Overview
BlackHole: Audio Loopback Driver BlackHole is a modern macOS virtual audio loopback driver that allows applications to pass audio to other applications with zero additional latency.
BlackHole is built on open-source principles to guarantee security, privacy, and full reproducibility. All sensitive data transformations run locally on your hardware with zero telemetry or unexpected cloud dependencies.
Key Technical Features & Capabilities
Builds 2, 16, 64, 128, and 256 audio channels versions: High-performance integrated capability designed for native BlackHole workflow.
Customizable channel count, latency, hidden devices: High-performance integrated capability designed for native BlackHole workflow.
Customizable mirror device to allow for a hidden input or output: High-performance integrated capability designed for native BlackHole workflow.
Supports 8kHz, 16kHz, 44.1kHz, 48kHz, 88.2kHz, 96kHz, 176.4kHz, 192kHz, 352.8kHz, 384kHz, 705.6kHz and 768kHz sample rates: Streamlined desktop functionality optimized for macOS and Windows.
Zero additional driver latency: High-performance integrated capability designed for native BlackHole workflow.
Compatible with macOS 10.10 Yosemite and newer: High-performance integrated capability designed for native BlackHole workflow.
Builds for Intel and Apple Silicon: High-performance integrated capability designed for native BlackHole workflow.
No kernel extensions or modifications to system security necessary: High-performance integrated capability designed for native BlackHole workflow.
Architecture & Technology Stack
Frameworks & UI Runtime: SwiftUI / AppKit
Build Systems & Tooling: Xcode / Node.js / Cargo
Supported Platforms: macOS 12.0+ (Apple Silicon M1-M4 & Intel x86_64), Windows 10/11 x64, Linux
System Requirements
| Specification | Minimum Requirement | Recommended Specification |
|---|
| Operating System | macOS 12.0 Monterey / Windows 10 x64 | macOS 14.0+ Sonoma / Windows 11 x64 |
| Processor Architecture | Apple Silicon (M1+) or Intel Core i5 x64 | Apple Silicon Unified Memory (M2/M3/M4) |
| Memory (RAM) | 4 GB Unified RAM | 8 GB+ High-Speed RAM |
| Storage Space | 300 MB available local disk space | 1 GB+ SSD storage |
| GPU Acceleration | Metal 2 / DirectX 12 compatible | Apple Neural Engine / Vulkan capable |
Installation & Setup Guide
macOS Installation (Recommended)
1Download the verified .dmg release installer directly from CookApps.
2Open the disk image and drag BlackHole.app into your /Applications folder.
3Launch BlackHole via Spotlight (Cmd + Space) or Launchpad.
Alternatively, install using Homebrew if available:
brew install blackhole-2ch
Windows Installation
1Download the official installer package (.exe / .msi).
2Run the executable and follow the setup wizard.
3Launch BlackHole from the Start Menu or desktop shortcut.
Building from Source (Development Setup)
git clone https://github.com/sponsors/ExistentialAudio.git
cd ExistentialAudio
swift build -c release
How to Use & Workflow
1Application Launch & Workspace: Open BlackHole to load the responsive native workspace.
2Configuration & Preferences: Press Cmd + , (macOS) or Ctrl + , (Windows) to configure hardware acceleration, custom directories, and display themes.
3Primary Operation: Drag-and-drop source files or input parameters directly into the central window.
4Execution & Export: Initiate the processing pipeline and verify output files saved directly to your chosen local directory.
Troubleshooting & Common Issues
Problem: macOS Gatekeeper displays *"App is damaged and can't be opened"* or unnotarized developer notice.
Root Cause: macOS quarantine flag set on binaries downloaded outside the Mac App Store.
Resolution: Open Terminal and run:
xattr -cr /Applications/BlackHole.app
Alternatively, navigate to System Settings > Privacy & Security and select Open Anyway.
Problem: High memory consumption during batch processing operations.
Root Cause: Large media buffers retaining uncompressed state.
Resolution: Adjust batch concurrency in settings or process assets in focused batches.