BlackHole
A modern macOS virtual audio loopback driver for routing audio between applications with zero additional latency.
What is BlackHole?
BlackHole is a macOS virtual audio loopback driver that allows applications to pass audio to other applications with zero additional latency. It creates a software-based audio interface that can be used for routing system audio, capturing application output, or setting up complex audio workflows without physical hardware. It solves the problem of needing to route audio between different software on macOS, such as from a digital audio workstation to a communication app.
Audio professionals, streamers, podcasters, and developers on macOS who need to route, capture, or process audio between applications, such as sending DAW output to Zoom or recording system audio.
Developers choose BlackHole for its zero-latency performance, high channel count flexibility, and ease of integration into macOS audio workflows without requiring kernel extensions or compromising system security.
Overview
BlackHole is a modern macOS audio loopback driver that allows applications to pass audio to other applications with zero additional latency.
Use Cases
Best For
- Routing audio from a digital audio workstation (DAW) to communication apps like Zoom or Skype
- Capturing system audio for recording or streaming purposes
- Creating multi-output audio devices for simultaneous playback and capture
- Building custom audio routing setups for professional audio production
- Developing macOS applications that require virtual audio interfaces
- Setting up aggregate audio devices with software loopbacks
Not Ideal For
- Windows or Linux users needing cross-platform audio routing solutions
- Users who prefer plug-and-play audio routing with a dedicated GUI, avoiding manual Audio MIDI Setup
- Commercial software projects that cannot adopt GPLv3 licensing without purchasing a separate license
- Workflows involving apps incompatible with multi-output devices, such as Apple Podcasts or Messages
Pros & Cons
Pros
Passes audio between applications with no delay, as emphasized in the README, making it ideal for real-time processing in DAWs or streaming setups.
Supports builds from 2 to 256 audio channels and customizable sample rates up to 768kHz, enabling complex routing for professional audio workflows.
Runs without kernel extensions, ensuring compatibility with macOS security policies and versions from 10.10 Yosemite onward.
Offers one-click installers and Homebrew integration, simplifying setup for users without requiring developer tools.
Cons
Limited to macOS, so it cannot serve cross-platform environments or users on Windows or Linux seeking similar functionality.
As admitted in the FAQ, multi-output devices are prone to issues with apps like Apple Podcasts, and require workarounds like drift correction.
Building and customizing features like channel counts or mirror devices requires Xcode and pre-processor constants, which is cumbersome for non-developers.
Frequently Asked Questions
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