Sienna Rhodes
If you're using a Mac and need to split sound between multiple monitors or audio outputs, you can achieve this by leveraging macOS's built-in audio settings. By default, Macs route audio through a single output device, but you can configure your system to send different audio streams to separate monitors or external speakers. This is particularly useful for multitasking, such as playing music through one monitor while using another for a video call. To do this, you’ll need to access the Sound settings in System Preferences, select the appropriate output devices, and use third-party apps like SoundSource or Background Music to manage audio routing effectively. This setup ensures you can control and split sound seamlessly across your connected devices.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Operating System | macOS |
| Required Software | SoundSource (by Rogue Amoeba) or similar audio routing software |
| Hardware Compatibility | Works with most external monitors, headphones, and speakers |
| Audio Output Splitting | Allows routing different audio sources to different output devices |
| Multi-Monitor Support | Supports splitting audio across multiple monitors or devices |
| System Requirements | macOS 10.15 (Catalina) or later |
| Cost | SoundSource: Free (basic) or $29 (full version) |
| Ease of Use | User-friendly interface with drag-and-drop audio routing |
| Customization | Adjustable volume levels for each output device independently |
| Latency | Minimal latency depending on hardware and system performance |
| Updates | Regular updates for compatibility with latest macOS versions |
| Alternative Methods | Using macOS System Preferences (limited functionality) |
| Third-Party Alternatives | Background Music, Loopback (by Rogue Amoeba), BlackHole Virtual Driver |
| Use Cases | Video editing, gaming, streaming, multi-tasking with different audio |
| Community Support | Active forums and documentation available for troubleshooting |
| Limitations | Requires third-party software for advanced features |
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What You'll Learn
- Adjusting Sound Balance: Use Sound preferences to set left/right balance for audio output on Mac
- Using Audio MIDI Setup: Create aggregate devices to route sound to multiple monitors simultaneously
- Third-Party Apps: Utilize apps like SoundSource or Background Music for advanced audio splitting
- HDMI Audio Settings: Configure HDMI audio output for monitors with built-in speakers
- Core Audio Preferences: Modify system audio routing via Core Audio for precise monitor control
Adjusting Sound Balance: Use Sound preferences to set left/right balance for audio output on Mac
Adjusting the sound balance on your Mac allows you to control the audio output between the left and right channels, which can be particularly useful when using multiple monitors or external speakers. To begin, open the System Preferences on your Mac. You can do this by clicking on the Apple menu in the top-left corner of your screen and selecting System Preferences from the dropdown menu. Once the System Preferences window is open, look for the Sound icon and click on it to access the sound settings.
Within the Sound preferences, navigate to the Output tab. Here, you will see a list of available audio output devices connected to your Mac, such as internal speakers, headphones, or external monitors with built-in speakers. Select the device for which you want to adjust the sound balance. If you’re using multiple monitors and they have separate audio outputs, ensure you choose the correct one. Below the device list, you will find the Balance slider, which is the key tool for adjusting the left/right sound balance.
To adjust the balance, simply drag the slider left or right. Moving it to the left will increase the volume of the left channel, while moving it to the right will increase the volume of the right channel. This adjustment can help you achieve a more balanced audio experience, especially if one speaker or monitor is positioned farther away from you than the other. Experiment with the slider until you find the optimal balance for your setup.
If you’re using multiple monitors and want to split the sound between them, ensure each monitor is connected to a separate audio output device, such as external speakers or headphones. Then, repeat the balance adjustment process for each output device individually. Keep in mind that not all monitors have built-in speakers, so you may need to connect external speakers to achieve the desired audio split.
For advanced users, third-party applications like SoundSource or Background Music can provide additional control over audio routing and balance across multiple outputs. However, the built-in Sound preferences on your Mac offer a straightforward and effective way to adjust the left/right balance without the need for extra software. Once you’ve made your adjustments, close the System Preferences window, and your new sound balance settings will be saved automatically.
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Using Audio MIDI Setup: Create aggregate devices to route sound to multiple monitors simultaneously
To split sound between multiple monitors on a Mac, you can utilize the Audio MIDI Setup utility to create aggregate devices, which allow you to route audio to multiple outputs simultaneously. This method is particularly useful if you have different audio interfaces or built-in outputs connected to separate monitors or speakers. Here’s a step-by-step guide to achieve this:
First, open the Audio MIDI Setup application, which is located in the Utilities folder within the Applications directory. Once launched, you’ll see a list of available audio devices connected to your Mac, such as built-in speakers, headphones, or external audio interfaces. To create an aggregate device, go to the File menu and select New Aggregate Device. A new window will appear, prompting you to configure the aggregate device. Give it a descriptive name, such as "Multi-Monitor Audio," to easily identify its purpose.
Next, you’ll need to add the audio outputs you want to include in the aggregate device. In the Aggregate Device window, click on the Use dropdown menu and select the audio outputs you wish to combine. For example, if you’re routing sound to two monitors, select both the built-in output and the external monitor’s audio interface. You can also adjust the clock source and format settings to ensure synchronization between the devices. Once configured, click Done to save the aggregate device.
After creating the aggregate device, it will appear in the Audio MIDI Setup window alongside your other audio devices. To use it, open System Settings (or System Preferences on older macOS versions), go to Sound, and select the Output tab. Choose the aggregate device you created from the list of available devices. Now, any audio played on your Mac will be routed to all the outputs included in the aggregate device, effectively splitting the sound between your monitors or speakers.
For advanced users, you can further customize the audio routing by adjusting the volume levels for each output within the aggregate device. In Audio MIDI Setup, double-click the aggregate device to open its properties, then use the DRY and WET controls to balance the audio levels for each output. This ensures that the sound is distributed evenly or according to your preference across the connected monitors.
By using Audio MIDI Setup to create aggregate devices, you gain precise control over how audio is routed to multiple monitors or speakers on your Mac. This method is ideal for professionals in audio production, gaming, or anyone needing to split sound outputs for a more immersive experience. It’s a powerful yet straightforward solution that leverages macOS’s built-in tools to achieve multi-monitor audio routing without additional software.
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Third-Party Apps: Utilize apps like SoundSource or Background Music for advanced audio splitting
When it comes to splitting sound between monitors on a Mac, third-party apps like SoundSource and Background Music offer advanced features and flexibility beyond the native macOS capabilities. These apps are designed to give users precise control over audio routing, allowing you to direct specific applications or sounds to different output devices, such as monitors, headphones, or speakers. By leveraging these tools, you can create a customized audio setup tailored to your needs, whether for work, gaming, or multimedia consumption.
SoundSource, developed by Rogue Amoeba, is a powerful utility that sits in your Mac's menu bar, providing quick access to audio controls. To split sound between monitors, simply open SoundSource and select the "Output" tab. From here, you can assign individual applications to specific audio devices. For example, you can route your web browser's audio to your studio monitors while directing your video call app's sound to your headphones. SoundSource also supports multi-output devices, enabling you to send audio to multiple monitors simultaneously. Its intuitive interface and real-time adjustments make it a top choice for users seeking granular control over their audio setup.
Another excellent option is Background Music, an open-source app that focuses on simplicity and efficiency. While its primary purpose is to manage audio playback from multiple apps, it also excels at splitting sound between devices. After installing Background Music, you can configure it to recognize different audio outputs, such as your monitors or external speakers. The app allows you to create custom rules for routing audio, ensuring that specific applications always play through the desired device. For instance, you can set your music player to output to your high-quality monitors while keeping system alerts on your built-in speakers. Its lightweight design and customizable features make it ideal for users who want a straightforward yet effective solution.
Both SoundSource and Background Music offer additional functionalities that enhance their utility. SoundSource, for instance, includes a built-in equalizer and volume control per application, allowing you to fine-tune your audio experience. Background Music, on the other hand, integrates seamlessly with macOS, providing a native feel and minimal system impact. These apps not only solve the problem of splitting sound between monitors but also elevate your overall audio management on a Mac.
To get started with these apps, visit their official websites or download them from the Mac App Store. After installation, take some time to explore their settings and customize them according to your preferences. Whether you're a professional needing precise audio routing or a casual user wanting to separate sounds for convenience, third-party apps like SoundSource and Background Music provide the tools you need to achieve advanced audio splitting on your Mac. With their help, you can transform your audio setup into a versatile and efficient system tailored to your unique requirements.
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HDMI Audio Settings: Configure HDMI audio output for monitors with built-in speakers
When configuring HDMI audio settings to split sound between monitors with built-in speakers on a Mac, the first step is to ensure your monitors are properly connected via HDMI. macOS typically defaults to using the internal speakers or a single audio output device. To enable audio output through HDMI, go to System Preferences > Sound > Output. Here, you should see your HDMI-connected monitors listed as available devices. Select the HDMI output corresponding to the monitor with built-in speakers you want to use for audio playback. If the monitor isn't listed, check the HDMI cable and ensure it supports audio transmission.
Once the HDMI output is selected, you can configure the audio settings to split sound between multiple monitors. By default, macOS routes all audio to a single output device. To change this, you’ll need to use third-party software or workarounds, as macOS does not natively support splitting audio between multiple HDMI outputs. One effective method is to use Soundflower or BlackHole, which are virtual audio drivers that allow you to route audio to different outputs. Install the software, then set it as the output device in Sound preferences. This enables you to direct specific applications to output audio through different HDMI monitors.
Another approach is to use Audio MIDI Setup, a built-in macOS utility. Open Utilities > Audio MIDI Setup, create a multi-output device by selecting both HDMI outputs, and then set this multi-output device as your default audio output in Sound preferences. While this method doesn’t truly "split" audio, it allows both monitors to receive the same audio signal. For more advanced control, consider using Loopback by Rogue Amoeba, which lets you create virtual audio devices and route audio from specific apps to different outputs.
If your monitors have individual volume controls, adjust them directly on the monitor settings to balance the audio output. Additionally, ensure your Mac’s audio balance is centered in System Preferences > Sound > Output to avoid unintended audio panning. For monitors without built-in speakers, you can connect external speakers to the monitor’s audio-out port (if available) and configure them as a separate audio device in macOS.
Finally, test the setup by playing audio and verifying that sound is outputting correctly through the desired monitors. If you encounter issues, double-check the HDMI connections, restart your Mac, and ensure all software drivers are up to date. While macOS lacks native support for splitting audio between HDMI outputs, these workarounds provide effective solutions for configuring HDMI audio settings to achieve the desired sound distribution across monitors with built-in speakers.
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Core Audio Preferences: Modify system audio routing via Core Audio for precise monitor control
To achieve precise control over audio routing and split sound between monitors on a Mac, you can leverage Core Audio Preferences, a powerful yet often overlooked system tool. Core Audio is the underlying audio framework in macOS, and its preferences panel allows you to customize how audio is distributed across multiple output devices. This method is ideal for users who need granular control over their audio setup, such as musicians, producers, or multitaskers using different monitors for specific tasks.
To begin, access Core Audio Preferences by opening the Applications folder, then navigating to Utilities and launching Audio MIDI Setup. Once open, select Window from the menu bar and choose Audio Devices. In the Audio Devices window, you’ll see a list of available audio input and output devices connected to your Mac. Select the Output Device you wish to configure, such as your built-in speakers or an external monitor, and click the Configure Speaker Settings button. Here, you can define the device’s role in your audio setup, such as assigning it to a specific channel or creating a multi-output device.
Next, to split sound between monitors, create a Multi-Output Device. In the Audio MIDI Setup window, click the Plus (+) button at the bottom left and select Create Multi-Output Device. A new virtual device will appear in your list of output devices. Drag and drop the physical audio devices (e.g., built-in speakers, external monitors) you want to include in the multi-output setup into this virtual device. Once configured, set the multi-output device as your system’s default output in System Preferences under Sound. This allows you to route audio to multiple monitors simultaneously.
For more precise control, return to the Audio Devices window in Audio MIDI Setup. Highlight the multi-output device and adjust the Volume and Drift Correction settings for each individual output device within the multi-output group. This ensures that audio levels are balanced and synchronized across all monitors. Additionally, you can use third-party applications like SoundSource or Loopback to further refine audio routing, but Core Audio Preferences provides the foundational framework for splitting sound natively.
Finally, test your setup by playing audio and verifying that sound is correctly split between the desired monitors. If adjustments are needed, revisit the Audio Devices window to tweak settings. By mastering Core Audio Preferences, you gain the ability to customize audio routing with precision, ensuring that each monitor serves its intended purpose in your workflow. This method is particularly useful for professional audio tasks where control over sound distribution is critical.
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Frequently asked questions
To split audio between monitors, connect each monitor to your Mac via USB-C, Thunderbolt, or HDMI. Then, go to System Settings > Sound > Output, and select the desired monitor for audio output. Use a third-party app like SoundSource or BlackHole for advanced routing if needed.
By default, macOS does not support playing different audio streams on separate monitors. However, you can use third-party apps like SoundSource or Loopback to route specific audio outputs to different devices.
Ensure your monitor is properly connected via HDMI, USB-C, or Thunderbolt. Check System Settings > Sound > Output to confirm the monitor is listed. If not, update your Mac’s software or try a different cable.
Go to System Settings > Sound > Output, select the monitor you want to use as the default audio device, and click "Set as Default Output Device." This will route all audio to that monitor.
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