Creating a virtual audio input – Mac

On macOS 14.4 or later, SYQEL Desktop hears any app directly: pick App Audio and the app’s name, or System Audio, in the audio source list. See Audio sources in SYQEL Desktop.

You need a virtual audio device only if:

• your Mac runs a version older than macOS 14.4,
• you use the web app, which can only hear inputs, or
• you want to send one mix to several apps at once.

Option 1: Loopback (paid)

Loopback can pick up an app’s sound without you changing that app’s settings, and lets you keep listening on your speakers.

1. Install and open Loopback, and create a new virtual device.
2. Under Sources, add the app you want to visualize, such as Spotify or your DJ software.
3. Make sure the device’s monitor goes to your speakers or headphones, so you still hear the music.
4. In SYQEL, pick the device (named Loopback Audio unless you renamed it) in the audio source list.

Option 2: BlackHole (free)

BlackHole is a plain virtual cable. Anything sent to it becomes an input.

1. Install BlackHole 2ch.
2. So you can still hear the music, open Audio MIDI Setup (in Applications › Utilities), click + and choose Create Multi-Output Device. Tick your speakers or headphones and BlackHole 2ch.
3. Set your Mac’s output (or just your music app’s output) to the Multi-Output Device.
4. In SYQEL, pick BlackHole 2ch in the audio source list. If it isn’t there, click the refresh button (↻).

On the web, virtual devices appear with ”— system audio” after the name, for example BlackHole 2ch — system audio.

For app-specific settings, see the routing guides, such as Logic Pro or rekordbox.

* SYQEL is not affiliated with or endorsed by Rogue Amoeba or Existential Audio.