Many users land on the VB Audio Virtual Cable install page but actually need Voicemeeter (also by VB-Audio). Here is the difference:
| Feature | VB-Cable | Voicemeeter (Banana/Potato) | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | Number of virtual cables | 1 | 3 (Banana) or 5 (Potato) | | Mixing capabilities | None (just A to B) | Full mixer (EQ, gain, pan, bus routing) | | Use case | Simple one-to-one routing | Complex streaming, multiple inputs/outputs | | Complexity | Very simple | Moderate learning curve |
Recommendation: Start with VB-Cable. If you find yourself needing to route audio from multiple apps (game + Discord + browser) to multiple outputs (headphones + stream), upgrade to Voicemeeter.
If you have ever tried to stream gameplay, record computer audio for a podcast, or route sound between different applications on Windows, you have likely hit a wall: Windows is notoriously bad at managing internal audio routing. By default, it only allows you to listen to one output device at a time and does not let you easily send audio from one program (like a game) to another (like OBS or Discord).
Enter VB Audio Virtual Cable.
This ingenious piece of software creates a virtual audio device on your system. Think of it as a patch cable for your computer’s sound card. It allows you to route audio output from one application to the input of another. However, the installation process is not as straightforward as a standard app—it involves drivers, digital signatures, and specific system settings.
This long-form guide will walk you through every single step of the VB Audio Virtual Cable install process, from downloading the correct file to troubleshooting common errors. Whether you are a podcaster, gamer, or audio engineer, by the end of this guide, you will have a fully functional virtual audio mixer.
After rebooting, let's confirm the VB Audio Virtual Cable install worked.
With VB-Cable installed, you have effectively broken down the walls between your applications. You can now record internal audio, create complex streaming setups, and build audio workflows that Windows never natively supported.
If you encounter any error not covered here, visit the official VB-Audio forum or the vb-audio.com support section. The developer, Vincent Burel, is remarkably active and responsive. vb audio virtual cable install
Now go forth and route some audio
VB-Audio Virtual Cable is a software-based driver that functions as a virtual bridge between audio applications. It allows you to route audio from one application (as an output) directly into another (as an input) without needing physical cables or hardware. Installation Guide
To ensure the driver integrates correctly with your system's audio subsystem, follow these sequential steps:
Download the Driver: Visit the official VB-Audio website and download the VB-CABLE Driver package (typically a ZIP file).
Extract the Files: Locate the downloaded ZIP file in your system folder and extract all contents to a new folder. Run as Administrator: Open the extracted folder and locate the setup file.
Right-click VBCABLE_Setup_x64.exe (for 64-bit systems) or VBCABLE_Setup.exe (for 32-bit systems).
Select Run as administrator. This step is critical; without admin rights, the driver will not register correctly in the Windows kernel.
Install: Click the Install Driver button in the setup window.
Mandatory Restart: Once the installation is complete, you must reboot your computer. Skipping this step is a primary cause of audio glitches or the device failing to appear in your sound settings. Configuration & Use Many users land on the VB Audio Virtual
After restarting, your system will recognize two new virtual devices:
CABLE Input (Playback Device): Send audio to this to start the bridge.
CABLE Output (Recording Device): Pick up the audio from here in your destination app. Example Use Case: Routing Music to Discord
Source App (e.g., Spotify): In the app's audio settings, set the output device to CABLE Input.
Destination App (e.g., Discord): In Discord's voice settings, set the input device (microphone) to CABLE Output. Key Considerations VB Audio Cable Installation and Use Guide 2019
The VB Audio Virtual Cable install process is straightforward if you follow the golden rules: Run as admin, close all audio apps, reboot afterward, and ignore the driver signature warning.
Once installed, this tiny piece of software unlocks professional-grade audio routing capabilities that would otherwise cost hundreds of dollars in hardware. Whether you are a podcaster, streamer, musician, or just a power user who wants to control their PC’s audio flow, VB-Cable is an essential tool.
Final Checklist for Success:
If you encounter an issue not covered here, visit the official VB-Audio forum (forum.vb-audio.com) — the developer, Vincent Burel, is active and highly responsive. If you have ever tried to stream gameplay,
Happy routing!
Installing VB-Audio Virtual Cable is a straightforward process that effectively turns your computer into a digital patch bay, allowing you to route audio between applications without physical cables. Installation Steps
To ensure a clean setup, follow these sequential instructions: Download the Package : Visit the official VB-Audio website and download the VB-CABLE Driver Extract All Files : Right-click the downloaded ZIP folder and select Extract All
. It is critical to extract the files into a regular folder on your local disk; the installer will not function correctly if run directly from inside the ZIP folder. Run as Administrator Open the extracted folder. VBCABLE_Setup_x64.exe (for 64-bit systems) or VBCABLE_Setup.exe (for 32-bit systems). Right-click the file and select Run as administrator
. This step is mandatory for the driver to register correctly with the Windows kernel. Install the Driver : Click the Install Driver button in the setup window. Mandatory Restart : Once the installation is complete, restart your computer
. Skipping this step is the most common cause of audio issues or the driver not appearing in your sound settings. Post-Installation Verification
After your system reboots, you should verify the installation: Windows Sound Settings (Win + I > System > Sound). tab, you should see CABLE Input tab, you should see CABLE Output Common Use Cases Discord/Streaming
: Route specific game audio or music to Discord by setting the application output to "CABLE Input" and Discord's input device to "CABLE Output". OBS Integration
: Use the virtual cable to separate audio tracks in OBS, allowing you to record game sound while excluding music or voice chat. Combining Sources
: You can use the "Listen to this device" feature in the Windows Sound Control Panel to bridge your physical microphone and the virtual cable, merging them into a single stream for recording apps. VB-Audio Virtual Apps