# BlackHole

> audio loopback driver for macOS

**Wikidata**: [Q125807721](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q125807721)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/blackhole-q125807721

## Summary
BlackHole is a free, open-source audio loopback driver for macOS, enabling users to route audio between applications without physical hardware. Developed by Existential Audio, it is distributed under the GNU General Public License v3.0 and is widely used for audio processing, streaming, and recording workflows.

## Key Facts
- **Type**: Free and open-source software (FOSS) classified as an audio loopback driver.
- **Developer**: Created by Existential Audio, a Canadian audio software company.
- **License**: Released under the GNU General Public License, version 3.0.
- **Platform**: Exclusively runs on macOS (since 2001).
- **Versions**:
  - Stable releases include versions 0.2.2 (2019-10-03) through 0.6.1 (2025-02-08).
  - Latest stable version as of 2025 is 0.6.1.
- **Source Code**: Hosted on GitHub at [ExistentialAudio/BlackHole](https://github.com/ExistentialAudio/BlackHole).
- **Website**: Official documentation and downloads available at [existential.audio/blackhole/](https://existential.audio/blackhole/).
- **Programming Language**: Developed using languages referenced in GitHub repositories (specific languages not explicitly listed in sources).
- **Copyright Status**: Copyrighted but freely distributable under GPLv3.

## FAQs
**What is BlackHole used for?**
BlackHole is an audio loopback driver that allows macOS users to route audio between applications internally, eliminating the need for external hardware. It is commonly used for streaming, recording, and audio processing tasks where virtual audio routing is required.

**Who developed BlackHole?**
BlackHole was created by Existential Audio, a Canada-based company specializing in audio software. The project is maintained on GitHub, where its source code is publicly available.

**Is BlackHole free to use?**
Yes, BlackHole is free software licensed under the GNU General Public License v3.0, permitting users to run, study, modify, and distribute the software freely.

**What versions of BlackHole are available?**
BlackHole has undergone multiple stable releases, starting from version 0.2.2 (October 2019) to the latest version 0.6.1 (February 2025). Each release includes bug fixes, performance improvements, and new features.

**Does BlackHole work on Windows or Linux?**
No, BlackHole is designed exclusively for macOS and does not support Windows or Linux operating systems.

## Why It Matters
BlackHole addresses a critical need in macOS audio workflows by providing a lightweight, virtual audio routing solution. Unlike physical audio interfaces, it enables seamless internal audio routing between applications, which is essential for podcasters, musicians, and streamers. Its open-source nature fosters community-driven improvements and ensures transparency, while its GPLv3 license guarantees user freedoms. By eliminating hardware dependencies, BlackHole democratizes advanced audio processing for macOS users.

## Notable For
- **Open-Source Audio Routing**: One of the few free, GPL-licensed audio loopback drivers for macOS.
- **Stable Release History**: Over 14 stable versions released between 2019 and 2025, demonstrating active maintenance.
- **Hardware-Free Solution**: Enables virtual audio routing without requiring external audio interfaces.
- **Community-Driven Development**: Hosted on GitHub, allowing contributions from developers worldwide.
- **Widespread Adoption**: Used in professional and amateur audio production, streaming, and recording setups.

## Body
### Overview
BlackHole is a macOS-specific audio loopback driver that creates virtual audio devices, allowing users to route audio between applications internally. It functions as a bridge, enabling audio output from one application to be used as input in another without physical cables or hardware.

### Development and Licensing
- **Developer**: Existential Audio, a Canadian company focused on audio software solutions.
- **License**: Distributed under the GNU General Public License v3.0, ensuring users can modify and redistribute the software freely.
- **Source Code**: Available on GitHub ([ExistentialAudio/BlackHole](https://github.com/ExistentialAudio/BlackHole)), with contributions welcomed from the open-source community.

### Version History
BlackHole has seen consistent updates since its initial release:
- **2019**: Versions 0.2.2 (October 3) to 0.2.10 (August 7) introduced foundational features and bug fixes.
- **2020**: Versions 0.2.11 to 0.2.8 (January 4) improved stability and compatibility.
- **2021**: Versions 0.2.9 (January 27) to 0.3.0 (December 7) added performance enhancements.
- **2022–2025**: Versions 0.4.0 (June 10, 2022) to 0.6.1 (February 8, 2025) expanded functionality and macOS compatibility.

### Technical Specifications
- **Platform**: macOS (compatible with versions since 2001).
- **Programming Languages**: Developed using languages referenced in GitHub repositories (specifics not detailed in sources).
- **Functionality**: Creates virtual audio devices that appear as system-wide input/output options.

### Use Cases
- **Audio Streaming**: Routes microphone or application audio to streaming software (e.g., OBS, Twitch).
- **Recording**: Captures system audio or specific application outputs for podcasts or music production.
- **Processing**: Enables real-time audio effects by chaining applications (e.g., DAWs, equalizers).

### Community and Support
- **GitHub Repository**: Active development with public issue tracking and pull requests.
- **Documentation**: Hosted on [existential.audio/blackhole/](https://existential.audio/blackhole/), providing setup guides and troubleshooting tips.

### Related Projects
BlackHole is part of a broader ecosystem of macOS audio tools, often used alongside:
- **Soundflower** (discontinued): A predecessor to BlackHole, no longer maintained.
- **Loopback** (Rogue Amoeba): A commercial alternative with additional features.

### Significance in Audio Software
BlackHole fills a gap in macOS audio infrastructure by offering a free, reliable alternative to proprietary solutions. Its open-source model ensures longevity and adaptability, while its simplicity makes it accessible to non-technical users. The project’s active maintenance and community support underscore its role as a critical tool for modern audio workflows.

## References

1. [Source](https://github.com/ExistentialAudio/BlackHole/blob/master/LICENSE)
2. [GitHub](https://github.com/ExistentialAudio/BlackHole)
3. [2025](https://github.com/EvanLi/Github-Ranking/blob/master/Data/github-ranking-2025-07-06.csv)
4. [Release 0.2.2. 2019](https://github.com/ExistentialAudio/BlackHole/releases/tag/v0.2.2)
5. [Release 0.2.3. 2019](https://github.com/ExistentialAudio/BlackHole/releases/tag/v0.2.3)
6. [Release 0.2.4. 2019](https://github.com/ExistentialAudio/BlackHole/releases/tag/v0.2.4)
7. [Release 0.2.5. 2019](https://github.com/ExistentialAudio/BlackHole/releases/tag/v0.2.5)
8. [Release 0.2.6. 2020](https://github.com/ExistentialAudio/BlackHole/releases/tag/v0.2.6)
9. [Release 0.2.7. 2020](https://github.com/ExistentialAudio/BlackHole/releases/tag/v0.2.7)
10. [Release 0.2.8. 2021](https://github.com/ExistentialAudio/BlackHole/releases/tag/v0.2.8)
11. [Release 0.2.9. 2021](https://github.com/ExistentialAudio/BlackHole/releases/tag/v0.2.9)
12. [Release 0.2.10. 2021](https://github.com/ExistentialAudio/BlackHole/releases/tag/v0.2.10)
13. [Release 0.3.0. 2021](https://github.com/ExistentialAudio/BlackHole/releases/tag/v0.3.0)
14. [Release 0.4.0. 2022](https://github.com/ExistentialAudio/BlackHole/releases/tag/v0.4.0)
15. [Release 0.5.0. 2023](https://github.com/ExistentialAudio/BlackHole/releases/tag/v0.5.0)
16. [Release 0.6.0. 2024](https://github.com/ExistentialAudio/BlackHole/releases/tag/v0.6.0)
17. [Release 0.6.1. 2025](https://github.com/ExistentialAudio/BlackHole/releases/tag/v0.6.1)
18. [Source](https://github.com/ExistentialAudio/BlackHole)