System Settings Won't Let Me Change My Sound Device

zamboknee wrote:

logged into a different account and it worked fine there.

since it works fine in a different account, i'm thinking you should download and run the free version of EtreCheck while logged into your normal account so we can see if you have some software installed that is causing your issue. make sure you give "full disk access" to etrecheck. Learn how to use it by reading Using EtreCheck. if you need help interpreting the report, you can see how to post the report here by reading How to use the Add Text Feature When Posting Large Amounts of Text, i.e. an Etrecheck Report. and it automatically obscures sensitive things (like serial numbers) so you don't have to worry about sharing the report here.

Give this a try: boot into Safe Mode according to How to use safe mode on your Mac and test to see if the problem persists. Reboot normally and test again.

NOTE 1: Safe Mode boot can take up to 3 - 5 minutes as it's doing the following; 

• Verifies your startup disk and attempts to repair directory issues, if needed

• Loads only required kernel extensions (prevents 3rd party kernel/extensions from loading)

• Prevents Startup Items and Login Items from opening automatically

• Disables user-installed fonts 

• Deletes font caches, kernel cache, and other system cache files

NOTE 2: if you have a wireless keyboard with rechargeable batteries connect it with its charging cable before booting into Safe Mode. This makes it act as a wired keyboard as will insure a successful boot into Safe Mode.

Have you installed and run any "cleaning", "optimizing", "speed-up", anti-virus or VPN apps on your Mac?

zamboknee wrote:

Trying to change from my thunderbolt connected Universal Audio Apollo to my Presonus Revelator io24 but Settings is not letting me do that.

[Edited by Moderator]

Did you try the Audio MIDI Setup.app...(?)

Set up MIDI devices using Audio MIDI Setup on Mac

Audio MIDI Setup User Guide for Mac

The current stable release of Ventura including bug fixes, security updates is macOS Ventura 13.5.1

Keep your Mac up to date - Apple Support

Keep your Mac up to date - Apple Support

you have many redundant audio apps. I'm unsure which you still are / are not using. but IDK how much of an issue those may be.

I also noticed that you have "little snitch" installed. apps like those are neither needed nor recommended with macOS. they can and do cause major issues within macOS while providing zero protection or benefit. you would do well to uninstall it using the developer's instructions.

and finally, you have a lot of stuff that I do not recognize. that DOES NOT mean that they are problematic. but you will want more eyes on your EtreCheck report to see if anyone else sees problematic software.

you're welcome.