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SPECIFICTION
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Splitwave

splitwave.app

Free plan WindowsmacOSLinux
Visit splitwave.app
Spec score 7.3 #25 of 30 in Audio Enhancement Software

What it is

Splitwave is a free desktop audio router for connecting sources, effects, and outputs in a real-time node graph. Sources include microphones, system audio, individual app audio, WAV files, and virtual-device loopback. Its listed effects include noise suppression, EQ, compression, gating, reverb, and delay, and it can record audio to files. Splitwave can host CLAP and VST3 plugins as nodes; Audio Unit hosting is available only on macOS. For network audio, WebRTC peers connect in both directions, while 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. It supports macOS 13 or newer on Apple Silicon or Intel, Linux x86_64 with PipeWire, and 64-bit Windows 10 or newer. Processing is local unless a network node directs audio to a peer. The desktop app does not transmit audio streams, personal files, or usage telemetry to an external server. It is free and open source under the MIT license.

Spec sheet

Purpose
Splitwave is a desktop audio router that connects audio sources, effects, and outputs in a real-time node graph.Read 7 Oct 2026 · splitwave.app
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.Read 7 Oct 2026 · splitwave.app
Support
The site lists [email protected] as a contact and offers voluntary development support through Patreon or cryptocurrency.Read 7 Oct 2026 · splitwave.app
Audio sources
Its source nodes include microphones, system audio, individual app audio, WAV files, and virtual device loopback.Read 7 Oct 2026 · splitwave.app
Effects and recording
The site lists effects including noise suppression, EQ, compression, gating, reverb, and delay, plus recording to audio files.Read 7 Oct 2026 · splitwave.app
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.Read 7 Oct 2026 · splitwave.app
macOS installation
The download page says the app is not yet notarized by Apple and instructs users to clear its quarantine flag during installation.Read 7 Oct 2026 · splitwave.app
Network audio
WebRTC peers can connect both ways, while UDP sender and receiver nodes support Opus or raw PCM.Read 7 Oct 2026 · splitwave.app
Plugin support
Splitwave hosts CLAP, VST3, and Audio Unit plugins as nodes, with Audio Unit hosting available only on macOS.Read 7 Oct 2026 · splitwave.app
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.Read 7 Oct 2026 · splitwave.app
Terms
The terms say Splitwave is provided as is without warranties or guarantees of uninterrupted operation, task suitability, or absence of errors.Read 7 Oct 2026 · splitwave.app
Virtual audio devices
Splitwave creates virtual audio devices on macOS and Linux, while Windows users need VB-Cable or a similar virtual cable.Read 7 Oct 2026 · splitwave.app
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.Read 7 Oct 2026 · splitwave.app

Plans and prices

Free Free Free and open source · MIT license Read 7 Oct 2026 · splitwave.app

Every Splitwave plan and price →

Strong points and limits

Strong points

  • Builds real-time audio routing in a node graph.
  • Supports CLAP and VST3 plugin nodes.
  • Includes noise suppression, EQ, and recording.
  • Free and open source under the MIT license.
  • Processes locally unless audio is routed to a peer.

Limits

  • Windows requires VB-Cable or a similar virtual cable.
  • Audio Unit hosting is macOS-only.
  • macOS installation requires clearing the quarantine flag.
  • Terms disclaim warranties and guarantees.

Who it suits

Splitwave suits people who want to route audio between applications, effects, and outputs on a desktop. It may fit users who need plugin nodes, network audio, or local audio processing.

Verdict

Splitwave provides a free node-based way to route and process desktop audio across three operating systems. Windows users need a separate virtual cable, and the macOS app is not yet notarized by Apple.

Where Specifiction places it

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