Virtual Audio Cable Alternatives

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Here are 10 great alternatives to Virtual Audio Cable (VAC), which can be used for routing audio between applications, recording, or mixing sounds on your computer:

1. VoiceMeeter

  • Overview: VoiceMeeter is a powerful audio mixer that allows you to manage multiple audio input and output sources. It also supports virtual audio cables to route sound between different programs.
  • Features:
    • Mixes and routes audio between various apps.
    • Advanced audio control and customization.
    • Works as a virtual audio device.
  • Platform: Windows.
  • Use Case: Ideal for streamers, podcasters, and content creators.

2. Jack Audio

  • Overview: Jack Audio is a professional-grade sound server that can route audio between different programs and devices. It’s a high-quality tool used for complex audio setups.
  • Features:
    • Low latency and high-quality audio routing.
    • Works on multiple platforms (Windows, Linux, macOS).
    • Supports advanced features for professionals.
  • Platform: Windows, Linux, macOS.
  • Use Case: Excellent for musicians, sound engineers, and professionals.

3. Audio Router

  • Overview: Audio Router allows you to route specific application audio to various outputs, including virtual audio cables or physical devices.
  • Features:
    • Routes audio from specific apps to different devices.
    • Lightweight and simple to use.
  • Platform: Windows.
  • Use Case: Great for users who need to manage multiple audio sources and destinations.

4. Soundflower

  • Overview: Soundflower is a popular open-source virtual audio routing tool, primarily for macOS. It allows audio to be passed between different applications.
  • Features:
    • Allows audio to be routed between apps on macOS.
    • Supports multi-channel audio.
  • Platform: macOS.
  • Use Case: Ideal for macOS users looking for a simple virtual audio cable solution.

5. BlackHole

  • Overview: BlackHole is another virtual audio driver for macOS that can route audio between different applications with zero latency.
  • Features:
    • Supports multichannel audio routing.
    • Easy to configure.
  • Platform: macOS.
  • Use Case: Perfect for macOS users who need a lightweight alternative to Soundflower.

6. VB-Audio Cable

  • Overview: VB-Audio Cable is a simple virtual audio device that enables routing of audio between different programs. It’s a free alternative and works well in many use cases.
  • Features:
    • Allows the transfer of audio between apps and devices.
    • Simple and easy-to-use interface.
  • Platform: Windows.
  • Use Case: Great for basic audio routing needs.

7. Loopback Audio

  • Overview: Loopback Audio is a macOS tool that provides powerful routing features, enabling you to route audio between apps and create virtual audio devices.
  • Features:
    • Advanced routing options for professional setups.
    • Easy-to-use drag-and-drop interface.
  • Platform: macOS.
  • Use Case: Ideal for podcasters, musicians, and content creators on macOS.

8. Audio Hijack

  • Overview: Audio Hijack is a macOS-based application that captures audio from any app, allowing you to route and record sound.
  • Features:
    • Routes audio from any application to different outputs.
    • Supports recording, mixing, and audio effects.
  • Platform: macOS.
  • Use Case: Excellent for podcasters, broadcasters, and audio engineers.

9. Pachyderm Audio Router

  • Overview: Pachyderm is an audio routing tool that works with virtual cables. It offers a flexible interface for managing audio input and output routing.
  • Features:
    • Simple interface for routing audio.
    • High-quality audio routing and processing.
  • Platform: Windows.
  • Use Case: Suitable for users who want a flexible but easy-to-use solution for routing audio.

10. Rogue Amoeba’s Airfoil

  • Overview: Airfoil is a software designed to stream audio to multiple devices, including virtual ones, without needing a physical connection.
  • Features:
    • Allows you to send audio from applications to virtual devices or remote systems.
    • Supports various streaming formats.
  • Platform: macOS, Windows.
  • Use Case: Great for streaming audio to multiple devices or routing audio between apps and devices.

Conclusion:

Each of these tools has different features, so the best one for you will depend on your specific needs. Whether you’re looking for something simple like VB-Audio Cable or need a more advanced routing setup with Jack Audio or Loopback Audio, there’s an option for everyone.