Our verdict: VB-CABLE is the simplest way to connect the sound of one program to the input of another, for example music into a call or a game into a recorder. It needs no configuration beyond picking devices. You get only one cable for free, and there is no mixer or volume control of its own.
About VB-CABLE
VB-CABLE is made by VB-Audio Software, the developer of Voicemeeter. It is donationware: you can use it for free and buy a license on the VB-Audio web shop if you want to support the developer.
The driver adds two devices to Windows. Everything an app plays to CABLE Input, which appears as a playback device, is forwarded to CABLE Output, which appears as a recording device. It works with applications using MME, DirectSound, KS or WASAPI. Extra cables A+B and C+D are separate products on the same page.
What it does well
- Virtual cable. Forwards all audio from CABLE Input to CABLE Output with no configuration.
- Works with any app. Supports applications that use MME, DirectSound, KS or WASAPI.
- Microphone replacement. Any app can pick CABLE Output as its microphone to receive another program's sound.
- Wide Windows support. Runs on Windows XP to 11, including 32-bit, 64-bit and ARM64.
- More cables available. Optional VB-CABLE A+B and C+D packs add further independent cables.
Who it is for
Good fit
Streamers, podcasters and anyone who needs to send one program's sound into another, such as music into Discord.
Look elsewhere
People who need to mix several sources with volume control; Voicemeeter, from the same developer, does that.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Free to use, donations optional
- No configuration needed
- Works with almost every app
- Supports ARM64 Windows
Cons
- Only one cable in the free package
- No mixer or volume control
- Download is a ZIP and needs a reboot
How to install VB-CABLE
Download the ZIP from vb-audio.com, extract all files and run the 64-bit setup program as administrator. Reboot after installing and after uninstalling. Then set the source app's output to CABLE Input and the target app's microphone to CABLE Output. Do not make CABLE Input your default Windows output unless you want to stop hearing system sounds.
Questions about VB-CABLE
Is VB-CABLE free?
Yes. It is donationware: free to use, and you may pay what you want for a license to support VB-Audio.
How do I send music into Discord with VB-CABLE?
Set your music player's output to CABLE Input and choose CABLE Output as the microphone in Discord. Use Voicemeeter if you also need your real microphone in the mix.
