VoiceMeeter is a popular audio mixer for Windows that allows you to route and control audio from multiple sources. It is used by streamers, content creators, remote workers and audio professionals to manage microphones, music and system sounds all in one place. However, a common issue users face is that system sounds suddenly stop working once VoiceMeeter is installed or enabled. If your PC goes silent when using VoiceMeeter, you are not alone. This article explains why it happens, how to fix it and how to get your system audio working again without disrupting your VoiceMeeter setup.
What Is VoiceMeeter and Why Is It Used?
VoiceMeeter is a virtual audio mixer for Windows that allows you to combine audio from physical devices such as microphones and headsets with software sources like Zoom or Spotify. It offers powerful routing features that let you control what gets heard where. You can separate your voice chat from game audio, stream only specific sources or adjust levels on the fly.
VoiceMeeter essentially replaces your default Windows sound device and reroutes audio through its own virtual cables. This is what makes it powerful but also what causes system sounds to disappear if something is not configured correctly.
Why Your System Sounds Stop Working
The most common reason for losing system sounds with VoiceMeeter is incorrect routing. By default, Windows plays system sounds through the default playback device. If VoiceMeeter is not set up to send those sounds to your speakers or headphones, you will hear nothing. Sometimes updates to Windows or audio drivers can also reset or break your audio routing.
Another cause is a mismatch between sample rates or channel formats across devices. If VoiceMeeter is expecting 48 kHz stereo and your playback device is set to 44.1 kHz mono, it may fail to output any sound. Some users also accidentally mute or lower the level of the bus handling system audio.
How to Fix No System Sound with VoiceMeeter
The first step is to check your default playback device. Right-click the speaker icon in the taskbar and select Sounds. Under the Playback tab, ensure that VoiceMeeter Input (VB-Audio VoiceMeeter VAIO) is set as the default device. This is the virtual device that collects all your system audio.
Next, open VoiceMeeter and check the A1 hardware output. This is where the sound goes after VoiceMeeter processes it. Set A1 to your actual speakers or headphones. You should see level meters moving when you play a YouTube video or system sound.
If nothing happens, double-check that the VAIO channel in VoiceMeeter is not muted. Make sure the fader is not at the bottom and that A1 is ticked on that strip.
Check Windows App Volume Settings
Windows 10 and 11 allow per-app volume control. Sometimes the System Sounds application is set to 0 or routed to a different output. Go to Settings > System > Sound > Volume Mixer and look for System Sounds. Ensure the output is set to VoiceMeeter Input and the volume is not muted.
Also check that no other applications are hijacking the output. If you are using DAWs, streaming software or games with exclusive audio mode, they may prevent other system sounds from being played.
Sample Rate and Format Compatibility
Open Sound Settings, click on your playback device and select Device Properties > Advanced. Ensure the default format matches what VoiceMeeter expects, usually 48,000 Hz and 16-bit or 24-bit. Do the same in VoiceMeeter’s Menu > System Settings/Options to make sure there is no mismatch.
Having all devices running at the same sample rate and bit depth helps prevent strange bugs and silent outputs.
Restart the Audio Engine
Sometimes simply restarting the audio engine helps. In VoiceMeeter, click Menu and select Restart Audio Engine. This refreshes the internal routing and can fix sudden loss of audio.
You can also reboot your PC after making changes to ensure that all routing and device priorities are applied correctly.
Reinstalling Virtual Audio Drivers
If the problem persists, the VoiceMeeter virtual drivers may be corrupted or out of date. Uninstall VoiceMeeter and the VB-Audio virtual cables using the Windows Control Panel. Then download the latest versions from the official website and reinstall them. Reboot after installation.
After reinstalling, make sure to set VoiceMeeter Input as your default playback device again and reconfigure the A1 output.
Managing Audio When Switching Between Headphones and Speakers
If you switch often between different audio outputs, you may need to update A1 each time in VoiceMeeter. The app does not always auto-switch when you plug in new devices. VoiceMeeter Banana and Potato versions offer multiple hardware outputs, so you can assign A1 for speakers and A2 for headphones then toggle them as needed.
Make sure each hardware output is set correctly and that the relevant channels have A1 or A2 enabled so the sound goes where you want it.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Do not set your hardware output as the default playback device. Always keep VoiceMeeter Input as the default and let VoiceMeeter handle routing to your speakers or headphones.
Avoid using multiple audio apps that attempt to control routing at the same time. Mixing VoiceMeeter with software like OBS, Discord and Zoom works well when VoiceMeeter is in charge. Problems arise when each app tries to use a different device.
Keep drivers updated and avoid letting Windows auto-update sound settings without your knowledge. Use the Sound Control Panel rather than only relying on the modern settings window, as it offers more advanced configuration options.
Final Thoughts
Losing system sound when using VoiceMeeter is frustrating but usually fixable with a few simple checks. Most issues come down to improper routing, incorrect device settings or mismatched formats. By setting VoiceMeeter Input as the default playback device and making sure your hardware output is correctly selected, you can enjoy full control of all your system audio without sacrificing reliability. With a little configuration and awareness, VoiceMeeter becomes a powerful tool for audio management whether you are streaming, recording or just working from home.