Lena Torres
Playing audio through multiple outputs simultaneously is a feature that many users desire, especially those with multiple Bluetooth audio devices. While some Samsung phones have this feature, it is not commonly available on iOS due to its locked-down operating system. Windows does not natively support this feature, but there are some workarounds. One option is to use Stereo Mix, which allows linking two output devices together. Another option is to use third-party software such as Voicemeeter, which supports up to five devices. Alternatively, binding applications to specific audio devices can enable separate audio outputs for different applications.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Multiple audio outputs | Windows does not have a built-in way to output audio to multiple devices. However, there are workarounds, such as using Stereo Mix or third-party software like Voicemeeter. |
| Bluetooth devices | It is possible to connect multiple Bluetooth devices to a laptop, MacBook, or phone, but it may not be possible to select and play audio through all of them simultaneously. |
| MacOS | In Audio MIDI Setup, you can create a multi-output device to play audio through multiple devices simultaneously. |
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What You'll Learn
Using Stereo Mix on Windows
Windows does not have a built-in way to output audio to multiple devices. However, you can use Stereo Mix to record and route sound from your computer to other devices.
Stereo Mix, sometimes called "What U Hear" or "Wave Out Mix", is a virtual audio device that combines all audio channels, including microphone input. It allows you to record everything coming out of your computer's audio, such as music playing on your headphones and your voice from the microphone simultaneously.
To enable Stereo Mix on Windows, follow these steps:
- Right-click on the speaker or sound volume icon in the system tray located in the lower right corner of your screen.
- Select "Sounds" or "Recording Devices" to open the Sound settings window.
- Go to the Recording tab.
- Right-click on any blank space and select "Show Disabled Devices" and "Show Disconnected Devices" if available.
- Locate "Stereo Mix" or its equivalent in the list of recording devices. If it's not present, your sound card may not support this feature or your sound drivers may be outdated.
- Right-click on "Stereo Mix" and select "Enable".
- Right-click on "Stereo Mix" again and set it as the "Default Device".
- Right-click once more and select "Properties" to access the Listen tab, where you can adjust settings like "Listen to this device".
Once enabled, you can use Stereo Mix to record and route audio from your computer to other output devices. However, note that Stereo Mix should not be used for your microphone in voice chats as it may cause feedback or unwanted audio loops.
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Using Voicemeeter on Windows
Windows does not have a built-in way to output audio to multiple devices. However, you can use third-party software such as Voicemeeter to achieve this. Voicemeeter is a virtual audio device that allows you to output audio to multiple devices on Windows 10 and above.
The specific steps to set up and use Voicemeeter will depend on the version of Windows you are using and the specific hardware configuration of your system. However, here are some general instructions on how to use Voicemeeter to output audio to two devices on Windows:
- Download and install Voicemeeter: Go to the Voicemeeter website and download the appropriate version for your Windows version. Follow the installation instructions to install Voicemeeter on your computer.
- Configure audio devices: Open the Voicemeeter application and set up your audio devices. In the Voicemeeter interface, you will see options to select your input and output devices. Choose the devices you want to use and configure them accordingly.
- Set up audio channels: Voicemeeter allows you to use multiple audio channels for your apps. Depending on the version of Voicemeeter you are using (Standard, Banana, or Potato), you will have different numbers of virtual audio inputs and outputs. For example, the Standard version provides a virtual audio input on Input Channel #3 and a virtual audio output on BUS B.
- Route audio to the desired output: Once you have configured your audio devices and channels, you can now route audio to the desired output. Open the application you want to use and select the appropriate Voicemeeter output channel as the output device. For example, if you want to output audio from a specific application to one set of speakers, select the corresponding Voicemeeter output channel for that application.
- Test the audio: Play audio from the application and ensure that it is outputting to the desired device. You can adjust the volume and other audio settings within Voicemeeter to customize the audio output.
By following these steps, you can use Voicemeeter to output audio to two or more devices simultaneously on Windows. Voicemeeter provides a flexible and powerful solution for managing audio outputs on Windows systems, allowing you to customize your audio setup according to your specific needs.
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Binding applications to an audio device
To have two sound outputs at once, you can bind applications to specific audio devices on your Windows PC. This means that application A will play sound on monitor A, and application B will play audio on monitor B. However, changing the application from monitor A to monitor B will not change the audio output.
- Open the volume mixer by right-clicking on the volume icon in the system tray located in the lower right corner of your screen.
- In the volume mixer, locate the "Apps" section and select the down arrow to expand the list of applications.
- From the list of applications, select the application you want to change the audio device for.
- Change the "Output device" for the selected application to the desired audio device.
- Repeat steps 3 and 4 for any additional applications and audio devices.
It is important to note that not all applications may show up on the list in the volume mixer. If an application is missing, open it and play some sound, then check the volume mixer again.
Additionally, you can use third-party software such as Voicemeeter, VMWare Player, or Actual Multiple Monitors to manage audio outputs for specific applications. These tools can provide more flexibility and convenience in routing audio outputs.
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Using Bluetooth 4 or 5.0
Bluetooth 5.0 is a significant upgrade from Bluetooth 4.2, offering lower latency, higher bitrates, dual device support, longer range, and better stability. One of the most notable features of Bluetooth 5.0 is its ability to support dual audio, allowing users to pair their devices, such as phones or MP3 players, with two pairs of wireless headphones or earbuds simultaneously. This means that two people can stream and listen to the same music at the same time, creating a shared listening experience.
The lower latency of Bluetooth 5.0 also enhances the user experience. Latency refers to the time it takes for a signal to be compressed and decompressed, and with Bluetooth 5.0, this process is much faster than with Bluetooth 4.2. As a result, Bluetooth 5.0 provides a smoother and more seamless audio transmission, making it ideal for not only listening to music but also for watching movies or playing video games where audio and video need to be in sync.
Additionally, Bluetooth 5.0 offers higher bitrates, doubling the maximum speed to 2Mbps compared to 1Mbps on Bluetooth 4.2. This increased bitrate provides more room to compensate for signal issues, resulting in richer and higher-quality audio.
To utilise the dual audio feature of Bluetooth 5.0, users can follow device-specific instructions to pair their devices with two wireless headphones or earbuds. This capability of Bluetooth 5.0 opens up new possibilities for collaborative listening and enhances the overall audio experience.
While Bluetooth 5.0 offers significant advantages, it is worth noting that some applications may not require such advanced features. In such cases, Bluetooth 4.2 can still provide satisfactory performance, depending on the specific use case and device requirements.
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Creating a multi-output device on a Mac
If you want to create a multi-output device on a Mac, you can follow these steps:
- Open the Audio MIDI Setup app on your Mac. You can use the Spotlight command+space and then type Audio Midi Setup to find and open the app.
- Once the Audio MIDI Setup app is open, select the Audio Devices window from the Window drop-down menu if it is not already displayed.
- In the bottom left corner of the Audio Devices window, click on the Add button (it may appear as a + icon).
- Choose "Create Multi-Output Device" from the options.
- A new multi-output device will appear in the sidebar. You can now rename the device by clicking on its name and typing a new one.
- Select the new multi-output device and choose the audio devices you want to include in the output group by selecting the Use checkbox next to each device.
- Set the primary device for the multi-output device by clicking on the Primary Device pop-up menu and choosing an output device.
- It is recommended to enable Drift Correction for all devices except the Clock Source device.
- If you need to remove a device from the multi-output group, select the device on the right side of the Audio Devices window and click the Remove button.
By following these steps, you can create a multi-output device on your Mac and play audio through multiple devices simultaneously.
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Frequently asked questions
You can use Stereo Mix, which allows linking two output devices together. Alternatively, you can use third-party software such as Voicemeeter, which allows you to output audio to multiple devices.
Yes, it is possible with Bluetooth 4.0 and above. You can connect multiple Bluetooth devices to your laptop, MacBook, or phone, but you may not be able to select them all simultaneously.
Right-click on the sound volume icon in the system tray located in the lower right corner. Select 'Sounds' from the pop-up menu to open the Sound window. Go to the 'Playback' tab and choose a primary speakers audio playback device, then click 'Set Default'. Next, go to the 'Recording' tab and right-click on any blank space. Select 'Show Disabled Devices' from the pop-up menu, then right-click on 'Stereo Mix' and select 'Enable'. Finally, right-click on 'Stereo Mix' again and select 'Set as Default Device'.
Yes, you can create a multi-output device in the Audio MIDI Setup app on your Mac. Simply click the 'Add' button at the bottom of the sidebar in the Audio Devices window, then choose 'Create Multi-Output Device'. You can then select the Use checkbox for each device you want to include in the multi-output device setup.
