Setting USB speakers as default audio output?

Question

Setting USB speakers as default audio output?

Hi all-

I just got some new Logitech Z-5 speakers, which connect via USB. The sound is quite nice, and I like the reduction in cable clutter that comes from not needing another power supply.

One minor gripe I have is that every time I restart my computer, the sound output defaults back to my MacBook's built-in speaker. I've downloaded Rogue Amoeba's SoundSource, so at leat I don't need to go into System Prefrences to switch back to the Z-5s every time, but is there any way to just set them as my default audio output device?

Thanks in advance,
Josh

Macbook 2.4 GHz, Mac OS X (10.6), 4 GB RAM

Posted on Sep 14, 2009 5:22 AM

Reply

Answer 1

Sep 22, 2009 7:58 PM in response to Joshua Fruhlinger2

I have upgraded to Snow Leopard.
I usually set my sound output to iMic USB Audio but find that every time I restart my computer, the sound output defaults back to my iMac's built-in speakers.
Can anyone show me how to remedy this?

Jim Robson.

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Answer 2

Sep 25, 2009 5:09 AM in response to nicebeatz183

Same here with my Bose Companion 5's. Defaults back to Cinema Display audio on every reboot. Very Annoying.

Anyone got a solution for this yet?

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Answer 3

Oct 4, 2009 8:29 AM in response to Joshua Fruhlinger2

Anyone got a fix for this yet? I cannot for the life of me make it go away.

Thanks

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Answer 4

Oct 4, 2009 5:33 PM in response to Scott Bowen

Hi InfTek,

Nothing yet from anybody.

I wish there was a better way for us to find this information.

Nicebeatz183.

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Answer 5

ORO

Level 1

19 points

Oct 4, 2009 6:08 PM in response to Joshua Fruhlinger2

Same kind problem also for me.
I have RME FireFace 400, but after every restart I have to choose it again.

Seems that this is a bug with SL

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Answer 6

Oct 4, 2009 7:25 PM in response to ORO

Yeah... every time.

I wish there was a way to report the problem without some kind of app crashing to bring up a report box to send to Apple.

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Answer 7

Ashka

Level 4

3,891 points

Oct 4, 2009 8:15 PM in response to Joshua Fruhlinger2

My Altec Lansing USB Speakers stay selected through restarts.

Don't know if it makes a difference but I've also set System Prefs > Sound > Sound effects to Selected sound output device in addition to the Sound > Output option.
S.

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Answer 8

Oct 4, 2009 8:20 PM in response to Ashka

Greetings S,

I followed your suggestion and set System Prefs > Sound > Sound effects to Selected sound output device (iMic USB) in addition to the Sound > Output option to my required output (iMic USB), and even Sound > Input to iMic USB.

On restart, all resets to Internal speakers and Input to Internal Mic.

Nicebeatz183.

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Answer 9

Ashka

Level 4

3,891 points

Oct 4, 2009 9:58 PM in response to nicebeatz183

Try setting the Sound effects option to "Selected sound output device" only.
ie. Don't name the device. Fingers crossed.
S.

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Answer 10

Oct 4, 2009 11:30 PM in response to Ashka

OK.... I set the Sound effects option to "Selected sound output device" only and didn't name the device, but it still resets and the output sound is routed back again thru internal speakers.

By the way... do you use Snow Leopard?

Nicebeatz183.

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Answer 11

Ashka

Level 4

3,891 points

Oct 5, 2009 12:44 AM in response to nicebeatz183

Yes I upgraded to Snow Leopard as soon as the discs were available in Nelson, NZ, 1st Sept.

Panther ~ Tiger ~ Leopard ~ Snow Leopard
Lucky so far ~ I've never had any real problems.

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Answer 12

Oct 5, 2009 3:28 AM in response to Ashka

Thanks Ashka, I just needed to make sure we were on the "same page".
In that case, I would really love to know the difference between our "setups" - it really intrigues me now!

Regards,
Nicebeatz183.

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Answer 13

Ashka

Level 4

3,891 points

Oct 8, 2009 12:49 AM in response to nicebeatz183

More info ~ from Original MBPro forum..
quote:

"Try deleting the com.apple.soundpref.plist from the MAIN LIBRARY -PREFERENCES - (not the users library).
Again in the same PREFERENCES folder I went into the AUDIO folder and deleted com.apple.audio.DeviceSettings.plist and com.apple.audio.SystemSettings.plist"
S.

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Answer 14

Oct 8, 2009 2:38 AM in response to Ashka

Hey Ashka,

This procedure worked PERFECTLY (and stayed the way I need it on successive restarts).
It now defaults to the iMic USB setup.
I therefore have to safely assume that it works.

I cannot thank you enough my friend!

Warm Regards,
Jim (Nicebeatz183).

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Answer 15

Oct 8, 2009 7:26 AM in response to nicebeatz183

I have a PreSonus FP-10 firewire mixer that outputs to Bose Companion 5 speakers. The system never becomes active until the login screen. But what I've found interesting with SL is that system sounds (like error chimes or trash sounds) always come out of my MacPro's built-in speaker. Weird.

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