_info.hpp"
+
+namespace audio {
+
+static const std::size_t kPipelineBufferSize = 32 * 1024;
+
+class Pipeline {
+ public:
+  Pipeline(IAudioElement* output);
+  ~Pipeline();
+  auto AddInput(IAudioElement* input) -> Pipeline*;
+
+  auto OutputElement() const -> IAudioElement*;
+
+  auto NumInputs() const -> std::size_t;
+
+  auto InStreams(std::vector<MappableRegion<kPipelineBufferSize>>*,
+                 std::vector<MutableStream>*) -> void;
+
+  auto OutStream(MappableRegion<kPipelineBufferSize>*) -> MutableStream;
+
+  auto GetIterationOrder() -> std::vector<Pipeline*>;
+
+ private:
+  IAudioElement* root_;
+  std::vector<std::unique_ptr<Pipeline>> subtrees_;
+
+  HimemAlloc<kPipelineBufferSize> output_buffer_;
+  StreamInfo output_info_;
+};
+
+}  // namespace audio
diff --git a/src/audio/include/stream_info.hpp b/src/audio/include/stream_info.hpp
index bf67364f..47f65649 100644
--- a/src/audio/include/stream_info.hpp
+++ b/src/audio/include/stream_info.hpp
@@ -4,19 +4,68 @@
 #include <optional>
 #include <string>
 #include <string_view>
+#include <variant>
 
-#include "cbor.h"
 #include "result.hpp"
-#include "sys/_stdint.h"
+#include "span.hpp"
+#include "types.hpp"
 
 namespace audio {
 
 struct StreamInfo {
-  std::optional<std::string> path;
-  std::optional<uint8_t> channels;
-  std::optional<uint8_t> bits_per_sample;
-  std::optional<uint16_t> sample_rate;
-  std::optional<size_t> chunk_size;
+  // The number of bytes that are available for consumption within this
+  // stream's buffer.
+  std::size_t bytes_in_stream;
+
+  // The total length of this stream, in case its source is finite (e.g. a
+  // file on disk). May be absent for endless streams (internet streams,
+  // generated audio, etc.)
+  std::optional<std::size_t> length_bytes;
+
+  struct Encoded {
+    // The codec that this stream is associated with.
+    codecs::StreamType type;
+
+    bool operator==(const Encoded&) const = default;
+  };
+
+  struct Pcm {
+    // Number of channels in this stream.
+    uint8_t channels;
+    // Number of bits per sample.
+    uint8_t bits_per_sample;
+    // The sample rate.
+    uint16_t sample_rate;
+
+    bool operator==(const Pcm&) const = default;
+  };
+
+  std::variant<Encoded, Pcm> data;
+
+  bool operator==(const StreamInfo&) const = default;
+};
+
+class MutableStream {
+ public:
+  StreamInfo* info;
+  cpp::span<std::byte> data;
+
+  MutableStream(StreamInfo* i, cpp::span<std::byte> d)
+      : info(i), data(d) {}
+};
+
+/*
+ * A byte buffer + associated metadata, which is not allowed to modify any of
+ * the underlying data.
+ */
+class Stream {
+ public:
+  explicit Stream(const MutableStream& s) : info(*s.info), data(s.data) {}
+
+  const StreamInfo& info;
+  // `data` itself left mutable for signalling how much of the stream was
+  // consumed
+  cpp::span<const std::byte> data;
 };
 
 }  // namespace audio
diff --git a/src/audio/pipeline.cpp b/src/audio/pipeline.cpp
new file mode 100644
index 00000000..f42e6853
--- /dev/null
+++ b/src/audio/pipeline.cpp
@@ -0,0 +1,52 @@
+#include "pipeline.hpp"
+#include "stream_info.hpp"
+
+namespace audio {
+
+Pipeline::Pipeline(IAudioElement* output) : root_(output), subtrees_() {}
+Pipeline::~Pipeline() {}
+
+auto Pipeline::AddInput(IAudioElement* input) -> Pipeline* {
+  subtrees_.emplace_back(input);
+  return subtrees_.back().get();
+}
+
+auto Pipeline::OutputElement() const -> IAudioElement* {
+  return root_;
+}
+
+auto Pipeline::NumInputs() const -> std::size_t {
+  return subtrees_.size();
+}
+
+auto Pipeline::InStreams(
+    std::vector<MappableRegion<kPipelineBufferSize>>* regions,
+    std::vector<MutableStream>* out) -> void {
+  for (int i = 0; i < subtrees_.size(); i++) {
+    MutableStream s = subtrees_[i]->OutStream(&regions->at(i));
+    out->push_back(s);
+  }
+}
+
+auto Pipeline::OutStream(MappableRegion<kPipelineBufferSize>* region)
+    -> MutableStream {
+  return {&output_info_, region->Map(output_buffer_)};
+}
+
+auto Pipeline::GetIterationOrder() -> std::vector<Pipeline*> {
+  std::vector<Pipeline*> to_search{this};
+  std::vector<Pipeline*> found;
+
+  while (!to_search.empty()) {
+    Pipeline* current = to_search.back();
+    to_search.pop_back();
+    found.push_back(current);
+
+    to_search.insert(to_search.end(), current->subtrees_.begin(),
+                     current->subtrees_.end());
+  }
+
+  return found;
+}
+
+}  // namespace audio
diff --git a/src/codecs/include/codec.hpp b/src/codecs/include/codec.hpp
index 6897acf2..4595f877 100644
--- a/src/codecs/include/codec.hpp
+++ b/src/codecs/include/codec.hpp
@@ -10,6 +10,7 @@
 
 #include "result.hpp"
 #include "span.hpp"
+#include "types.hpp"
 
 namespace codecs {
 
@@ -17,7 +18,7 @@ class ICodec {
  public:
   virtual ~ICodec() {}
 
-  virtual auto CanHandleFile(const std::string& path) -> bool = 0;
+  virtual auto CanHandleType(StreamType type) -> bool = 0;
 
   struct OutputFormat {
     uint8_t num_channels;
@@ -31,7 +32,7 @@ class ICodec {
 
   virtual auto ResetForNewStream() -> void = 0;
 
-  virtual auto SetInput(cpp::span<std::byte> input) -> void = 0;
+  virtual auto SetInput(cpp::span<const std::byte> input) -> void = 0;
 
   /*
    * Returns the codec's next read position within the input buffer. If the
@@ -63,7 +64,7 @@ class ICodec {
 
 enum CreateCodecError { UNKNOWN_EXTENSION };
 
-auto CreateCodecForFile(const std::string& file)
+auto CreateCodecForType(StreamType type)
     -> cpp::result<std::unique_ptr<ICodec>, CreateCodecError>;
 
 }  // namespace codecs
diff --git a/src/drivers/dac.cpp b/src/drivers/dac.cpp
index c9af0d99..4d3aca1d 100644
--- a/src/drivers/dac.cpp
+++ b/src/drivers/dac.cpp
@@ -192,7 +192,8 @@ auto AudioDac::Reconfigure(BitsPerSample bps, SampleRate rate) -> void {
   WriteRegister(Register::POWER_MODE, 0);
 }
 
-auto AudioDac::WriteData(cpp::span<std::byte> data) -> std::size_t {
+auto AudioDac::WriteData(const cpp::span<const std::byte>& data)
+    -> std::size_t {
   std::size_t bytes_written = 0;
   esp_err_t err = i2s_channel_write(i2s_handle_, data.data(), data.size_bytes(),
                                     &bytes_written, 0);
diff --git a/src/drivers/include/dac.hpp b/src/drivers/include/dac.hpp
index 06808a78..028d46cb 100644
--- a/src/drivers/include/dac.hpp
+++ b/src/drivers/include/dac.hpp
@@ -71,7 +71,7 @@ class AudioDac {
   // TODO(jacqueline): worth supporting channels here as well?
   auto Reconfigure(BitsPerSample bps, SampleRate rate) -> void;
 
-  auto WriteData(cpp::span<std::byte> data) -> std::size_t;
+  auto WriteData(const cpp::span<const std::byte>& data) -> std::size_t;
 
   auto Stop() -> void;
   auto LogStatus() -> void;
diff --git a/src/memory/CMakeLists.txt b/src/memory/CMakeLists.txt
index 67e64267..69afc454 100644
--- a/src/memory/CMakeLists.txt
+++ b/src/memory/CMakeLists.txt
@@ -1,2 +1,2 @@
-idf_component_register(SRCS "arena.cpp" INCLUDE_DIRS "include" REQUIRES "span")
+idf_component_register(SRCS "arena.cpp" INCLUDE_DIRS "include" REQUIRES "span" "esp_psram")
 target_compile_options(${COMPONENT_LIB} PRIVATE ${EXTRA_WARNINGS})
diff --git a/src/memory/include/himem.hpp b/src/memory/include/himem.hpp
new file mode 100644
index 00000000..c65091d7
--- /dev/null
+++ b/src/memory/include/himem.hpp
@@ -0,0 +1,78 @@
+#pragma once
+
+#include <cstddef>
+#include <cstdint>
+
+#include "esp32/himem.h"
+#include "span.hpp"
+
+/*
+ * Wrapper around an ESP-IDF himem allocation, which uses RAII to clean up after
+ * itself.
+ */
+template <std::size_t size>
+class HimemAlloc {
+ public:
+  esp_himem_handle_t handle;
+  const bool is_valid;
+
+  HimemAlloc() : is_valid(esp_himem_alloc(size, &handle) == ESP_OK) {}
+
+  ~HimemAlloc() {
+    if (is_valid) {
+      esp_himem_free(handle);
+    }
+  }
+
+  // Not copyable or movable.
+  HimemAlloc(const HimemAlloc&) = delete;
+  HimemAlloc& operator=(const HimemAlloc&) = delete;
+};
+
+/*
+ * Wrapper around an ESP-IDF himem allocation, which maps a HimemAlloc into the
+ * usable address space. Instances always contain the last memory region that
+ * was mapped within them.
+ */
+template <std::size_t size>
+class MappableRegion {
+ private:
+  std::byte* bytes_;
+
+ public:
+  esp_himem_rangehandle_t range_handle;
+  const bool is_valid;
+
+  MappableRegion()
+      : bytes_(nullptr),
+        is_valid(esp_himem_alloc_map_range(size, &range_handle) == ESP_OK) {}
+
+  ~MappableRegion() {
+    if (bytes_ != nullptr) {
+      esp_himem_unmap(range_handle, bytes_, size);
+    }
+    if (is_valid) {
+      esp_himem_free_map_range(range_handle);
+    }
+  }
+
+  auto Get() -> cpp::span<std::byte> {
+    if (bytes_ != nullptr) {
+      return {};
+    }
+    return {bytes_, size};
+  }
+
+  auto Map(const HimemAlloc<size> &alloc) -> cpp::span<std::byte> {
+    if (bytes_ != nullptr) {
+      ESP_ERROR_CHECK(esp_himem_unmap(range_handle, bytes_, size));
+    }
+    ESP_ERROR_CHECK(esp_himem_map(alloc.handle, range_handle, 0, 0, size, 0,
+                                  reinterpret_cast<void**>(&bytes_)));
+    return Get();
+  }
+
+  // Not copyable or movable.
+  MappableRegion(const MappableRegion&) = delete;
+  MappableRegion& operator=(const MappableRegion&) = delete;
+};