Audio management can be tricky. That is why simple and effective solutions are often needed. Let’s see how to integrate Voicemeeter tools in our production pipeline.
When speaking about audio in interactive and immersive projects, several technicalities must be kept in mind: how to choose the right hardware and how to manage it; how to integrate hardware and software; sync issues with visuals, and a lot more.
Audio hardware can be tricky as well. Analogue components must be embedded in the overall flow – cables, power sources, etc – thus getting things more and more difficult.
Budget also plays a key role in audio management, and in life in general. Sky is the limit, but in most cases all we need is a clear and ready-to-use digital platform. And here is where Voicemeeter tools get in the game.
Voicemeeter: What Is and How it Works
Voicemeeter is an audio application developed by software company VB-Audio. At its core, it is a virtual audio mixer with virtual audio devices for input/output tasks to mix and manage audio from analog and digital sources.
In general terms, it is a virtual hardware mixing console. It is possible to get audio from several sources – a microphone, for example – and mix it both with other devices as well as with applications such as video and audio streaming platforms, live chat and web-based audio apps. The overall output can then be mixed and sent to multiple outputs such as audio systems and DAWs.
Voicemeeter features make it a great tool for broadcasting, podcasting and VOIP applications. But it can be used as a sort of Swiss army knife for interactive and immersive applications as well.
On the technical side, Voicemeeter supports several audio interfaces:
- Direct-X
- KS
- WaveRT
- WASAPI
- ASIO
Features and Versions
Voicemeeter is currently available on free download for Windows operating systems. All functions are available except the optional features. Paid donations/licences are available as well.
The application comes with three versions: Standard, Banana and Potato.
| Standard | Banana | Potato | |
| Inputs | 2 x hardware 1 x software | 3 x hardware 2 x software | 5 x hardware 3 x software |
| Outputs | 2 x hardware (identical: A1 + A2) 1 x software | 3 x hardware 2 x software | 5 x hardware 3 x software |
| Virtual I/O | 1 x virtual I/O | 2 x virtual I/O | 1 x virtual I/O |
| WDM, KS, MME, DirectX, WaveRT | 8 channels on virtual input 2 channels on virtual output | 8 channels on virtual input 2 channels on virtual output | 8 channels on virtual input 2 channels on virtual output |
| Virtual ASIO I/O | ASIO 8 channels (in and out) / 4x client applications Virtual ASIO configuration is given by main output A1 | ASIO 8 channels (in and out) / 4x client applications Virtual ASIO configuration is given by main output A1 1 x virtual insert ASIO I/O | ASIO 8 channels (in and out) / 4x client applications. Virtual ASIO configuration is given by main output A1 3 x virtual insert ASIO I/O |
| VBAN network stream | 4 x IN 4 x OUT | 8 x IN 8 x OUT | 8 x IN 8 x OUT |
| Macro buttons & remote | Programmable one-click-action buttons | Programmable one-click-action buttons | Programmable one-click-action buttons |
| Effects | Basic voice effects | Advanced audio effects | Professional audio effects |
| Channel recorder | – | 8 channel recorder | 8 channel recorder |
Five licences are available for each version. Standard licences range from 5 to 25 dollars, Banana licences range from 10 to 50 dollars and Potato licences range from 10 to 100 dollars.
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A Simpler Alternative: VB-CABLE
For simpler applications, VB-CABLE comes in handy. It is a virtual audio device that acts as a virtual audio cable. Audio from the cable input is forwarded to the cable output. VB-CABLE is a ready-to-use application that easily communicates with MME, KS, DX, KS and WASAPI interfaces.
It is available both for Windows and macOS operating systems, the liscence costs five dollars.
Voicemeeter APIs
For advanced experimentation and custom-built audio solutions, VB-AUDIO offers extensive APIs documentation and examples written in C. A Python wrapper is available as well on PyPI.
Applications in Interactive and Immersive Environments
Voiceemeter features makes it particularly useful for managing the audio pipeline in interactive and immersive projects. Let’s see some examples:
- Virtual/augmented/mixed reality: Voicemeeter can be used for mixing audio in complex environments and distributing it to VR headsets. Custom sub-mixes can be developed as well, providing for tailor experiences for headsets and audio systems
- Analog and virtual mix: with Voicemeeter it is possible to manage the overall mix of an environment by combining analogue sources – such as microphones and musical instruments – and virtual applications, such as streaming platforms or DAWs
- Live broadcasting: out-of-the-box broadcasting solutions for live events can be developed as well. In this way, Voicemeeter provides for a simpler application compared to traditional audio management suites
- Sound and visual design: Voicemeeter paves the way for innovative design projects, thanks to its flexibility and its full integration with integrated media softwares such as TouchDesigner, Unreal and Unity to name a few
Wrap Up
Where ease of use and flexibility are required, Voicemeeter is an effective way to manage audio applications. Its simplicity and plug-and-play features makes it a good friend to reduce complexity in the production pipeline, even in challenging environments.
