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You are able to build virtual audio inputs and outputs with the help of a program called SoundDesk, which is a virtual audio driver. It is possible to utilize it to route audio in and out of a variety of apps and devices. However, development of SoundDesk has been discontinued, thus it is not the greatest option for consumers who require a dependable and up-to-date solution at this time.
There are many SoundDesk alternatives available, each with its own strengths and weaknesses. BlackHole Audio Loopback Driver, Virtual Audio Cable, Loopback, VB-Audio Virtual Cable, and Soundflower are a few examples of the most well-liked options.
What is SoundDesk?
Users are able to handle audio inputs, apply effects, and produce soundtracks that are of professional quality when using the advanced audio mixing and routing program known as SoundDesk. As a result of its extensive feature set, which includes support for things like multi-channel mixing, virtual audio routing, and real-time monitoring, it is a popular choice among audio professionals and content creators.
Why you might need an alternative to SoundDesk
Although SoundDesk is a powerful tool, there are a number of reasons why you might consider looking into other options, including the following:
- Cost: SoundDesk can be fairly pricey, particularly for those who are working with a limited budget or who do not want all of the advanced features that it offers.
- Compatibility with Operating Systems: SoundDesk might not be available for all operating systems, which would prevent some users from making full use of the program.
- Specific Features: Requirements Depending on the particulars of your situation, there may be other software solutions available to you that provide specialized capabilities that are a better fit for your requirements than those offered by the software you are now using.
Top SoundDesk Alternatives
Alternatives to SoundDesk typically take the form of Audio Routers, but they can also take the form of Audio Recorders or Volume Control Tools. Use these as criteria for the filter if you are seeking for a particular feature of SoundDesk or if you want to reduce the number of options in the list.
BlackHole Audio Loopback Driver
Features:
The BlackHole Audio Loopback Driver is a piece of software that allows for the virtual routing of audio and is available for free and open source. It allows you to create multiple virtual audio channels and route audio between applications and devices seamlessly. It is very helpful for live streaming, podcasting, and audio production, among other things. In spite of the fact that it does not provide significant technical assistance, due to its user-friendly interface and low price, it is an attractive alternative to SoundDesk.
The Good
- Free and open-source
- Easy to use
- Versatile application compatibility
The Bad
- Limited technical support
- macOS only
Virtual Audio Cable
Features:
When it comes to virtual audio routing on Windows, the software known as Virtual Audio Cable is one of the most popular options. You will be able to create virtual audio devices with its assistance and route audio data between various programs and devices. It has a low latency and allows for fully customized channel setups, making it a favourite option for audio professionals as well as audio aficionados. but, Virtual Audio Cable is exclusively available for Windows operating systems.
The Good
- Reliable performance
- Wide compatibility with applications
- Easy to configure
The Bad
- Windows only
- Paid software
Loopback
Features:
Loopback is an audio routing and mixing application that was developed specifically for the macOS operating system. It makes it simple for you to transfer audio between programs, devices, and virtual audio devices. With its intuitive interface and drag-and-drop functionality, Loopback simplifies complex audio workflows. On the other hand, similar to other solutions that are only available for macOS, it is possible that it is not suitable for users operating on different platforms.
The Good
- Intuitive interface
- Flexible routing options
The Bad
- macOS only
VB-Audio Virtual Cable
Features:
The VB-Audio Virtual Cable software is a virtual audio routing application that was developed only for the Windows platform. It grants you the capability of creating virtual audio devices and establishing audio links between apps and devices. With great performance and customizable channel configurations, VB-Audio Virtual Cable is well-regarded in the audio community. On the other hand, it is not presently compatible with macOS or any other operating system.
The Good
- Stable and reliable performance
- Easy to set up and configure
The Bad
- Windows only
- Paid software
Soundflower
Features:
Soundflower is a piece of software that allows for the virtual audio routing of signals and is compatible with the macOS and Windows operating systems. It enables users to route audio signals between different applications and devices seamlessly. It is important to note that despite Soundflower’s rise in popularity over the years, the software has only received limited upgrades and support, which may have an impact on its ability to remain compatible with more recent versions of operating systems in the long run.
The Good
- Compatible with multiple operating systems
- Simple installation process
- Versatile audio routing options
The Bad
- Limited updates and support
- macOS version requires additional installation steps
Questions and Answers
Because it is compatible with both macOS and Windows, Soundflower is an option that users can consider who are operating on either of these platforms.
Both Virtual Audio Cable and VB-Audio are available. When it comes to virtual audio routing, Virtual Cable is well-known for the low-latency performance it provides.