Frequently Asked Questions

System requirements and setup for inter-app audio routing.

What do I need to run XtractpleR on macOS?

XtractpleR runs natively on both Intel and Apple Silicon Macs.

For Inter-App Audio Routing: To record audio from another application (like a DAW or standalone VST), you need a virtual audio driver. XtractpleR does not include one, but we recommend these free options:

  • BlackHole: A modern, open-source driver.
  • Soundflower: An older, but still functional, virtual audio cable.

For MIDI Routing: macOS includes a built-in virtual MIDI driver called the "IAC Driver." You can enable it in the "Audio MIDI Setup" utility that comes with your Mac. XtractpleR will automatically detect it.

What do I need to run XtractpleR on Windows?

XtractpleR runs on Windows 10 and 11.

For Inter-App Audio Routing: Windows has a built-in feature that is often hidden by default. You must enable it to record your computer's audio output:

  1. Right-click the speaker icon in your taskbar and select "Sounds."
  2. Go to the "Recording" tab.
  3. Right-click in the empty space and check "Show Disabled Devices."
  4. A new device called **"Stereo Mix"** (or "What U Hear") should appear.
  5. Right-click "Stereo Mix" and select "Enable."

Once enabled, you can select "Stereo Mix" as your Audio Input Device in XtractpleR to record any sound your computer is playing.

For MIDI Routing: Windows does not have a built-in virtual MIDI driver. We recommend a free third-party tool like `loopMIDI` by Tobias Erichsen.

What do I need to run XtractpleR on Linux?

XtractpleR provides both `.AppImage` (recommended) and `.deb` packages for modern Linux distributions (like Ubuntu, Fedora, Arch, etc.).

For Inter-App Audio Routing: Most modern Linux distributions use PipeWire or PulseAudio, which provide a built-in "monitor" source. In the XtractpleR Audio Input list, simply select the **"Monitor of..."** source that matches your main speakers. For more advanced, professional routing, we recommend using the **JACK Audio Connection Kit** (or a JACK control panel like `qjackctl`) to graphically route audio between applications.

For MIDI Routing: Linux has a built-in virtual MIDI module. It is not loaded by default. To create virtual MIDI ports, open a terminal and run this command:

sudo modprobe snd-virmidi

This will create new virtual MIDI ports (e.g., "Virtual Raw MIDI") that will immediately appear in XtractpleR's MIDI Out dropdown.