Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to common questions about audio capture, browser compatibility, performance, and using the visualizer.
How does system audio capture work in the browser?
We use the Screen Capture API (getDisplayMedia) to request permission to share a screen or tab. When you enable "Share audio" in the browser dialog, the audio track from that source is captured and analyzed in real time using the Web Audio API. No downloads or plugins are required.
Which browsers are supported?
Google Chrome and Microsoft Edge provide the best experience with full support for tab and screen audio capture. Firefox has partial support depending on your operating system. Safari has limited audio capture support in recent versions. We recommend Chrome or Edge for the best results.
Why can't I hear audio or see any visualization?
The most common cause is not checking the "Share audio" checkbox in the screen share dialog. When the browser asks you to select a screen or tab, look for the audio sharing option and make sure it is enabled. Also ensure that the source (e.g., a YouTube tab or music player) is actually playing audio.
Does this work with Spotify, Apple Music, or other desktop apps?
It depends on your browser and operating system. Chrome on Windows and macOS can capture system-level audio when sharing the entire screen. On some systems, you may need to share a specific browser tab that is playing audio. Desktop app audio capture varies by platform.
Is my audio data sent to any server?
No. All audio processing happens entirely in your browser using the Web Audio API. No audio data is recorded, stored, or transmitted to any server. The visualization is 100% client-side.
What are the performance requirements?
The visualizer targets 60fps and requires WebGL support, which is available in all modern browsers. A dedicated GPU provides the best experience, but most integrated GPUs (like Intel UHD or Apple M-series) handle the visualizations smoothly. Some shader-heavy presets may need reduced settings on older hardware.
Can I record the visualization?
Yes. The visualizer includes a built-in recording feature that captures the canvas output as a video file. You can also use external screen recording tools for higher quality output.
How do I switch between visualization presets?
Click the preset icon in the top-right corner of the visualizer screen to open the preset selection modal. Click any preset card to instantly switch to that visualization style.
Why does the visualization look different for the same song?
The visualizer reacts to real-time audio data, which means playback volume, equalizer settings, audio codec, and even the specific audio output path can slightly affect the frequency analysis. The visualization is always a true reflection of the audio signal reaching the browser.
Can I use this with a microphone instead of screen audio?
The current version is designed specifically for system/screen audio capture using getDisplayMedia. Microphone input (getUserMedia) is a different API and is not currently supported, but may be added in a future update.