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Audio Routing to DAW

How to route web audio to Ableton Live and other DAWs

Overview

Routing audio from a web browser to a Digital Audio Workstation (DAW) like Ableton Live requires virtual audio routing software, as browsers cannot directly output to DAW inputs. Here are the recommended solutions:

Mac Solutions

1. BlackHole

Free, open-source virtual audio driver for macOS. Creates virtual audio devices that can route audio between applications.

Steps:

  1. Download and install BlackHole from github.com
  2. Open Audio MIDI Setup (Applications → Utilities)
  3. Create a Multi-Output Device including your speakers and BlackHole
  4. Set this as your system output
  5. In Ableton Live, set BlackHole as an audio input
  6. Enable monitoring or record the input channel

2. Loopback

Professional virtual audio routing software by Rogue Amoeba. More user-friendly but paid ($99).

Features:

  • Visual routing interface
  • Multiple virtual channels
  • Built-in effects and mixing
  • Easy setup with drag-and-drop

Windows Solutions

1. VB-Audio Virtual Cable

Free virtual audio cable for Windows. Creates virtual audio devices for routing.

Steps:

  1. Download and install VB-Audio Virtual Cable
  2. Set your browser output to "CABLE Input"
  3. In Ableton Live, set "CABLE Output" as audio input
  4. Enable monitoring or record the input

2. Voicemeeter

Advanced virtual audio mixer with multiple virtual inputs/outputs. Free version available.

Features:

  • Multiple virtual channels
  • Built-in EQ and effects
  • Advanced routing options
  • Low latency

General Setup Process

  1. 1.Install virtual audio routing software (BlackHole, Loopback, VB-Audio, or Voicemeeter)
  2. 2.Configure your system to route browser audio to the virtual device
  3. 3.Open your DAW (Ableton Live, Logic Pro, Pro Tools, etc.)
  4. 4.Set the virtual audio device as an input in your DAW's audio preferences
  5. 5.Create an audio track and enable input monitoring or record
  6. 6.Play audio from the GOHLUKE website - it should now appear in your DAW

Tips & Best Practices

  • •Latency: Virtual audio routing adds latency. Use ASIO drivers (Windows) or low-latency settings for best results.
  • •Sample Rate: Match sample rates between browser, virtual device, and DAW (typically 44.1kHz or 48kHz).
  • •Buffer Size: Lower buffer sizes reduce latency but may cause dropouts. Find a balance.
  • •Monitoring: Use direct monitoring in your DAW to avoid double latency.
  • •Recording: Record the input to capture the audio for later use or editing.

Built-in Export (ACID Synth)

The ACID-303 Synth has built-in export features that don't require virtual audio routing:

  • • Record Audio: Click the REC button to capture the synth output as a downloadable WebM audio file. Record your pattern, stop, and the file downloads automatically.
  • • Export MIDI: Click MIDI to export your pattern as a standard MIDI file. Import it into Ableton, Logic, or any DAW to use with your own soft synths.

These options work entirely in the browser with no additional software required.

Alternative: Screen Recording

If virtual audio routing is too complex, you can use screen recording software with audio capture:

  • • macOS: QuickTime Player or Screen Recording (built-in)
  • • Windows: OBS Studio (free) or Windows Game Bar
  • • Third-party: ScreenFlow, Camtasia, or similar

Then import the recorded audio file into your DAW.

Note: Web Audio API outputs to the system audio output. Direct DAW integration requires virtual audio routing software as browsers cannot access DAW audio interfaces directly.