ASIO loopback driver
The ASIO loopback driver is a virtual ASIO sound card that routes its output directly back to its input. You can think of it as a flawless digital cable connecting the output and input of a sound card entirely within your operating system.
By bypassing physical hardware, this virtual connection guarantees an ideal, flat frequency response and introduces absolutely no noise, coloration, or latency to the signal chain. While it is perfectly suited for precise acoustic metrology, this ASIO driver functions identically to physical hardware and is fully compatible with standard ASIO hosts like Cubase, WaveLab, or custom DSP software.
Important Note: Single-Client Architecture
This driver currently operates as a single-client ASIO device. This means it can only be accessed by one application at a time. Because of this, your host software must have both an integrated signal generator and an analyzer built into the same program to utilize the loopback for measurement purposes. The driver routes the audio internally from the software's output bus directly back into its own input bus.
What It Is Not
To clarify its precise function, it is important to understand its limitations regarding physical hardware and multiple software programs:
- No Hardware Required: This driver operates completely independently of physical hardware. It runs entirely in software, meaning you do not need a sound card or audio interface connected to your computer for it to function.
- Not a Hardware Bridge: It does not connect, bridge, or aggregate two different physical sound devices (e.g., it cannot route audio from a physical USB microphone into a separate hardware DAC).
- Not an Inter-Application Bridge: Because it currently operates as a single-client driver, it does not route audio between two separate programs. It cannot send the output of a standalone generator application into a different standalone analyzer application; it only routes audio internally within the same host application.
Typical Applications
Given its single-client architecture, this driver is an essential, highly specialized tool for digital signal processing and acoustic software development:
- Internal Routing (Generator to Analyzer): Using the internal playback or signal generator function of an acoustic measurement suite and feeding it directly back into its own input/analyzer module to create a perfectly clean reference loop.
- Multichannel Testing: Simulating large, complex audio environments by testing software that requires multiple channels (up to 64) without needing massive physical hardware on hand.
- Format and Bit Depth Validation: Switching between different bit depths and sample rates (up to 192kHz) to verify how DSP algorithms and software handle various audio resolutions.
Versions and Features
We offer two tiers to suit different testing and development environments:
- Free Version: Supports standard stereo (2 channels) at a 16-bit dynamic depth.
- Commercial Version: Unlocks professional-grade routing with up to 64 input and output channels, sample rates up to 192kHz, and 16 to 32-bit dynamic depth.
Core Features:
- Universal ASIO-compatible driver that runs seamlessly with any ASIO-enabled host program.
- Native support for 32-bit and 64-bit Windows operating systems.
- Bit-transparent digital audio transfer.
- Configurable channel counts and bit depths.
Installation
Run the provided setup routine. The installation package contains both the core driver (optimized for 32/64-bit architectures) and a configuration utility. Once installed, a new audio device named "ASIO Loopback" will appear in the hardware selection menu of your ASIO-capable program.
Use
In the ASIO control panel or device setup menu of your host program, simply select the ASIO Loopback entry as your primary audio device. Assign the integrated generator to the loopback outputs, and configure your analyzer to listen to the corresponding loopback inputs.
Outlook and Future Roadmap
We are continuously developing the ASIO Loopback Driver to expand its capabilities. Upcoming features in our roadmap include:
- True Multi-Client Support: We are building an inter-process bridge that will allow the driver to act as a router between completely separate applications. This will enable you to send the output of a standalone generator or DAW into a separate, standalone analyzer.
- Integrated Signal Generator: We will be integrating our own signal generator directly into the driver itself, giving you immediate access to reference tones and test signals at the driver level, regardless of the host application you are using.
configuration
The driver includes a standalone utility tool. Use this panel to define the exact number of virtual channels required for your session and to set the desired bit depth to match your project settings.
use
In the ASIO control of your host program, simply select the new ASIO loopback entry.
