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Soundfower

Inter-application Audio Driver


Soundfower is a virtual audio device that provides an
easy and simple way for Max/MSP and other applications
to send and receive audio to and from any other application.
Running with very low latency and cpu usage, Soundfower
allows each client application to use its usual buer si!e.
Installing Soundfower
Run the Soundfower Installer.pkg. "ou will be as#ed for
an administrator account password. $ne %le, Soundfower.kext,
will be installed in the &'tensions (older. )he remainder of the
supporting %les will be installed to *Applications*Soundfower.
If you e'perience di+culty installing Soundfower, it is
recommended that you run the ,ninstall Soundfower applescript
that is provided on the dis# image.
,sing Soundfower
Soundfower presents itself as one of two coreaudio devices.
In most cases, you will want to use the --channel device.
)o send the output of one application to another, simply select
Soundfower as the output device within the %rst application
and Soundfower as the input device within the second
application.
If an application does not allow you to specify audio devices,
you can ma#e Soundfower the default input or output device
inside the Sound panel in the System Preferences, or with
the Audio MIDI Setup utility application.
)he 1!c"annel de#ice is provided for more comple' routing
situations, and can be used with more than two applications
simultaneously if the applications support audio routing to any
channel, as Max/MSP does.
.ote that Soundfower$s audio channels represent a global audio
space. If more than one application is sending its output to the
same channel, the audio will be mi'ed. If you want an application
to send and receive audio through Soundfower, /for instance using
Max/MSP to manipulate and return another application0s audio1
you must send and receive the audio on dierent audio channels
or a feedbac# loop will be created.
&'ample
)o send audio from i%unes to Max/MSP, open the System
Preferences and select Soundfower &'c"( as the device for
sound output inside the Sound panel. )hen, inside Max/MSP$s
DSP Status )indow, select *ore Soundfower &'c"( as the input
device. All output of i%unes should now be sent to Max/MSP$s
adc+ ob2ect.
)roubleshooting
If you are hearing clic#s or brea#ups, try increasing the buer si!e of
both applications /set within each application1.
Removing Soundfower
(rom an account with administrator privileges, double-clic# on
the ,ninstall Soundfower.scpt %le. )his will run an
AppleScript, in which you will be as#ed for your password.
3istory
)he Soundfower 4hange 5og is maintained online at6
https6**github.com*tap*Soundfower*wi#i*4hange-5og
A more detailed history can be found at6
https6**github.com*tap*Soundfower*commits*master

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