RØDE UNIFY vs VB-CABLE
RØDE UNIFY
rode.comVB-CABLE
vb-audio.comSide by side
| Figure | RØDE UNIFY | VB-CABLE |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | $3.78/mo | Free |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Open source | — | — |
| Windows | Yes | Yes |
| macOS | Yes | Yes |
| Plans published | 4 | 3 |
| Spec score · Audio Enhancement Software | 8.5 (#3) | 7.6 (#19) |
| Founded | 1990 | 1999 |
| Headquarters | Sydney, Australia | Sigoules, France |
| Purpose | UNIFY is virtual mixing software for streamers and content creators that routes, mixes, processes and records audio. | VB-CABLE is a virtual audio device that forwards audio from its CABLE input to its CABLE output to connect a player application to a recorder application. |
| Support | RØDE provides a UNIFY support section with setup, routing, sub-mix, recording and troubleshooting articles and a contact option. | For technical problems VB-Audio directs users to its support resources, forum, or Discord, and asks them to include a screenshot and concise problem description. |
Plans
RØDE UNIFY
- FreeFree
- Free with RØDE X microphoneFree
- Monthly subscription$5.17 a month
- Annual subscription$45.31 a year
VB-CABLE
- Free downloadFree
- VB-CABLE for Windows$5, paid once
- VB-CABLE MAC$5, paid once
In their own words
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.
VB-CABLE
VB-CABLE is a virtual audio device that passes sound from its CABLE input to its CABLE output, linking a player application with a recorder application. VB-Audio says it can work without configuration and supports Windows audio applications using MME, KS, DX, WaveRT, or WASAPI. Input accepts 16- or 24-bit audio at 44.1–192 kHz with one to eight channels, while output conversion occurs automatically when needed. Drivers cover Windows XP SP2 through Windows 11, including 32- and 64-bit systems and Windows 10/11 Arm64, plus macOS 10.10 and later on Intel and Apple Silicon. Separate A+B and C+D packages connect more applications. The software is donationware: its free download is available, and users choose whether to pay. Listed professional or server licenses cost $5 as a one-time purchase for Windows and $5, paid once for macOS, with volume licensing available. Windows setup requires extracting the ZIP, running setup as administrator, and restarting.