Loopback

Loopback is an application that allows you to create virtual audio devices to capture sound from applications and input devices, and redirect it to audio processing applications. The software functions like a professional studio mixing console, offering up to 64 input and output channels for complex audio setups.

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• Combining audio sources. This feature allows you to integrate multiple audio sources into a single virtual device. Applications and physical devices are added to the Sources column, creating a unified output that mixes all selected signals.
• Configurable channel options. Each virtual device supports up to 64 input and output channels. Routing configuration is done via virtual connections that represent the signal flow between different points in the system.
• Passthrough devices. This feature establishes a direct connection between a source application and a destination application. Configuration requires selecting the source and the receiving application, with no additional signal processing.
• Audio level control. Individual volume adjustment for each source within the virtual device. Sliders allow you to balance levels between different connected applications and physical devices.
• Virtual device monitoring. Implementation of monitoring points anywhere in the signal chain. Each monitor can be configured to listen to the full output or specific sections through custom patching options.
• Multiple monitors per device. Creation of several independent monitoring points on a single virtual device. Each monitor taps into different segments of the audio flow according to the patch configuration.
• Hidden source capture. Access to audio from system processes like Siri, VoiceOver, and Text to Speech. This feature is activated by holding the Option key while clicking Add Source, revealing the Running Processes menu.
• VoiceOver compatibility. Full accessibility implementation for visually impaired users. The interface follows Apple's standards for assistive technologies, with auditory descriptions of all elements.
• Specific application recording. Targeted selection of audio coming from individual programs. The system isolates the signals from each application, avoiding capture of system sound or from other programs.
• Hardware and software signal mixing. Real-time combination of input from physical microphones with application output. This feature synchronizes all sources into a single audio stream with minimal latency.
• Preset configurations. A library of templates for common use cases like streaming, podcasts, and video conferencing. Each preset sets up virtual devices with optimized routing.
• Multi-format compatibility. Support for audio standards including PCM, MP3, AAC, and high-resolution formats. The application handles sample rate and bit depth conversions automatically.

Loopback was developed by Rogue Amoeba, a company specialized in audio software for macOS. Development began in 2011 as an evolution of the company's previous tools like Audio Hijack. The first public version was released in 2015. The program is written in Objective-C and uses native macOS frameworks such as Core Audio and Audio Units for signal processing.

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