Voicemeeter

Brief Overview of VOICEMEETER

VOICEMEETER by VB-AUDIO is a virtual audio mixer and sound tool designed to connect and mix audio from any hardware and software sources on Windows systems. It functions like a physical mixing console, allowing users to manage multiple audio inputs and outputs with precision. The primary problem VOICEMEETER solves for content creators is the complex task of routing and controlling diverse audio streams—such as microphones, game audio, music, and application sounds—for seamless integration into their productions. It supports a wide range of audio applications, making it suitable for streaming, online conferencing, team gaming, and professional podcasting and radio. The tool offers different versions – Standard, Banana, and Potato – each catering to varying levels of user needs, from basic mixing to advanced audio processing with professional voice effects. A notable differentiator is its claim as "the world´s most powerful audio tool" and its flexible Donationware model.

Key Features for Content Creators

• Versatile Audio Mixing: VOICEMEETER allows creators to mix audio from up to 2 hardware inputs and 1 software input (Standard), 3 hardware and 2 software inputs (Banana), or 5 hardware and 3 software inputs (Potato). This enables complex audio setups for streams or recordings.
• Multiple Output Buses: Users can route mixed audio to multiple hardware outputs (2 in Standard, 3 in Banana, 5 in Potato) and software outputs (1 in Standard, 2 in Banana, 3 in Potato), providing flexibility for monitoring, recording, and broadcasting simultaneously.
• Virtual Audio I/O: Supports WDM, KS, MME, DirectX, WaveRT, and ASIO drivers, ensuring compatibility with a vast array of audio applications and devices. This is crucial for integrating various software used in content creation workflows.
• VBAN Network Stream: Enables sending and receiving audio (4 IN/OUT for Standard, 8 IN/OUT for Banana & Potato) over a local network. This feature allows creators to share audio between different PCs or devices, useful for multi-PC streaming setups or collaborative projects.
• Integrated Audio Effects: Offers a range of audio effects. Standard includes basic EQ and Audibility Knob (Compressor/Gate). Banana adds Modulation, advanced Compressor/Gate, and 3D Binaural Effect. Potato provides professional effects like Full Parametric EQ, Denoiser, C5 Multiband Compressor, and JustVerb 3 (Reverb/Hall).
• Macro Buttons & Remote Control: Programmable one-click action buttons allow creators to trigger common actions quickly, enhancing workflow efficiency during live sessions or recordings.
• Multi-Channel Recorder (Banana & Potato): The Banana and Potato versions include an 8-channel recorder supporting MP3, WAV, BWF, and AIFF formats, allowing creators to capture high-quality audio directly within the tool.
• Streamer View App & VBAN Talkie: The Streamer View app offers a dedicated control interface for streamers. VBAN Talkie allows users to turn their phones into high-quality microphones, adding another input option for creators.

Target Users & Use Cases

• Primary creator types: Streamers (e.g., for OBS), podcasters, radio professionals, team gamers, and users engaging in online conferencing (e.g., Zoom, Skype).
• Experience level:
  • VOICEMEETER Standard: Described as "Easy to use" and covering "All the basics," suitable for beginners needing simple audio routing.
  • VOICEMEETER Banana: Offers "All you need. And more," targeting users who require more inputs/outputs and advanced effects.
  • VOICEMEETER Potato: Aimed at "Audio Professionals" needing extensive I/O, multi-layer mixing, and professional-grade effects.
• Team size: Primarily suited for solo creators or small setups due to its PC-centric operation, though VBAN network streaming can facilitate some multi-user scenarios.
• Specific use cases: Smart audio management, separating game audio, Discord, and music in OBS, improving USB microphone quality, setting up audio for Zoom or Skype, sharing PC mic audio to a Mac, and professional podcasting setups.
• Content types: Live streams, video content requiring sophisticated audio mixing, podcasts, radio broadcasts, and online meetings or collaborations.

VOICEMEETER Pricing & Value for Creators

VOICEMEETER operates on a Donationware model.

• VOICEMEETER Standard and VOICEMEETER Banana are free to use with all functions available. Users are expected to contribute a donation if they find the software useful or use it professionally. The webshop offers different donation amounts.
• VOICEMEETER Potato also follows the Donationware model but requires a donation to receive an activation code to unlock its full potential periodically. This model is presented as an alternative to Software as a Service (SaaS). A license for Banana also includes the Standard version, and a Potato license includes both Standard and Banana versions. This pricing structure offers significant value for content creators, providing access to powerful audio mixing capabilities that can be tailored to their budget and needs, from free for basic use to a donation for professional features.

Bottom Line: Should Content Creators Choose VOICEMEETER?

Content creators, particularly streamers, podcasters, and gamers, who require sophisticated control over multiple audio sources and destinations on their Windows PC should consider VOICEMEETER. Its strength lies in its powerful audio routing capabilities, extensive I/O options, and built-in effects, especially in the Banana and Potato versions. The Donationware model makes it an accessible audio mixing tool for creators at any budget level.

VOICEMEETER Standard is a good starting point for basic audio management. Creators needing more inputs, outputs, and effects like an 8-channel recorder will find VOICEMEETER Banana highly beneficial. For those requiring professional-grade audio processing, extensive connectivity, and effects like a denoiser and multi-band compressor, VOICEMEETER Potato is the recommended choice. While powerful, new users should be prepared to consult the user manuals, as indicated by the recommendation to "follow the manual step by step, especially step ZERO." Overall, VOICEMEETER provides a compelling value proposition for creators seeking to elevate their audio production quality without significant upfront investment.