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MediaTop 10 Best Audio Output Splitter Software of 2026
Ranked shortlist of audio output splitter software tools, comparing VB-Audio Virtual Cable, Audio Hijack, Roon Bridge routing, and more for setups.
How we ranked these tools
An editor sets the topic, the inclusion criteria, and the evaluation framework before research starts.
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Framework: Features 40% · Ease 30% · Value 30%
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SteelSeries Sonar is the best pick on Windows when you need clean game, chat, media, and mic routing to separate outputs with built-in processing, whereas Voicemeeter is a better choice for one Windows workstation that must do repeatable multi-destination audio splitting without code.
Editor’s top 3 picks
Three quick recommendations before you dive into the full comparison below — each one leads on a different dimension.
SteelSeries Sonar
Sonar’s on-path voice processing couples directly to its virtual output routing.
Best for: Fits when gaming voice mixing needs separate outputs and built-in processing without patching.
Loopback
Editor pickDevice-based routing graph with monitoring and format handling for loopback capture and multi-output playback.
Best for: Fits when multiple macOS apps need different routed outputs with repeatable virtual endpoints.
Voicemeeter
Editor pickMatrix-style crosspoint mixing lets each input strip feed multiple destinations with independent levels.
Best for: Fits when one Windows workstation needs repeatable multi-destination audio routing without writing code.
Comparison Table
SteelSeries Sonar
vertical specialistWindows audio suite that routes games, chat, media, and microphone channels to selected outputs.
Sonar’s on-path voice processing couples directly to its virtual output routing.
SteelSeries Sonar creates virtual audio devices that act as routing endpoints for different stream purposes, then applies processing at the source and output stages. The mixer supports independent volume control and panning options per stream, which enables practical duplication and balancing between playback and voice. The system audio handling targets common PC gaming workflows where voice and game output need separate treatment without external patch cables.
A key tradeoff is that Sonar’s routing and processing are tailored to Sonar’s own virtual device model rather than offering a generic multi-application patchbay for every Windows audio session. Sonar works best when the goal is simultaneous playback plus separate voice mix control for a headset use case, where low-latency monitoring matters. When the goal is to route arbitrary per-application audio into many custom destinations, the workflow can feel constrained compared with routing tools that focus on arbitrary session-level graph building.
- +Integrated voice processing runs inside the Sonar routing graph
- +Stream-based mixer provides separate game and chat volume control
- +Virtual device endpoints simplify headset and recording routing
- +Real-time monitoring is designed for live voice workflows
- –Routing flexibility is limited to Sonar’s virtual device model
- –Deep per-application routing and matrix building is not its focus
- –Advanced channel mapping options are not granular for studios
- –Latency tuning depends on Sonar output configuration consistency
Competitive gamers
Separate game audio from chat mix
Cleaner in-headset mix
Streamers
Record gameplay and mic separately
More control in post
Show 1 more scenario
Remote meeting hosts
Reduce background noise on mic output
More intelligible voice
Applies microphone noise reduction while feeding a stable virtual mic device to conferencing software.
Best for: Fits when gaming voice mixing needs separate outputs and built-in processing without patching.
Loopback
vertical specialistLoopback creates virtual audio devices for routing and combining application audio on macOS.
Device-based routing graph with monitoring and format handling for loopback capture and multi-output playback.
Loopback works well for audio routing that needs more than a single multi-output toggle because each virtual device can be configured as an input, output, or both. It supports application-specific routing so different apps can play to different virtual outputs without manual output switching. A concrete fit signal is the ability to define virtual devices that behave like stable endpoints for downstream apps.
The main tradeoff is operational overhead because routes and virtual devices must be configured and kept consistent with your audio sessions and sample-rate expectations. It is a strong choice when multiple apps must receive different mixes, when external capture needs monitoring, or when channel mapping requires explicit configuration before live use.
- +Configurable virtual devices act as stable endpoints across apps
- +Per-application routing avoids manual default output switching
- +Supports resampling and channel handling for mixed device formats
- +Monitoring paths support loopback-style capture workflows
- –Route graphs require careful setup to avoid format mismatches
- –No built-in headless automation for scheduled routing changes
Live-stream producers
Send stream mix and recording mix separately
Separate takes without manual switching
Remote interview teams
Route mic audio and guest audio independently
Clean feeds per application
Show 2 more scenarios
Podcast editors
Monitor live while capturing processed channels
No-monitor latency surprises
Set a monitored playback path while capturing the loopback source for post-editing.
IT audio standardizers
Maintain consistent audio routing endpoints
Fewer device setup errors
Define virtual devices for repeatable application routing across users and workflows.
Best for: Fits when multiple macOS apps need different routed outputs with repeatable virtual endpoints.
Voicemeeter
SMBVirtual audio mixer that routes audio signals between applications and hardware devices.
Matrix-style crosspoint mixing lets each input strip feed multiple destinations with independent levels.
Voicemeeter treats the audio path as a controllable signal flow, not just a simple splitter, because each input strip can feed multiple hardware or virtual destinations. Routing is configured through mixer-style crosspoints and per-strip controls for gain, mute, and monitoring, which supports channel duplication and channel remapping for stereo and mono sources. Presets and hardware input selection support recurring setups such as conference routing and streaming capture with consistent levels.
The main tradeoff is that operation requires careful configuration of drivers, sample-rate and buffer settings, and monitor routing to avoid feedback loops and unintended gain staging. It fits when the same workstation must produce simultaneous playback mixes, for example sending a game audio mix to one output while capturing microphone and system audio separately for broadcast.
- +Mixer crosspoints route each input to multiple outputs simultaneously
- +Preset workflows support repeatable routing for streaming and recording
- +Channel mapping and mono to stereo paths allow controlled duplication
- +ASIO support helps reduce latency in monitoring and capture chains
- –Complex routing increases risk of feedback and incorrect monitoring
- –Device driver setup and buffer tuning are required for stable performance
Streamers and content production
Broadcast mix plus separate mic capture
Cleaner captures with consistent mixes
Remote teaching and webinars
System audio routing to recording tools
Separate tracks for editing
Show 1 more scenario
Call centers and support ops
Default output switching per scenario
Fewer routing mistakes during shifts
Prepare routing presets that swap destinations for calls and training recordings with predictable levels.
Best for: Fits when one Windows workstation needs repeatable multi-destination audio routing without writing code.
SoundBridge
SMBDigital audio workstation with multi-output routing and audio splitting capabilities.
Reusable routing configurations that apply across virtual device targets for consistent multi-output playback sessions.
SoundBridge is an audio output splitter focused on routing system audio into multiple playback targets. Routing rules are configured around virtual audio devices and output profiles, which supports simultaneous playback and application-specific routing. Admin control is centered on reusable routing configurations, which reduces repeated manual setup across sessions and endpoints.
- +Supports simultaneous playback to multiple virtual audio devices
- +Application-specific routing rules reduce manual device switching
- +Reusable output profiles speed up repeat routing setups
- +Channel mapping controls help align stereo and mono targets
- –Advanced channel mapping needs careful testing for edge cases
- –Live rule changes can disrupt an active output chain
- –Works best with a stable virtual device naming scheme
- –Limited visibility into per-stream latency and buffer settings
Best for: Fits when teams need consistent multi-target audio routing for recordings, conferencing, or monitoring without endpoint-by-endpoint setup.
BlackHole
vertical specialistmacOS virtual audio driver that passes system and application audio between compatible devices.
Works as a stable virtual audio endpoint that plugs into existing macOS audio device selection workflows.
BlackHole by existential.audio functions as a macOS virtual audio device that accepts audio from one process and presents it as an output target for another process. The core capability is channel-accurate audio routing through virtual audio cable endpoints without adding a user-facing mixer UI.
It supports application-specific routing workflows via standard macOS audio device selection, which makes it compatible with existing players and conferencing apps. Channel mapping and duplication depend on the selected audio format and what the destination app can render.
- +macOS virtual audio device endpoint works with any app that can choose an output device
- +No extra routing UI needed because device selection drives the audio flow
- +Low-friction setup for per-app audio routing workflows using standard output selection
- +Channel behavior matches the underlying device format for predictable duplication
- –No built-in multi-output splitter or per-destination routing matrix
- –Automation and API surface are limited compared with endpoint-routing tools
- –Format conversion and exclusive-mode access are not the focus of the virtual device
- –Complex splits require external routing or a separate mixer layer
Best for: Fits when macOS workflows need reliable virtual endpoints for routing, not a full multi-destination mixer.
JACK Audio Connection Kit
vertical specialistCross-platform low-latency audio server that connects software ports and hardware outputs.
The JACK port connection graph provides dynamic, sample-accurate routing between clients for channel duplication and routing changes without restarting sessions.
JACK Audio Connection Kit targets audio routing workflows driven by the JACK audio server, not GUI-based per-app output splitting. It provides virtual audio device connections, automatic graph updates for ports, and sample-accurate scheduling suited to low-latency audio work.
JACK can duplicate and split streams by wiring client ports and using channel mapping rules within the connection graph. For mixer-like behavior, it typically relies on external JACK clients that implement mixing, monitoring, or conversion before outputs are written to hardware or virtual endpoints.
- +Sample-accurate routing through the JACK audio server port graph
- +Channel mapping and port-level duplication via explicit client connections
- +Consistent behavior for simultaneous playback across multiple clients
- +Low-latency audio path using JACK scheduling and buffer control
- –Requires manual connection setup using JACK graph tools and clients
- –No built-in UI for one-click audio output splitter configurations
- –Windows setups can require extra audio server integration work
- –Advanced splitting often depends on third-party JACK client features
Best for: Fits when audio routing needs deterministic port graphs for multi-output playback and lab-style configuration control.
EarTrumpet
SMBWindows volume mixer that assigns individual applications to different playback devices.
Inline per-app output selection inside the Windows volume experience, driven by audio session routing.
EarTrumpet is a Windows audio control app that adds a per-app and per-device output picker to the system volume experience. It is distinct because it focuses on audio routing at the point of playback rather than building virtual audio device graphs.
The workflow enables quick default output switching and application-specific output routing through a UI layer that sits on top of Windows Audio Session behavior. It has limited depth for multi-output mixing because it does not provide a matrix mixer or channel mapping engine.
- +Per-app output switching from the Windows volume UI
- +Fast device selection without third-party routing drivers
- +Works with standard Windows audio sessions for playback targeting
- +Minimal setup effort compared with virtual cable toolchains
- –No simultaneous multi-output duplication or channel splitting
- –No API surface for provisioning or automated routing rules
- –Limited control over audio processing settings like sample-rate conversion
- –Does not manage exclusive-mode device access for low-latency chains
Best for: Fits when per-application output switching is the main need on Windows desktops.
PipeWire
API-firstPipeWire is a Linux audio and video server that supports low-latency routing and virtual devices.
Single graph engine routes captured and playback streams while managing virtual endpoints and links at runtime.
PipeWire provides audio routing through a unified media server that can expose virtual audio device endpoints for application-specific routing and simultaneous playback. Its core uses the same graph engine for capturing, processing, and duplicating streams, which makes it practical as an audio output splitter without separate driver stacks.
PipeWire can steer per-application playback via policy modules and it can keep device profiles in sync when apps change outputs. For automation, it exposes control surfaces built around its runtime graph, so scripted changes can target nodes, links, and streams instead of only UI-level device switching.
- +Graph-based routing duplicates streams to multiple virtual endpoints
- +Shared modules handle capture, effects, and output routing in one engine
- +Runtime node and link control enables scripted routing changes
- +Policy modules support per-application steering without wrapper apps
- –Routing graphs can be complex to reason about during troubleshooting
- –Advanced policy behavior often needs manual configuration discipline
Best for: Fits when systems need configurable, graph-level audio duplication with per-application output control.
EqMac
SMBmacOS system audio equalizer with routing capabilities for audio output device selection.
Configurable virtual audio device routing with hotkey-based switching for rapid multi-output control.
EqMac builds virtual audio devices for audio routing on macOS and supports multi-output playback so one source can feed several targets.
The tool’s workflow emphasizes virtual device configuration and hotkey-driven switching, which reduces the need for repeated manual device selection.
EqMac routing behavior depends on the Mac audio engine and buffer size, so latency and throughput often require tuning during setup.
Advanced matrix-style processing and per-application audio session rules are not the primary strength compared with dedicated audio session managers.
- +Hotkey-based output device switching for fast context changes
- +Virtual multi-output device model for simultaneous playback
- +GUI controls for managing routing targets without scripting
- +Good fit for desktop monitoring with predictable Mac audio routing
- –Per-application routing and rules are limited compared with endpoint managers
- –Complex channel mapping needs manual configuration and verification
- –Buffer and latency tuning can require iterative adjustment
- –Advanced audio processing like sample-rate conversion is not the center focus
Best for: Fits when Mac users need one virtual source feeding multiple outputs for live monitoring or playback duplication.
Synchronous Audio Router
SMBWindows WDM audio driver that exposes per-application audio endpoints for independent routing and splitting.
Synchronous routing control keeps multiple outputs aligned during switching, which reduces drift in multi-output playback.
Synchronous Audio Router provides an audio output splitter workflow for moving one input stream to multiple virtual audio outputs under synchronized control. It focuses on routing and device handling rather than building a mixer UI, so the configuration emphasizes channel mapping and output selection.
Automation is handled through a controllable routing graph and hotkey-friendly switching patterns, which helps when outputs must change during a live session. The practical limit is that it does not act like an audio matrix mixer with deep per-output DSP, so splitting is strongest when processing stays simple.
- +Synchronized routing control for multi-output playback
- +Channel mapping works well for duplication and splitting setups
- +Low-friction workflow for switching active outputs mid-session
- +Good fit for system-level routing using virtual audio devices
- –Limited per-output DSP compared with dedicated audio processing tools
- –Configuration complexity rises when many virtual outputs are involved
Best for: Fits when one app feed must be duplicated to several outputs reliably, with simple processing.
Conclusion
After evaluating 10 audio output splitter software, SteelSeries Sonar stands out as our overall top pick — it scored highest across our combined criteria of features, ease of use, and value, which is why it sits at #1 in the rankings above.
Use the comparison table and detailed reviews above to validate the fit against your own requirements before committing to a tool.
How to Choose the Right Audio Output Splitter Software
Audio output splitter software routes one audio source into multiple outputs for simultaneous playback, channel duplication, or per-application output switching without manually changing the system default device each time. This buyer’s guide covers SteelSeries Sonar, Loopback, Voicemeeter, SoundBridge, BlackHole, JACK Audio Connection Kit, EarTrumpet, PipeWire, EqMac, and Synchronous Audio Router based on how each tool handles virtual endpoint behavior, routing control, and automation constraints.
The product differences show up in routing depth and control surface. Sonar couples voice processing directly to its routing graph, while Loopback and SoundBridge emphasize repeatable virtual endpoints and reusable routing configurations. Voicemeeter targets matrix-style crosspoint mixing on Windows, and JACK centers on sample-accurate port graphs for deterministic duplication.
Audio Output Splitter Software for multi-destination playback and per-app routing
Audio output splitter software creates one-to-many routing from a source stream into multiple virtual audio device targets for simultaneous playback, monitoring, or recording workflows. Tools like Voicemeeter use matrix-style crosspoint mixing so a single input strip can feed several destinations at independent levels.
Some products focus on virtual endpoints that stay stable across apps. Loopback builds device-based routing graphs on macOS so per-application routing can avoid manual default output switching, while SoundBridge applies reusable routing configurations across multiple virtual device targets to keep multi-output sessions consistent.
Routing control surface, endpoint model, and automation constraints
Audio output splitter software succeeds when it turns one source into multiple, predictable destinations using a control surface that matches the workflow. The tools in this guide split across three models: Sonar and Voicemeeter build routing inside their own processing graphs, Loopback and SoundBridge emphasize stable virtual endpoints and reusable configurations, and JACK and PipeWire expose graph-based control that favors explicit connection management.
Routing depth inside the tool versus endpoint routing across apps
SteelSeries Sonar routes game and chat with integrated on-path voice processing tied to its virtual output model, which keeps processing and routing coupled. Loopback and SoundBridge concentrate on virtual endpoints and reusable routing configurations so multiple macOS apps can target stable outputs without manual default switching.
Multi-output model and whether it supports duplication or splitting simultaneously
Voicemeeter uses matrix-style crosspoints so one input strip can feed multiple destinations at independent levels in the same configuration. Synchronous Audio Router keeps multiple outputs aligned during switching, which supports reliable duplication and splitting setups when drift would be visible.
Per-application routing and how it changes day-to-day device switching
EarTrumpet focuses on per-application output selection driven from the Windows volume UI, which reduces switching friction when the main need is one app at a time. Loopback supports per-application routing to avoid manual default output switching, while SoundBridge applies application-specific routing rules to reduce endpoint churn across sessions.
Graph control and troubleshooting risk from explicit port connections
JACK exposes a sample-accurate port connection graph so routing changes can happen through client connections without restarting sessions. JACK still requires manual connection setup using JACK graph tools, and PipeWire can route streams to multiple virtual endpoints while still requiring manual configuration discipline during troubleshooting.
Automation and API surface for repeatable routing changes
Loopback is device-based and supports monitoring and format handling, but it has no built-in headless automation for scheduled routing changes in its core workflow. BlackHole provides a macOS virtual endpoint that works with app output selection, but automation and API surface are limited versus endpoint-routing tools.
Choose a routing philosophy that matches how changes happen in real use
Selection should start from how routing changes will be triggered, because that determines whether a tool needs a tight in-tool routing graph or a stable endpoint abstraction. Sonar favors routing and processing inside its own model, while Voicemeeter favors matrix mixing where a single input fans out to multiple outputs at independent gains.
Match the tool to the routing trigger: in-graph processing versus stable endpoint selection
If routing decisions must stay coupled to processing and are acceptable within one virtual device model, choose SteelSeries Sonar because its on-path voice processing runs inside the Sonar routing graph. If routing should work across many macOS apps by targeting stable virtual endpoints, choose Loopback or SoundBridge because both emphasize device-based endpoints and reusable routing configurations.
Decide between matrix fan-out mixing and duplication-oriented multi-output alignment
If the requirement is independent levels from one input to multiple destinations at the same time, choose Voicemeeter because matrix crosspoints route each input to multiple outputs simultaneously. If the requirement is that multiple outputs stay aligned during switching so drift does not show up, choose Synchronous Audio Router because synchronized routing control is designed to keep outputs aligned.
Choose based on whether per-app switching is the whole problem or just part of it
If the main workflow is changing output per app in the Windows volume UI without building a routing graph, choose EarTrumpet because it performs inline per-app output selection. If the workflow needs per-application routing to avoid default device switching on macOS, choose Loopback because per-application routing avoids manual default output switching.
Pick graph-level determinism only when explicit connection management is acceptable
If deterministic, sample-accurate routing and dynamic port connection changes are required, choose JACK because the JACK port connection graph provides sample-accurate routing between clients. If a single graph engine is acceptable but troubleshooting discipline is available, choose PipeWire because graph-based routing duplicates streams to multiple virtual endpoints while shared modules handle capture, effects, and output routing.
Choose minimal endpoint tools only when multi-output splitting is not required
If the requirement is only a stable macOS virtual endpoint that plugs into existing device selection workflows, choose BlackHole because it provides a virtual audio endpoint without a multi-output splitter matrix. If hotkey-driven multi-output control is required for live monitoring or playback duplication on Mac, choose EqMac because it supports hotkey-based output device switching.
Which teams and workflows fit each audio output splitter approach
Teams should map needs to the routing model they can maintain. Endpoint-stable tools reduce operational friction, matrix mixers support simultaneous fan-out with control over levels, and graph engines suit deterministic connection management for advanced setups.
PC gamers and creators who need separate game and chat outputs with built-in voice processing
SteelSeries Sonar fits when game and chat volume control must stay inside one routing graph with integrated voice processing for the same virtual output model.
macOS users managing multiple apps that must target different outputs without constant default-device switching
Loopback fits when per-application routing prevents manual default output switching and when configurable virtual devices act as stable endpoints across apps.
Windows streamers who want one input source routed to multiple destinations with independent levels
Voicemeeter fits when crosspoint mixing is needed so each input strip can feed multiple outputs with separate gains at the same time.
Teams standardizing multi-target recording, conferencing, or monitoring sessions
SoundBridge fits when reusable routing configurations must apply across multiple virtual device targets so endpoint-by-endpoint setup is minimized.
Audio engineers building deterministic routing graphs for lab-style channel duplication and port control
JACK fits when sample-accurate routing and explicit port connections are acceptable and when manual connection setup is part of the workflow.
Common failure points when configuring multi-output routing tools
Most configuration problems come from mismatched assumptions about where routing control lives and how changes propagate during active sessions. The tools here vary sharply in how they handle channel mapping complexity, routing change safety, and operational automation.
Treating a virtual endpoint-only tool as a full one-to-many splitter
BlackHole provides a stable macOS virtual audio endpoint that works with app output selection, but it does not include a built-in multi-output splitter or per-destination routing matrix.
Building complex matrix routing without a feedback and monitoring safety plan
Voicemeeter’s matrix-style crosspoint routing increases the risk of feedback and incorrect monitoring when input and output paths are not planned and verified.
Assuming routing graphs can be changed safely during live playback
SoundBridge warns that live rule changes can disrupt an active output chain, so routing updates should be planned around active sessions.
Avoiding connection setup discipline in graph-based systems
JACK requires manual connection setup using JACK graph tools and clients, and PipeWire routing graphs can be complex to reason about during troubleshooting.
Expecting scheduled or headless routing automation from endpoint routing tools
Loopback is strong for device-based routing graphs and per-application routing on macOS, but it has no built-in headless automation for scheduled routing changes in its core workflow.
How We Selected and Ranked These Tools
We evaluated SteelSeries Sonar, Loopback, Voicemeeter, SoundBridge, BlackHole, JACK Audio Connection Kit, EarTrumpet, PipeWire, EqMac, and Synchronous Audio Router using routing depth and control surface, ease of configuration, and end-to-end value for multi-output workflows. Features scored 40% because each card highlights how routing is executed, whether through an integrated on-path processing graph or through endpoint-based routing.
Ease of use and value each scored 30% because tools like EarTrumpet emphasize inline per-app output selection while JACK emphasizes explicit port connection setup. SteelSeries Sonar earned the top rank because its integrated voice processing runs inside its routing graph and because its Stream-based mixer provides separate game and chat volume control within the same model.
Frequently Asked Questions About Audio Output Splitter Software
How do VB-Audio Virtual Cable and BlackHole differ when creating virtual audio endpoints?
Which tool works best for synchronized multi-output switching during a live session, and what breaks if synchronization is missing?
When does JACK Audio Connection Kit outperform GUI splitters for multi-output routing control?
How does Loopback handle repeatable routing definitions compared with per-app output switching tools?
What integration path works for Windows users who need per-application volume control with multi-output destinations?
Where does SoundBridge fall short compared with a full matrix mixer workflow?
When should administrators pick PipeWire instead of relying on endpoint switching overlays?
How do SSO and RBAC show up in common audio splitter workflows for organizations?
What data migration steps are needed when moving a routing setup from EqMac to another macOS splitter?
Tools reviewed
Primary sources checked during evaluation.
Referenced in the comparison table and product reviews above.
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