What is a virtual audio cable?
A virtual audio cable is a software audio device that routes audio between applications on your computer. Instead of a physical cable connecting two hardware devices, a virtual cable connects two (or more) software applications — letting you send audio from one app to another without it ever leaving your Mac.
On Windows, VB-Cable and VoiceMeeter have dominated this space for years. On macOS, the options have been more limited, but 2026 has brought a new wave of tools — including AudioSquidPatch.
Why macOS users need virtual audio cables
If you have ever tried to:
- Share Pro Tools playback in a Zoom call
- Record system audio in QuickTime
- Send a DAW mix into OBS for streaming
- Route a backing track into a podcast recording
- Monitor audio from multiple sources simultaneously
...then you need virtual audio routing. macOS does not provide a built-in way to send audio between applications.
The top virtual audio cable options for macOS in 2026
1. AudioSquidPatch
AudioSquidPatch is a macOS menu bar application that manages virtual audio devices with a visual patchbay. It is designed for audio professionals who need reliable audio routing without command-line tools.
Best for: Pro audio engineers, podcasters, streamers, and anyone who wants a visual, menu-bar-based routing solution.
Key features:
- Visual patchbay for managing all routes
- Menu bar access — no full-screen app needed
- Built-in mixer for gain staging
- Talkback for studio communication
- Preset management for recurring setups
- RedsquidHAL drivers for reliable system-level audio devices
Pricing: $39.99 one-time purchase for one Mac. Need it on more Macs? Add additional seats at $29.99 each. A 14-day free trial is available — no credit card required.
(Monthly and 12-month subscription plans have been discontinued.)
2. BlackHole
BlackHole is a free, open-source virtual audio driver for macOS. It creates virtual audio devices that route audio between applications.
Best for: Users comfortable with manual configuration who need a free solution.
Key features:
- Free and open-source
- Supports up to 256 channels
- Minimal system overhead
Limitations: No GUI for route management, no mixer, no presets. You configure everything through macOS Audio MIDI Setup. Not ideal for complex multi-app routing.
3. Loopback
Loopback by Rogue Amoeba is a well-established virtual audio routing app for macOS. It provides a visual interface for creating virtual audio devices.
Best for: Users who want a GUI-focused approach and do not mind higher pricing.
Key features:
- Visual cable-based interface
- Per-application audio capture
- Audio monitoring
Limitations: Paid license (pricing varies), no menu bar access, no talkback features.
4. Soundflower (legacy)
Soundflower was one of the original virtual audio routing tools for macOS. However, it has not been actively maintained in years and may not work on newer macOS versions.
Best for: Legacy systems only. Not recommended for new installations.
Limitations: Abandoned, compatibility issues with modern macOS, potential kernel extension conflicts.
Comparison at a glance
| Feature | AudioSquidPatch | BlackHole | Loopback | Soundflower | |---------|----------------|-----------|----------|-------------| | Visual GUI | Yes (patchbay) | No | Yes | No | | Menu bar access | Yes | No | No | No | | Built-in mixer | Yes | No | No | No | | Talkback | Yes | No | No | No | | Presets | Yes | No | No | No | | Free trial | 14-day, no card | Free | No | Free | | One-time pricing | Yes ($39.99) | — | Paid license (pricing varies) | — | | Actively maintained | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
Why AudioSquidPatch stands out
While BlackHole is free and Loopback is established, AudioSquidPatch fills a gap that neither fully addresses: professional-grade routing with menu bar convenience.
Audio professionals do not just need virtual cables — they need to manage complex routing configurations, monitor levels, communicate with talent via talkback, and recall setups for different sessions. AudioSquidPatch brings all of this into a single menu bar application.
The visual patchbay means you can see every active route at a glance. The mixer panel lets you gain-stage multiple sources. Presets let you save a "Podcast Recording" setup and recall it with one click. And the RedsquidHAL drivers provide reliable performance even under heavy load.
Which tool is right for you?
- If you need simple, free routing and do not mind manual setup: BlackHole
- If you want a GUI and do not need menu bar access: Loopback
- If you want professional features, visual management, and menu bar convenience: AudioSquidPatch
- If you are on a legacy system: Consider upgrading — Soundflower is no longer maintained
For most audio professionals working on macOS in 2026, AudioSquidPatch offers the best balance of features, usability, and value.
Try AudioSquidPatch on a real session
Start a 14-day free trial — no credit card required — to evaluate AudioSquidPatch on your Mac. When you are ready, buy for $39.99 (one Mac) or add seats at $29.99 each.