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Mac audio guides

Written by Sheik Ahamed, who makes Earmix. We say so where it matters, and we name the free option when it's the better one.

Compare

• The best volume mixers for Mac in 2026Seven per-app volume apps compared, with a quick way to pick by what you need.
• A SoundSource alternative: Earmix vs SoundSourceSoundSource is the mature choice. Where Earmix differs: tabs, calls, recording and macOS 14.
• Earmix vs SoundDial: a SoundDial alternative for MacBoth mix apps and lower music on calls. Earmix adds tabs, recording and an iPhone remote.
• FineTune for Mac vs EarmixFineTune is free and open source, and often enough. What Earmix adds, and when it's worth it.
• A Background Music alternative for MacBackground Music is free but still alpha. What it does well, and newer mixers to move to.
• An eqMac alternative for MaceqMac is a strong system EQ, but per-app volume is Pro. Alternatives with one price.
• A Boom 3D alternative for MacBoom 3D is about bigger sound. If you want app-by-app control instead, these fit better.
• BlackHole alternatives for MacApps that record or route Mac audio without BlackHole's Multi-Output Device setup.

Fix a problem

• Can't change the volume on an HDMI or DisplayPort monitor? Here's why, and the fixesWhy the volume slider greys out on HDMI and DisplayPort, and the ways to get volume back.
• Mac volume too low? How to make your Mac louder than maxThe settings to check first, then how to boost a quiet app or tab past 100%.
• How to lower music automatically during calls on a MacmacOS doesn't duck other apps on a call. The manual fixes, and how to make it automatic.

Learn

• How to control the volume of each app on a MacmacOS has one slider for everything. The built-in workarounds, and how to get a slider per app.
• How to get a volume mixer on a Mac, like the one in WindowsmacOS has no Windows-style mixer. What's built in, and the apps that add one.
• How to change the volume of one tab in Chrome, Safari or FirefoxBrowsers can mute a tab but not turn it down. What's built in, and how to get a slider per tab.
• How to send each app's sound to a different output on a MacmacOS uses one output for every app. How to send each app to its own speakers or headphones.
• How to play audio through two outputs at once on a MacThe Multi-Output Device steps, why its volume keys don't work, and a per-app alternative.
• How to record internal audio on a MacThe built-in Screenshot app, QuickTime's limit, BlackHole, and how to record one app's sound.
• How to record a Zoom, Teams or FaceTime call on a MacEach call app's own recording and its plan limits, then how to record any call with your voice.
• How to mute your microphone with a shortcut on a MacEach call app's own mute shortcut, the Sound settings trick, and one key that mutes the mic everywhere.
• How to EQ your headphones on a MacmacOS has no headphone EQ for all apps. How AutoEq correction works, and the apps that use it.
• How to get an equalizer for your whole Mac, or for each appmacOS's only EQ is in the Music app. The apps that add a system-wide or per-app equalizer.
• How to control your Mac's volume from your iPhoneUse your iPhone as a remote for the Mac's volume, each app's slider and the mic.