What is Voicemeeter Banana used for and how to unlock its full virtual audio potential

If you do live streams, video calls, podcasts or gameplays and you feel that The sound quality is not up to par.It's very likely that you've been recommended Voicemeeter Banana. That's no coincidence: this program turns your PC into a kind of virtual mixing desk With it you can control, mix and improve the quality of your microphone and system audio without the need for professional equipment.

Far from being a simple equalizer, Voicemeeter Banana combines tickets of hardwarevirtual inputs, real-time effects, and a multitrack recorderAll of this makes it perfect for streamers, content creators, and anyone who wants more control over what and how they are heard when speaking on Discord, Teams, OBS, or any other app.

VB-Cable and the concept of a virtual audio cable

The foundation on which Voicemeeter is based is VB-Cable Virtual Audio Device, a small but powerful software that acts as a virtual audio cable inside your computerInstead of physically connecting a cable from the audio output to a microphone input, VB-Cable creates that link entirely digitally.

Upon installation, the system adds two new devices: CABLE Input as playback device (that is, as if it were a virtual speaker) and Cable Output as a recording device (equivalent to a virtual microphone). Everything you play through CABLE Input is automatically sent to CABLE Output, as if they were the ends of a invisible cable inside the PC.

With this mechanism you can redirect, mix, or isolate multiple sound sources Customize it to your liking: for example, send only the music to one program, the microphone to another, or combine voice and game audio on a specific track. And if you add more virtual cables, the routing possibilities multiply, which is very useful for complex setups. streaming or multitrack recording.

Voicemeeter integrates this virtual cable concept in a more advanced way, offering multiple channels and graphical controls that simplify the task. In this way, the program becomes a centralized solution for improving microphone audio and manage the different sound sources that go in and out of your computer.

What is Voicemeeter and how does it improve your audio in streams and calls?

Voicemeeter is a virtual audio mixer for Windows Created by the same developers as VB-Cable, its goal is to give you much finer control over your microphone and the sound in your applications, without needing to buy a separate device. physical mixing console or an expensive audio interfaceThat's why it has become essential for many streamers and content creators.

With Voicemeeter you can configure multiple microphone or instrument inputs, adding to the mix the system audio, games, players or browsers and send all of that to different outputs: your headphones, your speakers, and one or more "virtual microphones" that you then use in OBS, Discord, Teams, etc. This combination allows what is heard live to be exactly what you decide.

The program is updated fairly frequently and currently offers Advanced features such as VBAN (VB-Audio Network), which is used to send and receive audio over the local network. This takes the concept of virtual cables a step further, allowing transmit sound between multiple computers on the same network without the need for additional physical connections.

In addition, Voicemeeter includes utilities such as Macro Buttonsa kind of virtual Stream Deck that lets you trigger actions, change volumes, or toggle settings with a single click. All of this reinforces the idea that the program is not just a mixer, but a Complete platform for managing audio in real time.

Many user guides mention that there isn't much clear documentation, and that's why they have emerged video tutorials and detailed posts explaining step by step how to configure it to improve streaming, Discord voice, or recordings, or combining it with tools such as Nvidia BroadcastThe general consensus is that the potential is enormous, provided you take the time to understand its logic.

Voicemeeter versions: normal, Banana, and Potato

The creators of VB-Audio offer three different editions of Voicemeeter, designed for varying levels of demand. They all share the same philosophy of virtual mixer with multiple inputs and outputsbut they differ in number of channels, effects and licensing model.

Voicemeeter (standard version)

The basic edition of Voicemeeter provides a Simple setup with 2 hardware inputs and 1 virtual inputIn addition to one hardware output and one virtual output, you can now create a functional setup: for example, a physical microphone, another analog source, and system audio, mixed and sent to both your headphones and a virtual microphone for your applications.

Its controls allow you to adjust levels, panning, simple equalization, and an “Audibility” panel which acts as a noise gate and basic compressor. It's more than enough if you just want retouch the voice and mix it with the PC audio without too many additional complications.

Regarding the usage model, the standard version is what its developers call “donationware”This means you can use the program for free, but after about 30 days it will politely remind you that you can make a donation. There's no fixed price, and your access isn't blocked if you don't pay, so in practice You can continue using it at no costAlthough supporting the project is always appreciated.

This edition also includes the system VBAN for network audio and compatibility with auxiliary tools such as Macro Buttons, so that even with the "small" version you already have access to quite advanced functions.

Voicemeeter Banana: the most popular extended version

Voicemeeter Banana is a extended version of the original program And it's the one usually recommended to most streamers and content creators. It significantly expands the number of ins and outs, incorporates new effects, and adds a integrated recorder for up to 8 channels, ideal for more serious work.

At Banana you have 3 hardware inputs (for example, microphones or instruments), in addition to 2 software entriesThis allows you to separate the audio from your programs into two distinct streams. In addition to this, 3 hardware outputs and 2 software outputs, with which you can send different mixes to your speakers, headphones, external devices and virtual microphones.

Unlike the standard Voicemeeter, Banana replaces the “Audibility” panel with a dedicated compressor and noise gatewhich you can adjust in much more detail. It's perfect for clean up background noise and control voice peaks when you're live or recording, something crucial if you don't have physical dynamics processors.

Regarding the licensing model, Voicemeeter Banana is also distributed as donationwareYou can download and use it for free, but making a contribution is recommended if you use it regularly, especially in professional or semi-professional environments.

Another important improvement is the expanded support for VBAN with up to 8 network inputs and 8 outputsThis is very useful if you work with multiple computers, send audio to another streaming machine, or receive sound from a different PC without using physical cables.

Voicemeeter Potato: The advanced virtual mixing console

Voicemeeter Potato is the most complete edition in the family, dedicated to advanced setups. It multiplies the capabilities of the other versions, going from the 3 inputs and outputs of the standard version and the 5 of Banana to a total of 8 inputs and 8 outputswith 5 hardware and 3 software, something already very close to a professional mixing console but in a virtual format.

At the processing level, Potato incorporates a wider range of effects: greater modulation capacity, full equalizer per channel, reverb effects, denoiser, compressor with more precise controls and tools for eliminate peaks and control dynamics in a refined way. All of this makes it a very attractive option for musical uses, audio production, or complex streams with many sources.

In this case, the licensing model changes slightly: Voicemeeter Potato is offered as “donationware for activation code”You can try it for free for a period of time, but afterwards you will need buy an activation code in the VB-Audio store to continue using it without restrictions.

If you're looking for a quick recommendation: the regular version is ideal to start with, Voicemeeter Banana is the sweet spot for most streamers and advanced users, while Potato is intended for more professional setups that require many channels and complex effects.

What is Voicemeeter Banana used for in your daily life?

Voicemeeter Banana shines especially in situations where you need manage multiple audio sources simultaneouslyThe typical case is that of a content creator who wants to have their voice, game sound, background music, and perhaps the voices of their Discord colleagues live, all with controlled volumes and quality.

This virtual mixer lets you simultaneously capture microphone, audio from up to three different applications, and system soundsending each element to the overall mix or to separate outputs. You can record podcasts with multiple voice tracks and an app's audio track, create clear video tutorials where the voice isn't buried by the music, or edit gameplay videos where every sound element has its place.

The program automatically detects recording devices and running applications that output audioYou simply need to select which inputs you want to capture and then adjust levels and frequencies. This process is done using the faders and controls of each channel, which is quite similar to working with an analog console, but in a digital and free format.

Among its advantages is the possibility of separate two different voice tracks and the audio from a game or programsaving each track separately or combining them into a single output. This allows you to later tweak or edit the volume of each track in your audio or video editor, greatly improving the clarity and professionalism of the final result.

In everyday life, this translates into video calls where your voice is heard with More body, less background noise, and a stable volumeStreams where the audience doesn't suffer sound cuts or unbalanced volumes; and recordings where you don't have to repeat takes because something sounded too loud or too quiet.

Basic Voicemeeter setup to get started

To take advantage of Voicemeeter (whether the normal or Banana version) you first need to understand how it relates to the Windows sound devicesWhile the program is active, you will usually choose as default output device is the “Voicemeeter Input” , as a input device the “Voicemeeter Output”This way, all the system's audio goes into Voicemeeter and the mix you generate is sent to the app where you're speaking.

Once this is done, the first thing to do when opening Voicemeeter is configure the hardware inputsThat is, your microphones or analog sources connected to the PC. If you only have one microphone, select it in channel 1 of the hardware input. You'll see options like WDM and MMEWhenever possible, it's best to choose WDM because it usually offers lower latency and better performance.

Then you have to define the main hardware outputThis is known as channel A1. This will be the device where you'll listen to the mix (your headphones or speakers). In the interface, simply click on A1 and choose your headphones or sound system. If you want to use more physical outputs, you can also configure A2 and A3 in the case of Voicemeeter Banana.

In addition to physical outlets, Voicemeeter creates a virtual microphone outputThis is usually called “Voicemeeter Output” or something similar. This is the one you'll need to select later in applications like Discord and OBSTeams, Skype, or any streaming software so that they receive the audio already processed and mixed by the program.

Keep in mind that when you close Voicemeeter, you may want to reselect your common input and output devices in Windows This prevents system audio from passing through the virtual mixer. It's just a matter of getting used to changing this setting depending on whether you're using the program or not.

Inputs, outputs, and mixing: how audio is organized in Voicemeeter

Voicemeeter's logic is based on combining several audio inputs in two main output typesThe input columns have hardware outputs (channels A) and virtual outputs (channels B). Each input column has A and B buttons to indicate which mix the sound is sent to.

For example, in the normal version you have two hardware inputs and a virtual entranceThe first hardware input is usually your microphone; the second can be another microphone, an instrument, or any other source. The virtual input is where the signal is routed. audio from programs playing in “Voicemeeter Input”That is, almost all the sound from the PC if you have set it as the default device.

These inputs are combined into two outputs: the Channel A, which corresponds to your headphones or speakers., as well as the channel B, which is the virtual microphone that the applications will receive. By default, Voicemeeter usually sends all three inputs to both outputs, which causes some strange situations if you don't correct them.

If you leave the microphone active on channels A and B simultaneously, you'll hear your own voice in the headphones, which can be very annoying if you're not used to it or if you haven't properly adjusted the latency. On the other hand, if the virtual input (the PC's sound) is also sent to channel B, anyone listening to your virtual microphone will hear both your voice and all the system audio mixed together.

To achieve more "normal" behavior in many configurations, it is advisable turn off channel A on the microphone if you don't want to monitor your own voice, and disable channel B on the virtual input So that the audience doesn't hear the system audio through your microphone. This will give you a more natural flow: you hear everything in your headphones, but your applications only receive the signal you actually want them to receive.

Effects, equalization and voice enhancement with Voicemeeter

One of the biggest reasons to use Voicemeeter is that it not only mixes, but also processes audio in real timeAt the top of each input channel you'll find tools to modify the tone of your voice, reduce noise, control dynamics, and generally make everything sound more pleasant.

The panel known as Intellipan or “color panel” It allows you to adjust quickly bass, treble, and amount of echo by moving a point within a box. Moving it to the left increases the bass frequencies, giving the voice a warmer, deeper sound, similar to that offered by many dynamic microphones popular among streamers. Moving it to the right increases the treble, which is useful if your microphone sounds too muffled or "muddy."

If you slide the control upwards, you add reverberation or echo to the signalThis effect is usually more artistic than practical for spoken voice, because it also amplifies background noise, but it can be interesting for certain styles of content or for playing with specific effects during a live performance.

Right-clicking in this area lets you switch to a 3D panelsThis feature essentially lets you modify the perceived stereo positioning of the source, making it seem more prominent on one side than the other. It's not a crucial function for most users, but it's there for those who want it. experimenting with the spatiality of sound.

In addition to voice color, Voicemeeter includes a control called Audibility (in the standard version) or compressor/gate in BananaThis module acts as a hybrid between a compressor and a noise gate, reducing or eliminating sounds below a certain threshold, such as hum. noise from fans or small ambient noises, and controlling loud voice peaks.

Unlike the sensitivity settings in applications like Discord, this system is more complex and refinedIf you configure it correctly, you'll be able to speak in a comfortable tone while the program takes care of maintaining a fairly consistent level and a much cleaner backgroundThis is essential in streams where you don't have extra controls within the streaming platform.