Why Voicemeeter Banana for live streaming?
Among the three Voicemeeter versions, Banana is the best fit for artists on Gniark Live: enough channels to mix voice, music, and jingles without Potato-level complexity.
| Capacity | Voicemeeter Basic | Voicemeeter Banana |
|---|---|---|
| Hardware inputs | 2 | 3 |
| Virtual inputs | 1 (VAIO) | 2 (VAIO + AUX) |
| Best for | Voice + 1 source | Live, podcast, jingles |
What Banana enables in your live shows
Mic on HARDWARE INPUT 1, Spotify or player on VAIO, both mixed to B1.
Second audio app on AUX VAIO for intro or effects without stopping background music.
HARDWARE INPUT 2 for instrument or second mic alongside the main channel.
Default Windows output to Voicemeeter Input to capture all PC sound.
Understanding the Banana interface
Voicemeeter Banana routes audio through inputs (left column and virtual strips) and output buses (A1, A2, B1, B2 buttons on each track):
- 1HARDWARE INPUT 1 to 3: physically connected mic, audio interface, or instrument.
- 2VIRTUAL INPUT (VAIO): first software source via
Voicemeeter Input. - 3VIRTUAL INPUT (AUX VAIO): second software source via
Voicemeeter AUX Input(Banana/Potato only). - 4Bus B1: virtual output
Voicemeeter Outputused as the microphone in Gniark Live. Enable B1 on every track you want in the live. - 5Bus A1: local monitoring to speakers or headphones. Use carefully to avoid echo.
Install Voicemeeter Banana
- 1Download Voicemeeter Banana from vb-audio.com/Voicemeeter/banana.htm.
- 2Run the installer as administrator (right-click → Run as administrator).
- 3Restart Windows to register the virtual audio drivers.
- 4Check in Settings → Sound that
Voicemeeter Input,Voicemeeter AUX Input,Voicemeeter Output, andVoicemeeter AUX Outputappear.
Configure Voicemeeter Banana
1. Connect your microphone
- 1Open Voicemeeter Banana.
- 2On HARDWARE INPUT 1, select your mic (USB, jack, or audio interface).
- 3Enable bus B1 on this track (green button). B1 feeds
Voicemeeter Output. - 4Set the fader for a comfortable vocal level (watch the VU meter, avoid clipping).
2. Add music (VAIO)
- 1In your player (Spotify, VLC…), set
Voicemeeter Input (VB-Audio Voicemeeter VAIO)as the audio output. - 2In Banana, the VIRTUAL INPUT (VAIO) strip shows the signal. Enable B1 on this channel.
- 3Balance voice and music with the respective faders.
3. Add a jingle or second app (AUX VAIO)
- 1In the second app (jingle player, sampler…), choose
Voicemeeter AUX Input (VB-Audio Voicemeeter AUX VAIO)as output. - 2On the VIRTUAL INPUT (AUX VAIO) strip, enable B1.
- 3You can preset jingle volume independently from background music.
4. Monitoring: hear your mix
To listen locally, enable A1 on the desired channels (A1 = physical output / headphones). Wear headphones during the live so the mic does not pick up your speakers.
To capture all Windows sound, set Voicemeeter Input as the default output in Settings → Sound → Output. Each app can also target VAIO or AUX VAIO individually.
Select Banana in Gniark Live
- 1Open your Gniark Live session and start streaming.
- 2Allow microphone access in the browser.
- 3Choose
Voicemeeter Output (VB-Audio Voicemeeter VAIO)in the audio selector. - 4Speak and play music: B1 VU meters should move in Banana and audio should reach the live.
If the live is silent: verify B1 is active on each useful track, the fader is not at minimum (-inf dB), and the browser selected Voicemeeter Output.
Solution page
This guide covers technical setup. Explore the Gniark Live commercial offering for this use case.
View solution page — Remote AV studio workflows that scale with your shootsFrequently asked questions
Is Voicemeeter Banana free?
Yes. Voicemeeter Banana is "careware" software: all features are free and unlimited. The author invites you to donate if you use it regularly.
Why choose Banana over Voicemeeter Basic?
Banana adds one hardware input, the AUX virtual input, and extra output buses. You can manage voice + music + jingle or a third source without workarounds.
Does Voicemeeter Banana work with Windows 11?
Yes, Voicemeeter Banana is compatible with Windows 7, 8, 10, and 11 (32 and 64 bit).
Voicemeeter Output does not appear in the browser microphone list.
Restart Windows after installation. In Settings → Sound → Input, verify that "Voicemeeter Output" is enabled. Then restart your browser.
What is the difference between VAIO and AUX VAIO on Banana?
VAIO (Voicemeeter Input) captures the first software audio app. AUX VAIO (Voicemeeter AUX Input) allows a second independent app, ideal for a jingle or separate player.
Can I use Voicemeeter Banana with OBS at the same time as Gniark Live?
Yes. Voicemeeter Virtual Input can feed OBS while Voicemeeter Output serves as the microphone in Gniark Live. The two streams stay independent.
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