When it comes to modern guitar playing, Neural DSP Archetype plugins are a game-changer. They deliver studio-grade amp tones straight from your laptop or PC — but when it’s time to share that sound live on Discord, things can get tricky.
Many guitarists struggle to make their Archetype tones audible in voice calls or live sessions without losing quality or fighting latency.
That’s where proper audio routing comes in. By setting up a clean signal path between Neural DSP and Discord, you can stream your playing with zero buzz, zero lag, and crystal-clear tone.
Whether you’re a live performer, online guitar teacher, or just jamming with friends, this 2025 routing guide will show you how to route audio from Neural DSP Archetype to Discord like a pro.
Let’s break it down step by step.
Why You’d Route Neural DSP Archetype to Discord
Many guitarists wonder why they can’t just “share audio” directly from their amp sim to Discord — but here’s the catch: Discord doesn’t natively recognize ASIO audio drivers, which most pro plugins like Neural DSP rely on. This means if you try to play straight into Discord, it won’t capture your tone correctly.
Routing your Archetype audio properly isn’t just a technical tweak — it transforms your experience. Here’s why it matters in 2025 more than ever:
- Live Jamming & Rehearsals: Play with bandmates in real time without tone loss.
- Online Guitar Lessons: Share professional-grade sound with students.
- Streaming & Podcasting: Present your guitar tone with the same quality as your DAW.
- No Extra Hardware Needed: With virtual audio routing, you don’t need expensive interfaces.
- Low Latency & High Clarity: No more laggy or muffled audio.
Discord’s audio compression can flatten guitar tones if routed incorrectly. But with the right setup, your Archetype tone cuts through clearly, retaining dynamics, depth, and character — just like in your DAW. This makes your playing sound professional, not like it’s coming from a phone mic.
In the next section, we’ll walk through the essential gear, drivers, and software you need to make this happen smoothly on Windows and macOS.
Prepare: System Requirements & What You’ll Need (Windows, macOS, Plugins, Drivers)
Before diving into the routing steps, it’s crucial to set up the right tools. Neural DSP plugins depend on ASIO (for Windows) or Core Audio (for macOS), and Discord doesn’t talk directly to these drivers. So, to bridge the gap, you need a virtual audio routing tool.
Here’s a clean checklist of what you’ll need in 2025:
Core Requirements
- A stable PC or Mac (Windows 10/11 or macOS Ventura/Sonoma)
- Neural DSP Archetype plugin or standalone app (latest version)
- A guitar audio interface (e.g., Focusrite Scarlett, UA Volt, Audient EVO)
- A reliable internet connection for Discord calls/streams
Software & Drivers
Windows Users:
- ASIO drivers (download from your audio interface manufacturer)
- Voicemeeter Banana or Potato (latest version, 2025)
- VB-Cable (virtual audio cable to send output to Discord)
Mac Users:
- Core Audio (already built-in)
- Loopback (or BlackHole if you prefer a free option)
Extra (Optional but Helpful)
- OBS Studio (for routing, adding FX, or recording while streaming)
- A noise gate or EQ plugin to polish your tone before it reaches Discord
- Discord desktop app (latest build)
Pro Tip: Keep all your drivers updated. Many routing issues happen because of outdated ASIO or virtual cable drivers. A clean system setup means fewer dropouts and less latency.
Step-by-Step: Route Neural DSP Archetype Output to Discord
If you’re on Windows, this is the most reliable and widely used method in 2025. It gives you a clean guitar tone inside Discord without crackling or lag.
Step 1: Set up Voicemeeter and Virtual Cable
- Download and install Voicemeeter Banana and VB-Cable.
- Open Voicemeeter and set your Hardware Input to your audio interface (ASIO).
- Set the Virtual Output (B1) as your routing destination.
Step 2: Configure Neural DSP Archetype
- Open the standalone Neural DSP Archetype app.
- In Audio Settings, choose your ASIO driver and set output to Voicemeeter Virtual ASIO.
- Adjust buffer size for low latency (128 or 256 samples recommended).
Step 3: Route Voicemeeter Output to Discord
- Open Discord Settings → Voice & Video.
- Set the Input Device to “Voicemeeter Output (VB-Audio Virtual Cable)” or “Voicemeeter B1”.
- Keep the Output Device as your headphones or interface monitor.
Step 4: Fine-Tune Levels
- In Voicemeeter, balance the input fader so the Archetype signal doesn’t clip.
- Keep the Discord input sensitivity manual to avoid Discord’s auto gain messing with your tone.
This setup ensures your Archetype guitar tone flows cleanly from your ASIO driver through Voicemeeter and straight into Discord, no mic bleed or compression.
Alternative Methods: macOS (Loopback) and OBS/VST Routing for Streamers
For macOS users, routing is even smoother thanks to Core Audio and powerful tools like Loopback.
macOS (Loopback / BlackHole Method)
- Install Loopback or BlackHole.
- Open Neural DSP Archetype and set Output Device to the virtual audio device.
- In Discord, set the Input Device to the same virtual device.
- Adjust gain levels in Loopback to prevent distortion.
Bonus: Loopback lets you mix in a mic and Archetype signal if you want to talk and play simultaneously.
Using OBS as an Audio Hub
Many streamers in 2025 prefer using OBS as the middleman. Here’s why:
- You can load VST plugins, EQ, or a compressor in OBS.
- OBS can capture Neural DSP’s output with zero audio loss.
- Then you use OBS Virtual Cable to route it to Discord.
Quick setup:
- Add a new audio source in OBS → choose your interface or Archetype.
- Enable OBS Virtual Output.
- Set Discord input device to “OBS Virtual Cable.”
Pro Tip: OBS also lets you monitor your own tone without latency, which is great for performance and teaching sessions.
Troubleshooting & Tuning: Latency, Gain Staging, and Voice Quality on Discord
Even with the best routing setup, you might run into crackling, latency, or tone loss if a few key settings aren’t optimized. The good news? These are easy to fix if you know where to look.
Latency Issues
Latency usually happens when your buffer size is too large or your CPU is overloaded.
- Open Neural DSP Archetype settings and set buffer size between 128–256 samples.
- Close other background apps like browsers or DAWs that might be using audio resources.
- If latency persists, try lowering your sample rate from 96kHz to 48kHz, which Discord also prefers.
Gain Staging
A clean signal path depends on proper gain staging.
- Make sure your guitar interface input isn’t clipping — keep the input LED in the green zone.
- In Voicemeeter or Loopback, keep your channel fader below 0 dB.
- Turn off Discord’s “Automatic Gain Control” in Settings to stop it from compressing your guitar tone.
Voice & Tone Quality
Discord was built for voice, not guitar tones, so it applies filters that can muddy your sound.
- Disable “Echo Cancellation,” “Noise Suppression,” and “Krisp” in Discord.
- Switch to “High Priority Packet” in the advanced settings to improve streaming stability.
- Always use headphones to avoid feedback loops.
Pro Tip: If your tone suddenly sounds thin, check that Discord hasn’t auto-switched to your laptop mic. Manually lock your input device to the virtual cable or Voicemeeter output.
Pro Tips: Keeping Your Tone Intact
Routing audio is just half the battle — preserving your signature tone is what makes your Discord streams sound like a real performance. Here are some advanced but easy tweaks that seasoned players use in 2025:
Add a Gentle EQ Before the Output
A slight low-cut (around 80 Hz) and a high-cut (around 10–12 kHz) can help your guitar sit better in Discord’s frequency range. This removes rumble and harsh top end without ruining your tone.
Use a Noise Gate
Neural DSP Archetype plugins already include a noise gate, but adding a secondary gate through Voicemeeter or OBS can clean up extra pickup noise — especially useful for high-gain tones.
Save Performance Presets
Create a “Discord Performance” preset inside Archetype with these tweaks:
- Balanced gain for clarity
- Slight compression to avoid harsh peaks
- Consistent levels for solos and rhythm
- This lets you switch between teaching, jamming, or streaming tones in seconds.
Monitor Your Own Sound
Always monitor through headphones or in-ear monitors. This lets you hear exactly what your listeners hear — not just your raw guitar signal.
Optional: Mix Voice + Guitar for a Pro Setup
If you’re hosting lessons or sessions, blend your mic and guitar signal using Loopback or Voicemeeter. That way, people hear you talking and playing seamlessly, without having to switch inputs.
Conclusion
Neural DSP Archetype to Discord may sound technical, but after installation, it will change the way your playing is audible. This system works whether you are teaching online, jamming with friends or streaming your classes, keeping your tone clean, full and punchy.
Using equipment such as Voicemeeter, VB-Cable, Loopback and OBS in 2025, it is possible to share studio-level guitar sounds without any additional equipment.
Make sure you have the right drivers, use the routing process, streamline your Discord audio preferences, and finish with some clever adjustments.
You can be able to boot up Archetype and stream to Discord within a few seconds without any headaches or poor tone once you have done it once.
FAQs
What is the best audio buffer size for Neural DSP?
The ideal buffer size is 128–256 samples. This gives you low latency without audio crackling or system overload during live sessions or streaming.
How to reduce latency in Neural DSP?
Lower your buffer size, close unnecessary background apps, and match your sample rate to 48 kHz for the smoothest, real-time response.
How to set up the Neural DSP plugin?
Install the plugin, select your audio interface as the input, choose the proper ASIO/Core Audio driver, and adjust buffer and output settings for optimal performance.