Voicemeeter Banana: The Ultimate Audio Mixer for Windows
Voicemeeter Banana is a powerful, advanced virtual audio mixer developed by VB-Audio. Designed for both casual users and professionals, it provides exceptional control over audio routing and mixing on Windows systems. Whether you’re streaming, podcasting, gaming, or working in a professional audio environment, Voicemeeter Banana delivers unparalleled flexibility and customization.
What Is Voicemeeter Banana?
Voicemeeter Banana is the enhanced version of the original Voicemeeter, offering more inputs, outputs, and features. It acts as a virtual audio interface, enabling users to manage multiple audio sources, apply effects, and route audio to different applications or devices—all within a single interface.
Key Differences from Voicemeeter Standard
- More Hardware and Virtual Inputs: Banana supports 3 hardware inputs, 2 virtual inputs, and 3 hardware outputs.
- Advanced Audio Effects: Includes compressor, gate, EQ, and reverb.
- Integrated Recorder: Allows direct recording of mixed output.
- More Routing Options: Advanced mixing and routing capabilities.
Features of Voicemeeter Banana
Voicemeeter Banana offers an impressive suite of features tailored to a variety of audio use cases.
1. Multiple Hardware and Virtual Inputs/Outputs
h4. Hardware Inputs
- Connect microphones, instruments, or external audio interfaces.
- Assign hardware channels to any of the 3 input strips.
h4. Virtual Inputs
- Capture audio from applications like OBS, Discord, or browsers.
- Route virtual input independently to different outputs.
2. Audio Processing Tools
Voicemeeter Banana includes professional-grade audio processing options:
- Compressor: Manage audio dynamics to maintain volume levels.
- Noise Gate: Automatically reduce background noise when not speaking.
- EQ: Fine-tune frequencies for voice clarity or sound effects.
- Limiter: Prevent audio clipping or distortion.
3. Advanced Audio Routing
With Banana, you can:
- Route any input to any output (mix/match hardware and virtual).
- Create different audio mixes for speakers, headphones, and streams.
- Use the “B1” and “B2” virtual outputs to separate microphone and desktop audio for recording or streaming.
4. Built-in Audio Recorder
Record your mixed output directly to disk without needing a separate DAW (digital audio workstation). This is ideal for quick podcasting, interviews, or voiceover work.
5. Macro Buttons and Remote API
Customize Voicemeeter with:
- Macro Buttons: Set up hotkeys to toggle audio sources, mute channels, or change outputs.
- Remote API: Developers can integrate Voicemeeter into their software or automate tasks using scripting tools.
Use Cases for Voicemeeter Banana
Streaming
Route game sound, mic, and music separately to OBS. Send clean audio to stream while monitoring different outputs locally.
Podcasting
Connect multiple mics, apply noise reduction and EQ, and record clean voice tracks without background noise.
Online Meetings
Improve voice clarity on Zoom, Teams, or Skype. Remove background noise, adjust EQ for your mic, and avoid feedback.
Gaming
Balance game, chat, and music volumes independently. Send game audio to speakers and chat audio to a headset.
Getting Started with Voicemeeter Banana
Installation
- Download from the official VB-Audio website.
- Install VB-Cable (required for virtual inputs/outputs).
- Reboot your system.
- Set Voicemeeter as your default playback and recording device in Windows settings.
Setup Tips
- Always run Voicemeeter as Administrator.
- Configure your apps to use the appropriate virtual input/output.
- Use the “Menu > System Settings” to adjust buffer sizes if you experience latency.
Conclusion
Voicemeeter Banana is a versatile and free tool for anyone looking to take control of their audio setup. With its powerful mixing engine, advanced effects, and extensive routing capabilities, it’s an essential piece of software for creators, gamers, and professionals alike.