For streamers, gamers, music producers and content creators alike, the ability to internally route audio from one application to another is vital. For some creatives, you may need to handle audio between several applications or external sound sources such as microphones and other devices.
For those of us who aren’t computer wizards or sound engineers, the process of deciding the best internal audio routing tool for the job can be a confusing and frustrating task. In this article, we’ll take a look at the available tools, highlighting their strengths and how they can help you handle your audio more easily.
In this article:
- What is internal audio routing?
- Existential Audio Black Hole
- JACK Audio Connection Kit
- Rogue Amoeba Loopback
- Ginger Audio CASTER Live
- Use a Loopback-capable Audio Interface
What is internal audio routing?
Before we explore some of the tools you might consider when trying to internally route audio, let’s first explain what the term means. To connect physical audio equipment, you need the appropriate cables, but what about connecting various pieces of software? That’s where internal audio routing comes in, also known as loopback software.
At its most basic level, loopback software is merely a driver that lets you send the output of one piece of software to another via your software’s input and output settings. More advanced loopback software lets you send and receive audio between numerous applications, allows you to adjust the volume of each sound source and in some cases, you can even apply effects and processing.
What is the best program for internally routing audio?
There is no one-size-fits-all when it comes to internal audio routing software; the best software for you will depend on your budget and uses. So without further ado, let’s take a look at five of the best options for routing your audio between applications.
Existential Audio Black Hole - FREE / $10 Suggested Donation
Best budget internal audio routing software for Mac OS
First up is this simple but effective piece of software from Existential Audio, entitled Black Hole. The program comes in two-channel and 16-channel variations, and appears as new audio input and output devices once installed. It’s extremely quick and easy to use, simply select Black Hole as the source program’s output, and as an input on the destination program.
Black Hole promises zero-latency operation making it a suitable choice for gamers, streamers and more. If you’re a Windows user though, you’re out of luck, as Black Hole is currently Mac-only. It may be a very rudimentary piece of audio routing software, but it’s also one of the cheapest on this list and is more than adequate for simple internal audio routing tasks.
You can opt to donate the recommended $10 to download Black Hole directly from the Existential Audio website. Alternatively, there is an option to download the program for free, either direct or on GitHub.
JACK Audio Connection Kit - FREE
Best budget internal audio routing software for Windows
Next up is another free loopback program called JACK Audio Connection Kit, or simply JACK for short. Like Black Hole, JACK allows you to route audio between your various applications and programs. Unlike Black Hole, JACK is available on Windows and Linux, as well as on Mac OS.
On the face of it, JACK is a slightly more complex piece of software than Black Hole, and may take slightly more setup and configuration. The advantage of this is that it packs some additional features and control over Black Hole. For example, you can use JACK’s Patchbay functionality to set up multiple routings between various sources and destinations.
JACK Audio Connection Kit is a free, open-source internal audio routing program, available to download on GitHub.
Rogue Amoeba Loopback - $119
Best internal audio routing software for content creators
For those looking for some more advanced functionality, read on as we discuss the more feature-packed options on this list. Rogue Amoeba is a USA-based software developer responsible for several audio utility programs. One such program is Loopback, their internal audio routing solution.
Loopback is similar to JACK in that you use a patchbay-esque interface to manually connect your various audio sources and destinations. The modular architecture is relatively straightforward and allows you to quickly combine multiple audio sources into a single virtual device. You can quickly toggle your new virtual devices on and off, rename them, adjust their volumes and much more. One downside with Loopback is that it is currently Mac-only, so unfortunately Windows and Linux users will need to opt for another audio routing software solution.
You can buy Rogue Amoeba as a single program, or you can also pick it up as part of a larger software package, ideal for creatives and podcasters.
Ginger Audio CASTER Live - $99
Most advanced internal audio routing software
For more advanced users looking for the most comprehensive internal audio routing solution, this next program might be the answer to your prayers. Ginger Audio offers a range of high-quality audio programs and utilities, including their powerful virtual mixer, CASTER Live.
Not only does CASTER Live allow you to set up a number of internal audio sources, you can also add up to six external audio devices. CASTER Live even boasts a soundboard which comes with some sounds included, or you can load your own. For streamers, gamers and creators alike, this allows you to add a personal touch to your content.
CASTER Live will be intuitive for anyone familiar with the traditional audio mixer format. After setting up your various audio sources, you can adjust each device’s volume level and stereo panning using the channel controls. You can even independently control the volume for your audience and monitor sub-mixes, or remove certain channels from each sub-mix entirely.
It’s clear that CASTER Live is designed to give you and most importantly, your audience, the highest quality audio possible. As well as being able to adjust the level and pan of each of your audio sources, you can also add processing to further refine the audio being outputted. CASTER Live ships with the Voice Purity and Voice Radio plugins, which help you achieve a transparent and professional sound, whatever the source. You can even insert your own third-party plugin VSTs in one of each channel’s four plugin slots.
Finally, CASTER Live is compatible with a range of external hardware controllers such as Streamdeck, Loupedeck, or any MIDI controller you might already own. This means you can assign your controller’s buttons, knobs and faders to the parameters within CASTER Live,giving you quick and easy hands-on audio control.
CASTER Live is available to buy through the Ginger Audio website at a highly competitive price of $99.
Use a Loopback-capable Audio Interface
Best hardware-based internal audio routing solution
The fifth and final internal audio routing solution on this list is an audio interface with built-in loopback capabilities. Not all audio interfaces come with this useful feature, so if you’re planning to invest in a loopback-capable interface, be sure to check the product information before you pull the trigger.
One manufacturer that offers a range of loopback-capable interfaces, is Audient. Their iD range is designed for musicians and producers, while their EVO range is more aimed at content creators. All models across both interface ranges boast Audio Loop-back functionality. Using the Audient iD Mixer app, you can route your various sound sources and adjust their level and panning, as you would with traditional audio inputs.
Using your audio interfaces’ proprietary software to route your internal audio negates the need for additional software, which may slow down your computer and your workflow. The downside is that depending on which interface you opt for, the upfront cost is likely to be more expensive than one of the software solutions covered in this article.
