Directing Audio

Here we explain how to pipe your system audio directly to LedFx without having to use a microphone or any other peripheral devices.

Linux

Tested on Ubuntu 20.10 64-bit

Requirements

Instructions

In the LedFx UI under “Settings” -> “Audio Input”, choose “pulse” as the current device

In PulseAudio Volume Control under “Recording”, choose “ALSA plug-in” and set “Capture from” to the audio stream you want to capture (e.g. “Monitor of Built-in Audio Analog Stereo”)

Tested on macOS Catalina 10.15.7

Requirements

Instructions

In the LedFx UI under “Settings” -> “Audio Input”, choose “BlackHole 2ch” as the current device

Alternatives

Loopback: Can direct the audio output of individual applications but requires expensive license to run more than 20 minutes.

Tested on Windows 10 (21H2)

Windows have output devices and input devices. LedFx works processing an input device.

Stereo Mix (analog output)

Follow the instructions described in the link to ensure the “Stereo Mix” Device is available: https://thegeekpage.com/stereo-mix/
The result should be something like:

Once the device is set as “Default Device” (right-click, Set as Default Device), all generated analog sound from the PC should be “mixed” into this input device and LedFx should work appropriately.
If your current setup uses a digital output (e.g.: HDMI), “Stereo Mix” won’t capture sound and an external tool needs to be used. An example configuration is described below.

External Tool (digital output)

Using digital outputs, an external tool such as https://vb-audio.com/Voicemeeter/banana.htm is needed. Other “virtual devices/cables” applications should work similarly.
Once the tool is installed, set the tool’s playback device as default:

And if you want to still listen to the audio on the digital output, you can use the set the “Listen” device on the “Recording” input (right-click -> properties):