BlackHole vs RØDE UNIFY
BlackHole
existential.audio
RØDE UNIFY
rode.comSide by side
| Figure | BlackHole | RØDE UNIFY |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | Free | $3.78/mo |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Open source | — | — |
| Windows | — | Yes |
| macOS | Yes | Yes |
| Plans published | 1 | 4 |
| Spec score · Audio Enhancement Software | 7.6 (#18) | 8.5 (#3) |
| Compatibility | The page says BlackHole is compatible with macOS Mavericks (10.10) and newer and is built for Intel and Apple Silicon. | RØDE lists compatibility with NT-USB Mini, NT-USB+, NT1 5th Gen, VideoMic NTG, AI-Micro, VideoMic GO II, Wireless GO II, Wireless ME, Wireless PRO, PodMic USB, XDM-100 and XCM-50. |
| Purpose | BlackHole is a macOS virtual audio loopback driver that lets applications pass audio to other applications with zero additional latency. | UNIFY is virtual mixing software for streamers and content creators that routes, mixes, processes and records audio. |
| Support | The product page directs users to Discord for downloads, updates, and support, and also lists email support. | RØDE provides a UNIFY support section with setup, routing, sub-mix, recording and troubleshooting articles and a contact option. |
Plans
RØDE UNIFY
- FreeFree
- Free with RØDE X microphoneFree
- Monthly subscription$5.17 a month
- Annual subscription$45.31 a year
In their own words
BlackHole
BlackHole has no write-up on Specifiction yet; its figures are above.
RØDE UNIFY
RØDE UNIFY is free virtual mixing software for streamers and content creators on Windows and macOS. It routes, mixes, processes, and records audio, combining up to four microphones with six virtual audio devices such as Spotify, Discord, and gameplay. Independent sub-mixes support different outputs, and UNIFY can send audio directly to OBS. It records each track as a separate file for multichannel post-production. Processing options include a compressor, noise gate, high-pass filters, equalization, and APHEX Aural Exciter and Big Bottom processing. Advanced DSP processing is available only with RØDE USB-C microphones. With compatible RØDE microphones, processing can run on a microphone DSP chip to reduce CPU load and provide zero-latency headphone monitoring. The app requires Windows 10 or later or macOS 12 Monterey or later. RØDE lists compatibility with products including NT-USB Mini, NT-USB+, NT1 5th Gen, VideoMic NTG, Wireless PRO, PodMic USB, and XCM-50. Its support section covers setup, routing, sub-mixes, recording, troubleshooting, and contact options.