Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
Want the people in your Discord call to hear the music you’re playing? If you simply choose the wrong microphone or audio device, Discord will capture nothing but your mic—and your friends will hear silence.
This guide shows multiple working ways to route your music into Discord as your microphone input. You’ll find Windows options (Voicemeeter and Virtual Cable) plus a macOS approach (BlackHole or Loopback), along with the screen-share alternative for cases where routing is overkill.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
What it means to play music through your mic in Discord
Discord sends the audio from the device you select under Voice & Video > Input Device (and sometimes additional input settings). To “play music through mic,” you need to make your music appear as an input device Discord can record.
That usually means using virtual audio routing so your music is fed into a “virtual microphone” or “virtual input” device, then selecting that device inside Discord.
#1 Best Overall
- [XLR Mic Input] One XLR microphone input interface is set on the gaming audio mixer, which is great to up your audio quality with your XLR setup. The XLR mixer is a stepping stone to upgrade your live streaming. Audio mixer offered built-in 48V phantom power which opens up more choices for mics. Directly use it with your condenser microphone but do not solve added peripherals. (NOT available for USB mic)
- [Individual Channel Control] Gaming audio mixer for one mic recording with smooth volume slider fader take your streaming recording to a whole new level with full pleasure. Four independent channels set on the DJ mixer give audio volume of the MICROPHONE, LINE IN, HEADPHONE, and LINE OUT channels individual control. Configurable on the PC audio mixer instead of just operating on your game or streaming software.
- [Mute and Monitor] The front mute and monitor buttons but not at the back, make it easier to get the audio interface use. Ability to mute audio, the audio mixer for streaming prevents background noise from damaging your live broadcast. Real-time feedback between speaking and hearing will not distract your attention, which encourage you to speak more confidently. The sturdy-built control button allow you to operate freely and easily during live streaming.
- [Sound Effects] The computer sound mixer supports four pre-recorded customized button that can be recorded and activated at the press of button to post production. 6 kinds of voice changing modes change your output style. 12 auto tune changes the tone of your voice. The podcast mixer being able to add different and fun effects is a huge bonus for your streaming or game voice.
- [Controllable Vibrant RGB] RGB button on the audio mixer DJ meets different live streaming themes. Lights on the video mixer is vibrant but not harsh on your eyes. Flowing or frozen RGB color rotation in a decent pace presents a greatly strong impression as a "light show" to your audience. Even a streaming equipment accessory will not be dull looking when video production.
Prerequisites and what you need before you start
- A way to create a virtual audio input: Voicemeeter, Virtual Audio Cable, BlackHole, or Loopback.
- Your music source (Spotify, YouTube, local MP3 player, game audio, etc.).
- Discord on desktop (Windows/macOS). Mobile is limited and typically not suitable for mic-routing workarounds.
- Permissions: ensure Discord can access your microphone (macOS will prompt; Windows may require settings).
Before changing anything, confirm what device Discord is currently using: open Discord Settings > Voice & Video.
Windows method 1: Voicemeeter + Virtual Audio Cable (most reliable)
This setup routes your app audio into a virtual input that you can select as Discord’s microphone. It’s the most common “music through mic” solution for Windows.
Step 1: Install Voicemeeter and virtual inputs
Install VB-Audio Voicemeeter (commonly Voicemeeter / Voicemeeter Banana depending on your needs). During setup, you’ll see virtual device names like “Voicemeeter Input” and others.
Outdated Drivers Are Slowing You Down
One free scan finds every outdated or missing driver and matches the right update for your exact hardware.Free scan · exact hardware matchPC Slower Than It Used to Be?
A free scan shows the junk files, broken settings and background clutter dragging Windows down - then fixes them in one click.Free scan · Windows 10 & 11Also install one virtual audio cable solution if you don’t already have the “virtual microphone” behavior you need. Many users rely on Voicemeeter’s built-in virtual routing, but adding VB-Audio Virtual Cable can simplify routing.
Step 2: Configure Windows playback device
In Windows, open Sound settings > More sound settings > Playback. Set your music output (Spotify/YouTube browser) to the appropriate Voicemeeter input/output route you’ll use.
Most Voicemeeter setups use one of Voicemeeter’s hardware input selections to accept system audio. If you want full system audio, you’ll typically choose the Voicemeeter input that corresponds to “system sound” routing (Voicemeeter provides multiple inputs).
Rank #2
- Analog mixing and equalization for pure sound
- Direct mixing of PC/gaming sounds into the streaming output
- Ultra-low noise analog mixer for streaming, podcasting and recording
- Stereo USB audio interface to connect your computer or mobile device
Step 3: Configure Voicemeeter (A1/A2) to create an output Discord can “listen to”
In Voicemeeter’s main mixer:
- Decide what should be routed to Discord (usually “music audio only”).
- Enable the output that you’ll expose as the virtual microphone.
- Route your music source into the corresponding Voicemeeter channel (A1/A2 output routing affects what gets produced).
If you’re using Voicemeeter + Virtual Cable, the goal is: music → Voicemeeter internal bus → virtual cable device → Discord input device.
Step 4: Set Discord Input Device to the virtual microphone
Open Discord > Settings > Voice & Video.
- Under Input Device, select the virtual device (examples you might see: Voicemeeter Output, Virtual Cable, or a device containing “Voicemeeter”/“Cable”).
- Adjust Input Volume so music is audible but not clipping.
- Speak or play music and watch the Input Sensitivity meter respond.
Step 5: Prevent echo and feedback
If you hear yourself (or others hear you doubled), it’s usually because Discord input includes microphone audio plus music audio. The clean approach is to route only music into the virtual input used by Discord.
Also check Voicemeeter monitoring: disable “listen” paths that feed Discord output back into the virtual input.
Windows method 2: VB-Audio Virtual Cable only (simple setups)
If you just need a basic route and you don’t want a full mixer, Virtual Cable can work with fewer moving parts. The limitation: depending on your audio source, you may still need extra routing to separate music from other system audio.
Step 1: Install VB-Audio Virtual Cable
After installation, Windows will show one or more devices like “CABLE Input” / “CABLE Output” (naming can vary by version).
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Step 2: Set your music app output to the cable
For system-wide control, set the Windows playback default to the cable output. For app-specific routing, use your app’s audio device selector (where available) or an extra tool that can route per-app audio.
Rank #3
- Compact, feature-rich livestreaming USB audio mixer provides high-quality sound for desktop audio production
- Plug-and-play connectivity to computer or mobile device (no special drivers required)
- Loopback function makes it easy to mix mic and instrument inputs with background music, game sounds, or other audio input from a computer – and send the stereo mix back to the computer for streaming
- High-performance A/D converter with resolution up to 24-bit/192 kHz provides crystal-clear output for voice and instruments
- Equipped with a single mic input (XLR or ¼"), two LINE inputs for guitar and keyboard, and USB-C input for connecting to a computer
- Open the Windows Sound control panel and set your default playback device to Virtual Cable Output (or the matching “Output” name).
- Start playing music in Spotify, a browser tab (YouTube), or your player.
Step 3: Select the cable input as Discord mic
Discord > Settings > Voice & Video > Input Device.
- Select the cable Input device.
- Test: play music and verify Discord’s input meter moves.
Step 4: Restore your real speakers/headphones
When you’re done, switch Windows playback back to your normal device (speakers, headset, etc.). Leaving the virtual cable as default will mute or redirect your audio unintentionally.
macOS method: BlackHole or Loopback (easy and clean)
macOS tends to be simpler for “music through mic” because you can create a virtual input without the heavy Windows-style mixer workflow.
Option A: BlackHole (virtual audio sink/source)
Install BlackHole. After installation, it appears as an audio device in System Settings and in app audio routing tools.
- Go to System Settings > Sound.
- Set Input (or the app’s output, depending on your workflow) to the BlackHole device.
- In Discord, set Settings > Voice & Video > Input Device to the BlackHole input.
- Play music and verify the input meter moves.
BlackHole works best when your music output can be directed into it (or when you set the system output to BlackHole and then route that into Discord as the input device).
Option B: Loopback (app-level routing)
Loopback is often the cleanest option because you can route specific apps into a virtual microphone without routing everything.
- Open Loopback and create a new virtual device.
- Add a source: choose your music app (Spotify, browser tab, etc.).
- Set the loop output to a virtual microphone target.
- In Discord, set Input Device to that Loopback virtual input.
Loopback also helps when you want to exclude your microphone so friends only hear the music.
Rank #4
- Pro performance with great pre-amps - Achieve a brighter recording thanks to the high performing mic pre-amps of the Scarlett 3rd Gen. A switchable Air mode will add extra clarity to your acoustic instruments when recording with your Solo 3rd Gen
- Get the perfect guitar and vocal take with - With two high-headroom instrument inputs to plug in your guitar or bass so that they shine through. Capture your voice and instruments without any unwanted clipping or distortion thanks to our Gain Halos
- Studio quality recording for your music & podcasts - Achieve pro sounding recordings with Scarlett 3rd Gen’s high-performance converters enabling you to record and mix at up to 24-bit/192kHz. Your recordings will retain all of their sonic qualities
- Low-noise for crystal clear listening - 2 low-noise balanced outputs provide clean audio playback with 3rd Gen. Hear all the nuances of your tracks or music from Spotify, Apple & Amazon Music. Plug-in headphones for private listening in high-fidelity
- Everything in the box: Includes Pro Tools Intro+, Ableton Live Lite, Cubase LE, and Hitmaker Expansion: a suite of essential effects, powerful software instruments, and easy-to-use mastering tools
Alternative approach: Use Discord’s built-in screen/audio sharing
If you don’t want virtual devices, screen sharing can be the fastest “it just works” option. It’s less flexible for pure mic replacement, but it reliably carries audio.
Recommended Free Tools
How to share with audio
- Join your voice channel.
- Click Share your screen (in the voice controls).
- Choose a window or screen.
- Enable the audio option: Share Audio (and pick the correct audio source if Discord asks).
- Click Go Live.
For music, sharing the specific app window (like Spotify) tends to reduce unwanted background audio.
Choosing the right Discord input setting
Even with correct routing, Discord can still fail if input detection settings are wrong.
Input device
Set Settings > Voice & Video > Input Device to your virtual cable/microphone device—not your physical mic.
Input sensitivity
- If your music is being chopped, increase Input Sensitivity or switch to Voice Activity temporarily.
- If your call gets noisy when music stops, use Push to Talk or lower sensitivity.
Disable noise suppression when troubleshooting
Try toggling features like noise suppression and echo cancellation during testing. Some DSP effects can mangle music audio, especially if the input device is a virtual route.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches2Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors3Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteTroubleshooting when people can’t hear your music
When audio doesn’t arrive, it’s usually one of: the wrong Discord input device, the virtual device not receiving audio, or permissions/devices mismatch.
Best Value
- 10 channel mixer with USB and SPX digital effects
- Featuring studio grade discrete class A D PRE amps with inverted Darlington circuit providing fat, natural sounding bass and smooth, soaring highs
- 3 band EQ and high pass filters give you maximum control and eliminate unwanted noise, resulting in a cleaner mix
- 1 knob compressors allow easy control resulting in livelier guitars, punchier bass lines, a tighter snare and a cleaner vocal sound
- MG Series mixers feature a rugged, impact resistant, powder coated metal chassis; Equivalent input noise 128 dBu, residual output noise 102 dBu
1) Discord input meter stays still
- Confirm Input Device in Discord is exactly the virtual device name you’re routing into.
- Play music and check the system’s audio routing: Windows/macOS must send the sound into that virtual source.
- Restart Discord after changing virtual devices (it sometimes doesn’t refresh device lists).
2) Meter moves, but others hear silence
- Ask one person to confirm they selected the correct channel and aren’t muted/deafened.
- Check Discord’s audio settings: verify you’re transmitting and not in a different voice channel.
- Try switching between Voice Activity and Push to Talk to rule out sensitivity gating.
3) They can hear music, but it’s distorted or crackly
- Lower Input Volume in Discord.
- In the virtual audio tool, reduce the output level or enable any “monitor gain” options carefully.
- Make sure your system sample rate isn’t forcing resampling (check Windows Sound > device properties).
4) Echo or feedback loop
- Don’t send the same audio path into both your speakers and the Discord input at the same time.
- Disable “listen/monitor” in Voicemeeter/virtual tools.
- If using screen share, ensure you’re not sharing audio twice.
5) Device names changed after updates
Voicemeeter/BlackHole updates can rename devices. In Discord, open Input Device and pick the new exact name again.
Latency, echo, and audio quality issues (and fixes)
Virtual routing adds some delay. For music, that’s usually acceptable; for games or live commentary, it can feel off.
Reduce latency (Windows)
- In Voicemeeter, adjust the buffer size (if present).
- Lower the Windows audio buffering by changing device properties to a lower latency profile.
- Avoid running heavy effects (noise suppression, extra filters) while testing.
Reduce latency (macOS)
- Close apps you don’t need.
- In Loopback, keep the routing simple (fewer effects in the chain usually means less delay).
- Use a direct source (app output → Loopback/BlackHole → Discord) rather than multi-stage mixing unless required.
Keep quality consistent
- Prefer routing the music as-is rather than running it through multiple converters.
- Test at the loudest part of the track so you can catch clipping early.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Selecting the wrong input device in Discord (physical mic instead of virtual input).
- Leaving the virtual cable as your default output after you’re done.
- Double audio paths that cause echo (one path via speakers + another via virtual input).
- Noise suppression on a music signal—it can make vocals sound muffled and instruments harsh.
- Not testing the input meter before asking friends to listen.
FAQ
Can I do this on iPhone or Android?
It’s much harder to replicate “mic routing” on mobile because you can’t easily create a virtual input device like you can on Windows/macOS. Screen share (where available) is usually the practical route on mobile.
What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
Why does my music get chopped or only plays when I speak?
Discord is likely using Input Sensitivity with Voice Activity and the virtual mic falls below the threshold. Raise sensitivity or switch to Push to Talk for testing.
Will screen sharing always work better than mic routing?
For many people, yes—screen share carries audio reliably. The tradeoff is quality/latency and potential privacy concerns. If you want “music as your mic” without sharing your display, virtual routing is the better long-term solution.
Discord changed settings and now nothing works. What should I check first?
Start with Settings > Voice & Video > Input Device. Device names can change after updates, and Discord may default back to a physical microphone.
My friends can hear noise but not the music. Why?
That often happens when the virtual device is capturing system audio in a way that doesn’t include your specific app. Try routing specifically (Loopback app routing, per-app audio output selectors, or adjust the Voicemeeter source channel).
Bottom Line
To play music through your mic in Discord, you need to route your music into a virtual audio input and select that exact device in Settings > Voice & Video. On Windows, Voicemeeter (optionally with Virtual Cable) is the most dependable; on macOS, BlackHole or Loopback usually takes the least time.
If routing gives you trouble, screen sharing with Share Audio is the most straightforward fallback that typically works immediately.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
