Guide to Routing Computer Sound as Microphone Input

Do you need to use your system sound as an input for various applications? This guide will help you set up your computer's sound as a microphone input, specifically for both Windows and macOS systems. By following these detailed steps, you can effectively route system audio to be used as a microphone input, enhancing the functionality for audio recording and streaming.

Setting Up on Windows

Routing your computer's sound as a microphone input on a Windows system involves using built-in or third-party software. The Stereo Mix feature or third-party software like V-B-Audio Virtual Cable and Virtual Audio Cable can be used. Follow these steps:

Using Stereo Mix: Right-click on the sound icon in the system tray. Select Sounds. Go to the Recording tab. Right-click in the empty space and select Show Disabled Devices. If Stereo Mix is available, right-click it and choose Enable. Set Stereo Mix as the default device.

Any audio playing on your computer can now be used as input in applications that use the microphone.

Using Third-Party Software: Download and install software like VB-Audio Virtual Cable or V-Audio Virtual Cable. Set the virtual cable as your default playback device. In your audio application like Zoom, Discord, etc., set the microphone input to the virtual cable. This method allows you to route system audio directly to your microphone input.

Setting Up on macOS

For macOS users, an audio routing software is necessary. Options like BlackHole and Soundflower can be used. Follow these steps:

Using Audio Routing Software: Download and install software like BlackHole or Soundflower. From the Applications > Utilities, open Audio MIDI Setup. Click the Create Multi-Output Device button in the bottom left. Select both your speakers and the virtual audio device (BlackHole or Soundflower). In your audio application, select the virtual audio device as the input source. Play audio through your system; it will be routed as microphone input.

Additional Notes

Adjust Levels: You may need to adjust audio levels in your software to ensure the sound is not too quiet or distorted.

Testing: Always test your setup in your intended application to ensure it functions correctly. For example, if using Audacity on a Windows PC, set your Audio Host to Windows WASAPI and your microphone input to something ending in loopback before hitting Record. This will capture the audio playing on your soundcard.

Note: For Macs, there might be an equivalent method, although specific instructions were not found. This process may also apply to other recording software.

By following these steps, you can effectively use your system sound as a microphone input, enhancing the versatility of your audio setup for various applications.