Soundflower for Mac

Soundflower is a free and open-source desktop utility that lets you route audio between applications using virtual audio devices. It is a handy option for capturing audio from one program to another without extra hardware or cables. Its channel configuration allows for multiple audio streams based on routing needs. Although no longer under active development, it remains usable for specific audio tasks.

Setting Soundflower as your computer's audio output will mute your speakers or headphones unless you create a multi-output device in Audio MIDI Setup. Its functions depend heavily on system-level routing behavior and audio configuration within PC sound settings.

Digital auditory patching

Soundflower functions by creating virtual audio interfaces, allowing system or application audio to be redirected elsewhere. It provides two-channel and 16-channel options, depending on routing complexity. You can assign channels using the desktop's Audio MIDI Setup utility, which lets you manually choose where audio goes in and out, giving you control over how sound flows between different programs to match what you need.

Once installed, this tool becomes visible in the system’s audio settings. By selecting it as an input or output device, you redirect audio without relying on physical hardware or external cabling. For example, audio from a media player can be routed directly to a recording program. This redirection is controlled at the operating system level, allowing flexibility across various software configurations.

Installation requires adjusting security settings and allowing kernel extensions. You must grant specific permissions through System Preferences before activation. It does not always cooperate well with OS updates, leading to operational errors or detection issues. However, the project is archived, and it lacks patches for newer systems. It is a free and open-source option for audio routing, offering an alternative to expensive commercial software.

No longer maintained but functional

Soundflower performs basic virtual audio routing tasks on desktops but lacks official support or updates for current system versions. While it's not officially supported on the newest systems, its core functionality remains a reliable and free solution for those working on older or stable setups. It's a handy tool for many audio tasks, and its legacy has inspired modern alternatives.

• Enhanced support for 16-channel configuration