Terminal: How to change audio input & output via the command line?

Question

Level 1

22 points

Terminal: How to change audio input & output via the command line?

Can someone explain how to change the audio input and output using Terminal? I know I can option-click the volume menu item and change it via the mouse but this is something I'd like to eventually script.

Any idea?

Thanks!

Anthony

Mac OS X (10.6.2)

Posted on Jan 8, 2010 1:24 PM

Reply

Answer 1

V.K.

Level 9

56,192 points

Jan 8, 2010 1:29 PM in response to Barbatto

there are no terminal command sfor that. but you can quickly switch audio input and output by pressing option and clicking on the volume icon in the menu bar.

Reply

Answer 2

Barbatto Author

Level 1

22 points

Jan 8, 2010 2:00 PM in response to V.K.

It looks like changes to the audio settings alters the com.apple.audio.SystemSettings.plist file.

You can see the difference here:

http://barbatto.com/gu/Picture_2010-01-08_at_1_50_43PM.jpg

I might be able to use "defaults write" to make the change.

Reply

Answer 3

V.K.

Level 9

56,192 points

Jan 8, 2010 2:09 PM in response to Barbatto

even if you change that plist the change will not take effect until you restart. the system doesn't read this plist all the time. only when audio output is being set.

Reply