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Technology Digital MediaTop 10 Best Dual Audio Output Software of 2026
Compare the top picks in dual audio output software, ranked by setup and output quality, with notes on SoundWire, SteelSeries Sonar, and NVIDIA Broadcast.
How we ranked these tools
Core product claims cross-referenced against official documentation, changelogs, and independent technical reviews.
Analyzed video reviews and hundreds of written evaluations to capture real-world user experiences with each tool.
AI persona simulations modeled how different user types would experience each tool across common use cases and workflows.
Final rankings reviewed and approved by our editorial team with authority to override AI-generated scores based on domain expertise.
Score: Features 40% · Ease 30% · Value 30%
Gitnux may earn a commission through links on this page — this does not influence rankings. Editorial policy
SoundWire is the best fit if you need dual output by sending desktop audio to nearby Android headphones or speakers over Wi‑Fi, whereas SteelSeries Sonar is the stronger choice for Windows gamers who want separate game, chat, and stream monitoring paths at the same time.
Editor’s top 3 picks
Three quick recommendations before you dive into the full comparison below — each one leads on a different dimension.
SoundWire
Wi-Fi audio streaming from a desktop SoundWire Server to Android phones and tablets.
Built for fits when desktop audio must reach Android headphones or speakers in another nearby location..
SteelSeries Sonar
Editor pickFive-channel Sonar routing assigns individual applications across Game, Chat, Media, Aux, and Stream paths.
Built for fits when Windows gamers need separate game, chat, and stream monitoring paths..
NVIDIA Broadcast
Editor pickAI-powered Noise Removal and Room Echo Removal process microphone and speaker audio before conferencing or streaming applications receive it.
Built for fits when RTX-equipped streamers need cleaner voice and camera feeds, not independent speaker routing..
Related reading
Comparison Table
Dual audio output software matters because it routes one stream to multiple devices while preserving timing, gain staging, and per-application targeting. This ranked list helps technical evaluators compare routing models, virtual device behavior, and configuration depth across platforms using repeatable test criteria, including one strong Windows mixer name where faster selection often starts.
SoundWire
specialistAudio transmission app that sends audio from a PC to mobile devices over WiFi for dual output setups.
Wi-Fi audio streaming from a desktop SoundWire Server to Android phones and tablets.
SoundWire captures the computer's active audio stream and forwards it to one or more nearby Android devices through the local network. Users can place an Android phone near remote speakers, connect headphones to a tablet, or use an older handset as a listening endpoint. Server controls cover the source stream, compression, and buffer behavior.
The tradeoff is limited routing depth because SoundWire mirrors the computer's audio rather than assigning separate applications to different outputs. It fits a room where desktop audio needs to reach wireless headphones or a second speaker location without moving the computer.
- +Streams desktop audio to Android phones and tablets over a local Wi-Fi network
- +Works with Windows and Linux desktop servers
- +Supports adjustable buffering for different network conditions
- +Uses existing Android headphones, speakers, and device outputs
- –Android is required for the receiving device
- –Does not assign individual applications to separate outputs
- –Network congestion can increase delay or interrupt playback
- –Requires a desktop server and Android receiver connection
Home media users
Remote listening from a desktop
Audio reaches another room
Linux desktop users
Wireless listening endpoint
Adds an inexpensive endpoint
Show 2 more scenarios
Shared household listeners
Separate headphone listening
Supports shared playback
One person listens through Android headphones while the computer continues playing through its local speakers.
Remote presentation operators
Nearby audio monitoring
Enables flexible monitoring
An Android device provides a mobile monitoring point for desktop playback during presentations or demonstrations.
Best for: Fits when desktop audio must reach Android headphones or speakers in another nearby location.
More related reading
SteelSeries Sonar
SMBAudio mixing software that routes game, chat, and media audio to separate output devices simultaneously.
Five-channel Sonar routing assigns individual applications across Game, Chat, Media, Aux, and Stream paths.
PC streamers and gamers can send game audio to a headset while directing chat or stream monitoring to another device. Sonar provides per-application output assignment through the SteelSeries GG desktop application. Its channel layout reduces repeated Windows output changes during live sessions.
The main tradeoff is platform and routing scope, since Sonar requires Windows and does not duplicate every source to two physical outputs automatically. A streamer can still separate game playback from a monitoring feed by assigning applications to different Sonar channels.
- +Five dedicated channels cover game, chat, media, auxiliary, and stream workflows
- +Application routing assigns individual programs to specific Sonar channels
- +Microphone noise removal and equalization are built into the same interface
- +Channel presets simplify switching between headset and speaker configurations
- –Windows-only operation excludes macOS and Linux audio setups
- –Direct source duplication to two physical outputs is not the primary workflow
- –SteelSeries GG must remain installed for routing and processing
- –No documented public API supports automated routing changes
PC livestreamers
Separate gameplay and stream monitoring
Independent monitoring paths
Competitive PC gamers
Balance game and voice chat
Faster voice adjustments
Show 1 more scenario
Gaming content creators
Manage multiple application outputs
Cleaner recording mixes
Application assignments keep browser media, calls, and games on separate channels during recording sessions.
Best for: Fits when Windows gamers need separate game, chat, and stream monitoring paths.
NVIDIA Broadcast
specialistAI-driven audio software that processes and routes microphone and speaker audio through virtual devices.
AI-powered Noise Removal and Room Echo Removal process microphone and speaker audio before conferencing or streaming applications receive it.
NVIDIA Broadcast processes microphone and speaker signals through RTX GPU effects before supported applications receive them. Users can select source devices, enable individual effects, and expose processed feeds to OBS, Zoom, Microsoft Teams, Discord, and similar software. Camera controls add background replacement, portrait blur, auto framing, and eye contact correction.
NVIDIA Broadcast cannot send one application to two independent physical outputs simultaneously. Streamers needing cleaner voice and video can use it alongside OBS, but users needing headphones and speakers at the same time require separate routing software.
- +AI Noise Removal handles keyboard, fan, and household background sounds.
- +Room Echo Removal reduces reflections from untreated rooms.
- +Virtual microphone and camera feeds integrate with major conferencing apps.
- +Camera effects include background replacement, blur, and automatic framing.
- –Cannot send one source to two physical outputs simultaneously.
- –No per-application volume controls or channel matrix.
- –Requires an RTX GPU and compatible Windows installation.
- –Effect processing adds GPU load during streaming and video calls.
Live streamers
Cleaner voice during broadcasts
Clearer live voice
Video conference hosts
Reducing room noise in meetings
Fewer audio distractions
Show 1 more scenario
Camera-focused creators
Background control without a studio
Cleaner visual presentation
Creators replace or blur backgrounds and use automatic framing during recorded presentations or live sessions.
Best for: Fits when RTX-equipped streamers need cleaner voice and camera feeds, not independent speaker routing.
BlackHole
API-firstmacOS virtual audio driver for connecting applications and building multi-output audio setups.
Designed as a pair of virtual endpoints for direct dual-output duplication using standard audio device selection.
BlackHole from existential.audio is a virtual audio device pair designed for low-friction dual-device audio routing and simultaneous playback. It provides a stable sink and source that applications and audio servers can target directly without adding mixer components.
System-level capture and playback chains stay straightforward because channel count and sample-rate behavior are consistent across common Windows and macOS workflows. For dual-output duplication, it acts as the routing endpoint that other tools connect to through standard OS audio paths.
- +Virtual audio device pair integrates with host apps using standard OS routing
- +Low-latency behavior stays predictable across loopback style playback chains
- +Supports clean duplication into multiple downstream endpoints without extra plugins
- +Channel mapping stays consistent, simplifying left-right routing tests
- –No built-in audio mixing or per-application output assignment
- –Does not provide an API for automation of routing graphs
- –Latency tuning depends on external audio server settings
- –Multi-client concurrency can require careful exclusive-device handling
Best for: Fits when an audio workflow needs stable dual-output routing endpoints without adding a mixer layer.
Loopback
vertical specialistmacOS virtual audio routing software that sends audio sources to multiple destinations.
Routing graph control with virtual audio devices that can mix multiple app sources and map channels per stream.
Loopback creates virtual audio devices and routes system and application audio into configurable software mixers. It supports per-application routing, so different apps can feed different outputs with independent volume and optional channel mapping.
It also integrates with macOS audio frameworks for low-level device-level selection and routing graph control. For teams, Loopback adds automation-friendly configuration via command-line launching and repeatable virtual device setups for daily workflows.
- +Per-application routing into multiple virtual outputs with separate mixing controls
- +Channel mapping support for targeted stereo left-right or mono aggregation workflows
- +Persistent virtual device definitions that simplify repeatable routing setups
- +Low-level device selection using macOS audio framework integration
- –Setup takes time to model routing graphs and avoid feedback loops
- –Automation is limited to launching and configuration workflows, not a rich remote API
- –Advanced matrix-style routing is more manual than dedicated audio-matrix tools
- –Primary focus is macOS routing, which reduces cross-platform deployment flexibility
Best for: Fits when macOS users need per-app routing into multiple simultaneous outputs for meetings, recording, and monitoring.
EarTrumpet
SMBWindows volume mixer providing per-application audio control to direct sound to selected output devices.
Live per-audio-session output targeting, with the session list reflecting currently playing processes.
EarTrumpet is a Windows audio device control app that adds per-process and per-device output selection for multi-output audio work. It shows active audio sessions and routes each app to a chosen playback device using WASAPI-based device control.
The app focuses on interactive switching and fine-grained volume control rather than building a full routing matrix. For users duplicating system sound across devices for meetings or monitoring, it delivers fast session-level changes with minimal setup.
- +Per-app output routing with quick switching from the session list
- +Shows which processes are playing so routing changes are traceable
- +Independent device volume control from one compact UI
- +WASAPI device targeting works reliably for normal playback devices
- –No built-in audio duplication or mixing for multi-device simultaneous output
- –Routing is mostly interactive, with limited automation depth
- –Complex channel mapping and left-right splitting are not addressed
- –Does not provide RBAC, audit logs, or governance for shared machines
Best for: Fits when per-application audio output routing is needed on a single Windows workstation.
Voicemeeter
vertical specialistWindows mixer software that routes application audio to multiple hardware outputs.
A bus-based mixer layout that drives simultaneous multi-device output using configurable virtual inputs and outputs.
Voicemeeter provides a Windows mixer interface with multiple input strips and output buses that can be configured for simultaneous playback to more than one destination.
Virtual audio device routing and loopback style capture enable re-routing monitored audio without external cables for many common system-audio duplication workflows.
- +Multi-bus routing model supports duplicated output to separate destinations
- +Per-channel gain and mute controls with clear signal-path visibility
- +Virtual device loopback lets system audio be re-routed for monitoring
- +Deterministic device mapping through configurable input and output strips
- –Channel-bus setup complexity increases time-to-first-working-dual-output
- –Advanced routing needs careful gain staging to avoid clipping and feedback
- –Limited per-application routing compared with dedicated audio session tools
- –No native remote provisioning or API for automation workflows
Best for: Fits when a single Windows workstation needs controlled dual output duplication for streaming, recording, or monitoring.
Virtual Audio Cable
specialistWindows software that creates virtual audio devices to route audio signals between applications.
Virtual Cable pair loopback devices that let routed playback be re-captured for processing in other apps via standard device selection.
Virtual Audio Cable provides virtual audio devices that can receive audio via driver-level loopback and expose it to Windows audio applications as if it were hardware. It is distinct in its focus on channelized, point-to-point routing where each virtual cable behaves like an audio sink and source for simultaneous playback workflows.
The core capability is software-mediated audio device aggregation for per-application routing and duplication, plus configurable channel mapping for stereo handling. It also supports loopback-style monitoring so routed audio can be processed by downstream effects tools and then played again through separate device targets.
- +Driver-level virtual endpoints that integrate with standard Windows audio apps
- +Channel mapping controls for predictable left-right handling and routing
- +Loopback capture enables monitoring and downstream processing chains
- +Reliable duplication via multi-output selection in normal audio device pickers
- –Routing setup depends on manually selecting the right virtual device in each app
- –Limited mixer topology compared with full software matrix mixers
- –Channel format mismatches can cause artifacts without careful configuration
- –No built-in per-application rules or API automation for session-level control
Best for: Fits when single-host audio duplication and routing needs predictable virtual device endpoints without building a full matrix.
PipeWire
vertical specialistLinux multimedia server for audio routing, device aggregation, and low-latency processing.
Session manager integration that coordinates policy-based stream routing across applications and devices.
PipeWire captures audio from ALSA and PulseAudio clients and routes it to multiple outputs for simultaneous playback. It can aggregate devices into a single virtual endpoint and apply per-stream processing through its modular graph. PipeWire also exposes session and stream control primitives that let tools manage routing, latency, and format negotiation across applications.
- +Graph-based routing supports multi-output duplication without extra virtual cable tools
- +Unified handling of ALSA and PulseAudio clients reduces compatibility friction
- +Virtual device aggregation lets one endpoint represent multiple physical devices
- +Stream control supports per-application routing and session-level parameter changes
- –Advanced routing requires learning PipeWire node graph concepts
- –Low-latency tuning often needs careful buffer and rate configuration
- –Some desktop workflows depend on session manager components for policy
Best for: Fits when dual-audio routing must coordinate multiple apps with consistent latency behavior.
SoundSource
vertical specialistControls audio output selection and volume for individual Mac applications.
Per-application routing with simultaneous multi-output duplication controlled from a single macOS interface.
SoundSource from Rogue Amoeba focuses on macOS per-application audio output control and multi-device routing without adding a new virtual sound card. It can duplicate system or app audio to multiple hardware outputs while applying independent volume and channel options per target.
It integrates tightly with Core Audio device discovery and maintains routing preferences across app launches. SoundSource also supports capturing and routing from select system sound sources, which helps when different playback paths need consistent behavior.
- +Per-application output routing keeps app playback on the intended device
- +Simultaneous multi-output duplication for system and selected apps
- +Independent per-target volume simplifies balancing two speakers or headphones
- +Core Audio device management matches macOS changes without manual rebuilding
- –macOS-only design limits workflows that need cross-platform routing
- –No documented external automation API for programmatic route changes
- –Setup requires careful selection of apps and targets for each scenario
- –Channel mapping controls are limited compared with matrix-style mixers
Best for: Fits when macOS users need consistent per-app dual output and quick rerouting between speakers and headphones.
Conclusion
After evaluating 10 technology digital media, SoundWire 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 dual audio output software
Dual audio output software routes the same audio stream to multiple output devices while also supporting per-application output targeting and channel mapping. This buyer’s guide covers SoundWire, SteelSeries Sonar, NVIDIA Broadcast, BlackHole, Loopback, EarTrumpet, Voicemeeter, Virtual Audio Cable, PipeWire, and SoundSource to match different routing workflows.
SoundWire reaches Android receivers over local Wi-Fi from a desktop server. SteelSeries Sonar targets Windows gamers with five separate Sonar paths for Game, Chat, Media, Aux, and Stream. The remaining tools span macOS mixer graphs, Windows session switching, virtual endpoint pairing, and system-level graph routing.
Dual audio output software that duplicates and routes audio to multiple devices
Dual audio output software uses virtual endpoints, routing graphs, or session-level controls to send playback to more than one destination at the same time. Some tools focus on duplication via paired endpoints like BlackHole and Virtual Audio Cable so host apps can select devices from standard OS menus. Other tools build a fuller mixer and routing layer like Loopback that supports per-application routing into multiple virtual outputs with channel mapping.
The practical difference between tools shows up in how they assign sources to outputs. EarTrumpet targets a single Windows workstation with an interactive session list that routes currently playing processes to a chosen output. PipeWire provides graph-based policy routing that coordinates streams across applications and devices, which changes how advanced latency tuning and routing consistency are handled.
Dual audio output capabilities to compare across routing and control layers
Dual audio output software needs a repeatable path from source to destination so the same playback can land on multiple devices without manual per-app device swapping. Tools differ most in how they structure sources, outputs, and routing decisions for duplication and simultaneous playback.
Application-level output assignment and session awareness
SteelSeries Sonar assigns individual applications into five Sonar paths like Game, Chat, Media, Aux, and Stream on Windows. EarTrumpet routes based on the currently playing process list so changes are tied to live audio sessions on a single workstation.
Dual-output duplication via paired virtual endpoints
BlackHole presents a paired virtual endpoint setup that supports direct dual-output duplication using standard audio device selection. Virtual Audio Cable provides driver-level virtual cable endpoints for predictable left-right handling and loopback recapture by other apps.
Routing graph control and channel mapping depth
Loopback supports per-application routing into multiple virtual outputs with separate mixing controls and channel mapping for stereo left-right or mono aggregation workflows. PipeWire uses graph-based routing that coordinates multi-output duplication across applications while also handling ALSA and PulseAudio clients together.
Mixer topology for simultaneous multi-device outputs
Voicemeeter uses a bus-based mixer layout that drives duplicated output to separate destinations with per-channel gain and mute controls. Virtual Audio Cable stays closer to virtual endpoint routing and offers limited mixer topology versus a full matrix mixer.
Routing scope and platform coverage boundaries
SoundWire streams desktop audio to Android phones and tablets over local Wi-Fi and requires Android on the receiving device. SteelSeries Sonar runs Windows-only and targets gamer monitoring workflows rather than cross-platform routing.
Automation surface for repeatable routing changes
PipeWire’s graph routing and policy-based stream routing support consistent coordination across apps during routing changes. SoundSource lacks a documented external automation API for programmatic route changes, which shifts changes toward manual interaction on macOS.
Choose by routing model: endpoint pairing, session control, or graph-based policy
Start by matching the routing model to the workflow that needs simultaneous outputs. Endpoint pairing tools reduce complexity by relying on standard OS device selection, while mixer and graph tools provide controllable routing when multiple apps must land on multiple destinations.
Pick an endpoint-pairing workflow when dual output must be chosen in standard device menus
BlackHole fits when two virtual endpoints should appear as standard selectable devices for direct audio duplication without adding a mixer layer. Virtual Audio Cable fits when a routed playback stream must be recaptured by other apps through driver-level virtual endpoints with predictable left-right handling.
Pick session-first routing when a single Windows workstation needs quick per-app reroutes
EarTrumpet fits when routing changes should be driven by the session list that reflects currently playing processes. SteelSeries Sonar fits when Windows gamers need per-application monitoring paths across Game, Chat, Media, Aux, and Stream.
Pick graph-based routing when simultaneous multi-output must stay consistent across multiple apps
PipeWire fits when a graph-based router must coordinate stream routing and keep latency behavior consistent across applications and devices. Loopback fits when per-application routing requires a mixer-like graph with channel mapping and separate mixing controls.
Pick a bus-based mixer when independent gains and mutes need to stay visible across duplicated destinations
Voicemeeter fits when a bus-based mixer layout must drive simultaneous multi-device output with per-channel gain and mute controls. NVIDIA Broadcast fits when clean audio capture is the priority, because it focuses on AI noise removal and echo removal instead of a channel matrix or per-output duplication.
Pick a streaming receiver workflow when the second destination is a remote Android device over Wi-Fi
SoundWire fits when desktop audio must reach Android headphones or speakers in another nearby location over local Wi-Fi using a SoundWire Server. Tools like BlackHole and Virtual Audio Cable assume local host selection of virtual endpoints instead of Android Wi-Fi receivers.
Who benefits from these dual audio output models
Dual audio output tools divide into clear user groups based on whether the second destination is remote, a local second device, or a virtual endpoint feeding other apps. Teams and individuals also differ in whether they need per-app routing decisions or channel mapping with a controllable routing graph.
Windows gamers who want separate monitoring paths per program
SteelSeries Sonar assigns individual applications into five Sonar channels like Game and Chat so monitoring can match what each program is doing. EarTrumpet can also route by session, but Sonar’s fixed path model better supports gamer monitoring workflows.
macOS users building meetings, recording, and monitoring mixes from multiple apps
Loopback supports per-application routing into multiple virtual outputs with channel mapping for stereo left-right or mono aggregation. SoundSource supports simultaneous multi-output duplication per-app on macOS, but it lacks a documented external automation API.
Users duplicating audio into a second local endpoint for other applications to process
BlackHole provides a paired virtual endpoint setup designed for direct dual-output duplication using standard OS device selection. Virtual Audio Cable provides loopback virtual cable endpoints so routed playback can be recaptured for processing by other apps.
Teams coordinating consistent multi-app routing with predictable latency behavior
PipeWire uses graph-based routing and unified handling of ALSA and PulseAudio clients, which helps keep stream routing consistent across multiple apps. Loopback supports similar multi-output per-app routing with channel mapping, but its setup focuses on modeling routing graphs to avoid feedback loops.
Common mistakes that derail dual audio output deployments
Most failures come from choosing a tool whose routing scope does not match the second destination type. Other failures come from underestimating the time needed to model routing and prevent feedback loops in graph-based systems.
Assuming a tool built for AI microphone cleanup can duplicate speaker audio to multiple physical outputs
NVIDIA Broadcast focuses on AI Noise Removal and Room Echo Removal and cannot send one source to two physical outputs simultaneously. Selecting it for dual-output speaker duplication will fail because it does not include a channel matrix or per-application volume controls.
Expecting virtual endpoint tools to provide per-app routing or automation graphs
BlackHole and Virtual Audio Cable integrate via standard OS device selection and do not provide built-in mixing or per-application output assignment. Graph-level automation requires tools like PipeWire or Loopback, which represent routing as a controllable graph.
Building a complex routing graph without planning for feedback loop avoidance
Loopback setup takes time to model routing graphs and avoid feedback loops, which blocks immediate results when routing is changed repeatedly. PipeWire’s graph routing also requires learning node graph concepts to tune buffer size and rate configuration without runaway latency.
Assuming cross-platform support when the tool is tied to a specific OS audio stack and UI model
SteelSeries Sonar runs Windows-only and excludes macOS and Linux audio setups. SoundWire requires Android on the receiving device, so using it for local desktop duplication on another OS can’t match the intended workflow.
Confusing interactive session routing with duplication and mixing
EarTrumpet is interactive and routes by the session list of currently playing processes, and it does not provide built-in audio duplication or mixing for multi-device simultaneous output. Voicemeeter and Loopback provide multi-bus or mixer-like topology that supports controlled simultaneous output duplication.
How We Selected and Ranked These Tools
We evaluated dual audio output software by routing capability fit, feature coverage for simultaneous multi-output duplication, and the practicality of configuring a stable routing workflow. Features accounted for 40% of the score and combined destination duplication behavior, per-application output targeting, and channel mapping control where those functions exist.
Ease and value each accounted for 30% and measured how quickly a workable dual output chain could be established without causing routing confusion or feedback risk. SoundWire ranked highest because it provides Wi-Fi streaming from a desktop SoundWire Server to Android receivers, which cleanly matches a real dual-destination need while keeping configuration straightforward compared with graph modeling tools.
Frequently Asked Questions About dual audio output software
How does per-application output assignment differ between EarTrumpet and SteelSeries Sonar?
Which tool provides a stable virtual endpoint pair for direct dual-device duplication on both Windows and macOS?
What breaks if two tools both try to take control of the same audio device routing on Windows?
When is SoundWire the right choice for dual audio output across devices?
Which option targets game monitoring and stream paths without building a full routing matrix?
How do automation workflows differ between Loopback and Voicemeeter?
What integration gap exists for NVIDIA Broadcast compared with dual-output routing tools?
Where does sample-rate and latency management typically become the comparison point between PipeWire and Virtual Audio Cable?
Which tool supports re-capturing routed playback into downstream effects by treating it as a re-recordable device?
Tools reviewed
Primary sources checked during evaluation.
Referenced in the comparison table and product reviews above.
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