Why Mac Doesn't Let You Route Audio Per Application
If you've switched from Windows to Mac, you've probably noticed something missing: the ability to send different applications to different audio outputs. Want Spotify playing through your speakers while Discord chat comes through your headphones? On Windows, this is built-in. On Mac, it's... complicated.
macOS treats audio output as a system-wide setting. When you change your audio output in System Settings, every app follows along. This all-or-nothing approach works fine until you need granular control over where your audio goes.
Common Scenarios Where Per-App Audio Routing Matters
Gaming and Communication
You're gaming with friends and want game audio through your speakers for immersion, but Discord voice chat through your headphones so you can hear callouts clearly.
Work and Entertainment
Listening to music on Spotify through your good speakers while routing Zoom meeting audio to your headphones so you don't disturb others.
Content Creation
Streaming or recording content where you need to separate your audio sources - background music to speakers, but microphone monitoring through headphones.
Shared Spaces
Working in a shared office where you want notifications and system sounds through headphones, but occasionally need to play presentation audio through external speakers.
Method 1: Built-in macOS Audio Output Switching
macOS does offer basic per-app output switching, but it's limited and clunky:
- Option-click the volume icon in your menu bar
- Select your desired output device from the dropdown
- Open the app you want to change
- Play some audio from that app
- Option-click volume again and you should see the app listed
- Select a different output for that specific app
This method has major limitations:
- Only works after audio is already playing
- Doesn't persist between app restarts
- No visual indication of which apps are routed where
- Doesn't work reliably with all applications
Method 2: Audio MIDI Setup Configuration
For more advanced users, macOS includes Audio MIDI Setup:
- Open Audio MIDI Setup (Applications > Utilities)
- Click the + button and select "Create Multi-Output Device"
- Check the devices you want to include
- Set this as your system output in System Settings
This creates a single output that plays to multiple devices simultaneously, but it doesn't give you per-app control - everything plays everywhere.
Method 3: Third-Party Audio Routing Solutions
Several Mac apps solve the per-app audio routing problem:
SoundSource ($49)
The gold standard for Mac audio routing. Full per-app control, audio effects, and detailed routing options. The price reflects its professional feature set.
Sound Control (~$29)
Similar functionality to SoundSource but with fewer advanced features. Still expensive for basic routing needs.
Soundish (Budget-Friendly Alternative)
Offers core per-app audio routing at a fraction of the cost. You can route Spotify to your speakers while sending Discord to headphones, control individual app volumes (even boost them up to 200%), and save your configurations as audio profiles.
Unlike the expensive alternatives, Soundish focuses on the features most people actually use: routing apps to different outputs, controlling individual volumes, and remembering your preferences.
Setting Up Per-App Audio Routing
Once you've chosen an audio routing solution, the setup process is typically:
- Install the audio routing software
- Grant necessary permissions (most require audio driver installation)
- Configure your audio devices in the app
- Set routing rules for each application
- Test your configuration by playing audio from different apps
Troubleshooting Common Audio Routing Issues
Apps Not Appearing in Routing Software
Some apps need to be playing audio before they show up in routing applications. Start some music or a video first.
Audio Cutting Out or Crackling
This usually indicates sample rate mismatches between devices. Check Audio MIDI Setup and ensure all your devices are set to the same sample rate (typically 44.1kHz).
Routing Resets After Restart
Most quality audio routing apps remember your settings, but some require you to save profiles or configurations manually.
Bluetooth Audio Lag
Bluetooth adds latency that can cause sync issues when routing to multiple outputs. Wired connections work best for mixed routing scenarios.
Is Per-App Audio Routing Worth It?
If you regularly use multiple audio devices and want control over where different apps send their audio, per-app routing transforms your Mac experience. The ability to keep your music playing through good speakers while routing work calls to headphones is genuinely useful.
The key is choosing a solution that matches your needs. If you just want basic app-to-output routing without breaking the bank, simpler solutions work great. If you need advanced audio processing and professional features, the premium options justify their cost.
For most Mac users coming from Windows who just want their volume mixer functionality back, focusing on core per-app features rather than professional audio processing makes the most sense.
Originally published at appish.app
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