Desktop audio to captions
Follow speech from browser videos, calls, and other routed PC audio as translated text.
System Audio Translator
Translate Windows system and desktop audio into live captions.
VoxShift can turn incoming or desktop audio into translated partner subtitles on Windows. Use them to follow videos, calls, and stream rehearsals while your microphone is translated into speech as a separate workflow. Audio capture depends on your Windows devices and source routing, so verify the exact setup with the free version.
Direct Answer
What does a system audio translator do on Windows?
A system audio translator listens to an audio route exposed by Windows, transcribes the speech, and shows translated captions. VoxShift uses that workflow for partner subtitles from incoming or desktop audio; translated speech output is only for your own microphone.
Microphone output stays separate
Your microphone is translated into generated speech for VC, while incoming audio is shown as captions and never played back as translated voice.
Routing determines coverage
Windows device selection, app routing, DRM, volume, and source separation affect what can be captured.
Choose the right Windows audio translation workflow
Match the input source and output to what you actually need to understand or send.
| Input | VoxShift output | Typical use |
|---|---|---|
| Your microphone | Translated speech and captions | Discord, game VC, meetings |
| System or desktop audio | Translated captions | Videos, calls, PC audio |
| OBS text source | On-stream translated captions | Livestream overlays |
Related use cases
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Desktop audio caption checks
Use translated captions to inspect audio that plays on your PC while keeping microphone translation and routing in the same app.
Useful for YouTube, calls, and rehearsals
Test browser video audio, meeting audio, and OBS rehearsal workflows when Windows can expose the audio route you need.
Source separation is not guaranteed
Perfect per-app capture is not promised. Results depend on Windows audio devices and the exact app route.
Fit Check
Where VoxShift fits, and where it does not.
Good fit
- You want translated speech output for Discord, game VC, or OBS streams
- You need more than subtitles and want your voice chat partners to hear translated speech
- You want to test GPU, VRAM, audio devices, and latency with the free version first
Use caution
- You need zero-latency simultaneous interpretation or perfect speaker separation
- You need high-stakes medical, legal, financial, or emergency translation
- You plan to use another person's voice without clear consent
- You want Live voice translation on an AMD Radeon, Intel GPU, or no-GPU PC (setup and diagnostics only)
Setup Flow
Check this flow before you buy.
Live voice translation requires an NVIDIA CUDA GPU (GTX 16 / RTX 20 series or newer) with 4 GB VRAM or more, and results also depend on your audio devices and routing. Test the free version (Steam Demo or Microsoft Store free trial) on your own PC before purchasing. It limits each Live session to 10 minutes, translates into English only, uses a fixed light model set, and allows up to 3 soundboard items.
- 1Install the Steam Demo or Microsoft Store free trial
- 2Choose the Windows desktop or incoming-audio route
- 3Select input and output languages
- 4Turn on partner subtitles and play a short, clear speech sample
- 5Check caption accuracy and latency
- 6Adjust OBS or call-app routing if needed
FAQ
Common questions
Can VoxShift translate audio playing on my PC?+
Yes, as translated captions. Partner subtitles can show speech from calls or videos playing on your PC, but the result depends on your Windows audio route and device setup. Use the free version first.
Can I use it for YouTube or browser videos?+
If the audio can be routed as an input on your Windows setup, it can be tested. DRM, volume, source separation, and audio quality can affect results.
Can it translate only one specific app?+
VoxShift does not guarantee perfect per-app capture or source separation. Test the exact app and route with the free version.
Does incoming audio become translated speech?+
No. Incoming or desktop audio is shown as translated captions and is never played back as translated voice. Translated speech output is for your own microphone.
Start with the free version.
Voice translation is highly dependent on your PC. Before buying, check your PC, devices, and latency with the free version. Steam and Microsoft Store sell separate products, each a one-time purchase.