SoundSource

SoundSource is a popular, powerful audio control utility for macOS developed by Rogue Amoeba (who also make other well-known audio apps like Audio Hijack and Loopback).

It gives you superior, granular control over all audio on your Mac, managing settings that the standard macOS System Settings doesn't offer. It operates primarily from a globally accessible menu bar app.

Here are its key functions and features:

Per-Application Audio Control

• Volume Control: Adjust the volume of individual applications (e.g., make Spotify louder, but mute a notification sound from your browser) without affecting system-wide volume.

• Output Redirection: Route the audio from different apps to different output devices. For example, you can set:

  • Music apps (like Apple Music or Spotify) to play on your external speakers.

  • Communication apps (like Zoom or Teams) to play on your headphones.

System and Device Control

• Fast Device Access: Quickly switch and adjust settings for your Mac's Output, Input, and Sound Effects devices, right from the menu bar. This replaces the need to dig into System Settings.

• Super Volume Keys: Allows your keyboard volume keys to control devices that don't natively support them (like many HDMI or DisplayPort audio outputs).

• Input Control: Quickly select your microphone, adjust its level, and even mute it instantly.

Audio Effects

• Equalizer (EQ): Apply a built-in 10-band equalizer to the system audio, to a specific device, or even to a single application. It comes with presets (like Bass Booster or Spoken Word).

• Audio Unit (AU) Support: For advanced users, SoundSource allows you to apply professional third-party Audio Unit (AU) plugins (like compressors, reverb, or specialized EQs) to any audio source or device.

• Magic Boost / Volume Overdrive: Built-in effects to enhance the sound quality, volume, and richness of your audio, especially useful for improving the output of built-in laptop speakers.

In essence, SoundSource is the master mixer for your Mac's audio, providing the flexibility and control that many users, especially those working with multiple audio devices or media, often wish was built into macOS.