Lena Torres
It is possible to have sound output from two sources, however, the process may vary depending on the operating system being used. For instance, on Windows 10, users can enable Stereo Mix by right-clicking on the sound volume, selecting 'Sounds', choosing a primary audio playback device, and then selecting a secondary audio playback device. Alternatively, third-party applications like 'Actual Multiple Monitors' can be used to achieve this, although they may come with a cost. For Mac users, the Audio MIDI Setup app allows for the creation of a multi-output device, enabling audio to be played through multiple devices simultaneously.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Multiple audio outputs on Windows 10 | Requires third-party applications like "Actual Multiple Monitor" or "Voicemeeter" |
| Multiple audio outputs on Mac | Possible through the Audio MIDI Setup app |
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What You'll Learn
Using multiple audio sources on Windows 10
Windows 10 does not have a built-in feature that allows users to output audio to multiple devices. However, there are several workarounds and third-party applications that can enable this functionality. Here are the steps and methods you can use to set up and use multiple audio sources on Windows 10:
Using Stereo Mix:
This method involves enabling Stereo Mix in your audio settings, which allows you to set a primary and secondary audio playback device. Here are the steps to follow:
- Right-click on the sound volume icon in the system tray (usually located in the lower right corner of your screen).
- Select "Sounds" from the pop-up menu to open the Sound window.
- Go to the "Playback" tab.
- Choose a primary audio playback device and click "Set Default."
- Now, go to the "Recording" tab next to "Playback."
- Right-click on any blank space and select "Show Disabled Devices" from the pop-up menu.
- You should now see a recording device named "Stereo Mix" (or "Wave Out Mix," "Mono Mix," etc.).
- Right-click on "Stereo Mix" and select "Enable" from the context menu.
- Select "Stereo Mix" again and choose "Properties" > "Listen."
- Enable "Listen to this device" and set it as the "Default Playback Device."
- Finally, pick your secondary audio playback device and click "Apply."
- Restart your Windows 10 computer for the changes to take effect.
Using Third-Party Applications:
If you want to output audio to more than two devices or have separate audio for different applications, you can use third-party software like Voicemeeter. Voicemeeter offers Banana and Potato versions that allow you to output audio to three and five devices, respectively. Another option mentioned is "Actual Multiple Monitors," which enables you to assign specific applications to different audio devices. However, this application is not free.
Using an Audio Splitter:
If you want a simple solution for connecting multiple headphones or speakers, you can use a physical audio splitter. Both USB and 3.5mm splitters are available, but be sure to research the quality to ensure it meets your needs.
While Windows 10 does not natively support multiple audio outputs, these workarounds and third-party applications can help you achieve the desired functionality.
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Third-party applications for multiple outputs
There are several third-party applications that can be used to configure multiple audio outputs on Windows 10. One such application is Voicemeeter, which is free software that helps users configure multiple playback devices. The Banana and Potato versions of Voicemeeter allow users to output audio to 3 and 5 devices, respectively. Another option is Actual Multiple Monitors, a paid application that allows users to split the sound from two screens to two different headsets.
For Apple users, an Aggregate Device can be created to combine multiple audio inputs and outputs from different devices at the same time. This can be done by opening the Audio MIDI Setup application and clicking the "Add" button at the bottom of the sidebar of the Audio Devices window. A new Aggregate Device will appear in the list on the left side of the window, which can be renamed by double-clicking on it. The user can then select the "Use" checkbox for each device they want to include as a subdevice in the Aggregate Device. The order in which the checkboxes are selected determines the order of the inputs and outputs in applications.
Additionally, for Windows 10 users, there is a built-in Stereo Mix option that allows for dual audio output. To enable this, users can right-click on the sound volume icon, select "Sounds," choose a primary audio playback device, enable Stereo Mix, set it as the default, and then select a secondary audio playback device.
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Binding applications to an audio device
Windows does not have a built-in way to output audio to multiple devices. However, there are third-party applications that can help you achieve this. One such application is Actual Multiple Monitors, which offers a Per-application Audio Device Switcher facility. This allows you to bind available audio devices installed in your system to connected monitors. Here's how you can do it:
- Install the latest version of Actual Multiple Monitors.
- Open the Configuration window and go to the Multiple Monitors - Audio Switcher panel.
- Select a monitor by clicking its numbered preview or by selecting it from the Display combo box.
- Choose an audio device from the Bound audio device combo box, which contains a list of available devices to bind to that monitor.
- Repeat steps 3 and 4 until all required audio devices are bound to the necessary monitors.
- Click the Apply button, and now your setup is complete. Moving a multimedia app's window to a display with speakers will automatically redirect both video and audio playback to that display.
Additionally, the Per-application Audio Device Switcher provides the following features:
- The ability to quickly switch the audio playback device for a specific application via a special title button or window menu command.
- The option to create rules for individual applications and set a default device for audio playback.
- A convenient Application Audio Manager window where you can view and change the playback outputs of currently running sound-playing apps.
Another option mentioned in the sources is VB Audio Cable, a donationware (free) application that allows you to set different outputs for applications. However, it was noted to be a bit complicated to set up. It has a companion application called Voicemeeter that lets you adjust audio and mixer settings in real time.
If you are using Windows 10, there is a native solution. Go to Windows Settings > System > Sound. Below the "Input" section, select "App volume and device preferences". The top section controls the default sound settings, while the bottom section allows for individual sound control for specific applications.
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Multi-output devices on Mac
To set up multi-output devices on a Mac, follow these steps:
- Open the "Audio MIDI Setup" app located in /Applications/Utilities.
- In the app, you will see a list of all your audio devices on the left.
- Use the "+" button at the bottom to create a new Aggregate Device or a Multi-Output Device.
- Select the outputs you want to include in the output group.
- Rename the Multi-Output Device to something that makes sense to you by clicking on its name.
- Use the new Multi-Output Device as your output instead of any of the defaults, and you're ready to go!
Note that some users have reported issues with system volume control becoming disabled when using certain combinations of internal and external speakers. Additionally, ensure that your devices are named differently to avoid confusion when selecting the output.
With these steps, you can easily set up and use multi-output devices on your Mac, allowing you to stream audio to multiple devices simultaneously.
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Multiple audio outputs on Windows 10
Windows 10 does not have a built-in way to output audio to multiple devices. However, there are some third-party applications and workarounds that can enable this functionality.
One option is to use a software solution like Voicemeeter. The Banana and Potato versions of Voicemeeter allow you to output audio to three and five devices, respectively. Another option is to use a paid application called Actual Multiple Monitors, which can split the sound from two screens to two different headsets.
If you want to use multiple audio sources to play the same audio on Windows 10, you can try the following steps:
- 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.
- Choose a primary audio playback device.
- Enable 'Stereo Mix' and set it as the default.
- Select a secondary audio playback device.
- Click 'Apply' and 'OK' in the Properties window, and then again in the Sound window.
- Restart your Windows 10 computer.
Additionally, you can select audio output devices for specific apps on Windows 10. To do this, right-click on the sound volume icon, select 'Sounds', and then choose the desired output device for each application.
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Frequently asked questions
On Windows 10, right-click on the sound volume, select 'Sounds', choose a primary audio playback device, enable Stereo Mix, set it as the default, and then select a secondary audio playback device. Alternatively, you can use third-party applications such as Voicemeeter or Actual Multiple Monitor.
Yes, you can. In the Audio MIDI Setup app on your Mac, click the "Add" button at the bottom of the sidebar in the Audio Devices window, then choose "Create Multi-Output Device". Select the new multi-output device and then choose the Use checkbox of each device you want to use.
Yes, but it depends on the make and model of your TV. Some TVs allow you to connect multiple audio devices via Bluetooth or HDMI and play audio through both. Check your TV's settings or user manual for specific instructions.
It depends on your phone's model and operating system. Some phones allow you to connect multiple Bluetooth devices and play audio through both. Try going to your phone's settings and looking for "Connected Devices" or "Bluetooth" to see if you can connect multiple audio devices.
