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

_images/direct_audio_linux_1.png
  • 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”)

_images/direct_audio_linux_2.png

macOS

Tested on macOS Catalina 10.15.7

Requirements

Instructions

_images/directing_audio_macos_1.png
  • In Audio MIDI Setup, choose “BlackHole 2ch” and set it as “Input”

_images/directing_audio_macos_2.png
  • In the LedFx UI under “Settings” -> “Audio Input”, choose “BlackHole 2ch” as the current device

_images/directing_audio_macos_3.png

Alternatives

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

Windows

Tested on Windows 10 (21H2)

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

Stereo Mix (analog output)

_images/directing_audio_win10_1.png
  • 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:

_images/directing_audio_win10_2.png
  • Set the matching “Recording” device as default:

_images/directing_audio_win10_3.png
  • 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):

_images/directing_audio_win10_4.png