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Splitwave
What it is
Splitwave is a free, open-source desktop audio router that connects sources, effects, and outputs in a real-time node graph. Sources can include microphones, system audio, individual applications, WAV files, and virtual-device loopback. Listed effects include noise suppression, EQ, compression, gating, reverb, and delay, with recording to audio files. CLAP and VST3 plugins can run as nodes, while Audio Unit hosting is available only on macOS. WebRTC peers connect in both directions, and UDP sender and receiver nodes support Opus or raw PCM. Splitwave creates virtual audio devices on macOS and Linux; Windows users need VB-Cable or a similar virtual cable. Supported downloads include macOS 13 or newer on Apple Silicon or Intel, Linux x86_64 with PipeWire, and 64-bit Windows 10 or newer. Processing is local, and audio leaves the computer only when a network node sends it to a peer. The macOS app is not yet notarized and requires clearing its quarantine flag during installation.
For and against
For
- Free and open source under the MIT license
- Routes microphones, apps, files, and system audio
- Includes noise suppression, EQ, and recording
- Hosts CLAP and VST3 plugin nodes
- Processes audio locally by default
Against
- Audio Unit hosting is macOS-only
- Windows requires VB-Cable or similar software
- macOS app is not notarized by Apple
- Linux requires PipeWire
The verdict
Splitwave offers a broad node-based routing setup with effects, plugin hosting, recording, and network audio. Platform-specific virtual-device and installation requirements should be checked before use.
Who it suits
Splitwave suits users building software-based audio routes, effects chains, recordings, or network connections. It is relevant to macOS, Linux, and Windows users who can meet the platform requirements and, on Windows, provide a virtual cable.
Plans and prices
Free
Free and open source · MIT license
Read 7 Oct 2026 · splitwave.app
On the record
- Audio sources
- Its source nodes include microphones, system audio, individual app audio, WAV files, and virtual device loopback.splitwave.app · read 7 Oct 2026
- Effects and recording
- The site lists effects including noise suppression, EQ, compression, gating, reverb, and delay, plus recording to audio files.splitwave.app · read 7 Oct 2026
- Local processing
- The homepage says processing happens locally and audio leaves the computer only when the user adds a network node and directs it to a peer.splitwave.app · read 7 Oct 2026
- macOS installation
- The download page says the app is not yet notarized by Apple and instructs users to clear its quarantine flag during installation.splitwave.app · read 7 Oct 2026
- Network audio
- WebRTC peers can connect both ways, while UDP sender and receiver nodes support Opus or raw PCM.splitwave.app · read 7 Oct 2026
- Plugin support
- Splitwave hosts CLAP, VST3, and Audio Unit plugins as nodes, with Audio Unit hosting available only on macOS.splitwave.app · read 7 Oct 2026
- Privacy
- The privacy policy says the desktop app does not collect, track, or transmit audio streams, personal files, or usage telemetry to an external server.splitwave.app · read 7 Oct 2026
- Purpose
- Splitwave is a desktop audio router that connects audio sources, effects, and outputs in a real-time node graph.splitwave.app · read 7 Oct 2026
- Support
- The site lists [email protected] as a contact and offers voluntary development support through Patreon or cryptocurrency.splitwave.app · read 7 Oct 2026
- Supported systems
- The download page lists macOS 13 or newer on Apple Silicon or Intel, Linux x86_64 with PipeWire, and 64-bit Windows 10 or newer.splitwave.app · read 7 Oct 2026
- Terms
- The terms say Splitwave is provided as is without warranties or guarantees of uninterrupted operation, task suitability, or absence of errors.splitwave.app · read 7 Oct 2026
- Virtual audio devices
- Splitwave creates virtual audio devices on macOS and Linux, while Windows users need VB-Cable or a similar virtual cable.splitwave.app · read 7 Oct 2026
- Website providers
- The privacy policy names Patreon, GitHub, and Cloudflare as website providers for membership and authentication, optional avatar retrieval, and hosting, security, and content delivery.splitwave.app · read 7 Oct 2026
