Splitwave review
A free, cross-platform audio router for live processing, recording, streaming, and DAW workflows.
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
Splitwave is a desktop audio router for macOS, Linux, and Windows, designed for users who need more than basic volume or tone adjustment. Its node-based graph connects microphones, system audio, per-application audio, WAV files, effects, plugins, speakers, recordings, and virtual devices in real time. That makes it relevant to streamers, podcasters, musicians, audio engineers, and users moving audio between communication, broadcast, and digital audio workstation applications. The software is free and open source under the MIT license.
Its strongest differentiator is the combination of routing and processing depth. Splitwave includes noise suppression, a 10-band graphic equalizer, compression, limiting, gating, reverb, delay, metering, and other effects. It can host CLAP, VST3, and Audio Unit plugins, while recording to WAV, FLAC, AIFF, Opus, MP3, and AAC. Named pipelines, effect presets, and pipeline templates support repeatable setups. WebRTC and UDP nodes extend the routing model to network audio, giving the product a wider scope than a single-purpose noise reduction or equalizer utility.
Platform and ecosystem fit are also central to the choice. Splitwave integrates with Zoom, Discord, OBS, Logic Pro, Ableton Live, Reaper, GarageBand, and VB-Cable, covering communication, streaming, and DAW workflows. Virtual audio devices are available on macOS and Linux, while the application itself also supports Windows. Users who want reusable, application-aware routing across these operating systems should find the feature coverage compelling. Those seeking only quick microphone cleanup, or who need virtual audio devices on Windows, may prefer a narrower tool with a simpler workflow.
Splitwave pros and cons
- Where it wins
- Free and open source under the MIT license
- Routes microphones, apps, files, effects, and plugins in real time
- Supports macOS, Linux, and Windows with broad recording formats
- Where it doesn't
- Virtual audio devices are available only on macOS and Linux
- The node-based workflow may require careful pipeline configuration
- Its wide feature set may exceed the needs of simple audio enhancement
Splitwave fact sheet, pricing and score →
Advertiser disclosure: iTechGuides is reader-supported. Vendors can pay for top positions in our rankings and for a place on other products' pages, and we may earn a commission when you click some links. Bought places stand at the number bought; this page and our disclosure say so. Paying vendors may get a fuller, more detailed review from our editors, and that review can change their score. How we rank.
Last updated · How we research and update