Impossible to select default input channel for microphone

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Andreas1973 Author

Level 1

7 points

Impossible to select default input channel for microphone

Hello.

I have a Mac Studio and a RME Fireface 802 Usb sound card. It has multiple input, the microphone preamps are set to channel 9-12 it seems to me that the primary microphone input on my Mac OS Ventura is hard coded to Analog 1. As I see it there is no way to assign what input channel is set for the default input (used by Teams, Steam, Zoom and so on...). Am I missing something or do Apple need to and a way to select which channel should be Primary? Excuse for screen shot in Swedish, but I think you get the picture that there is no place to set what is supposed to be primary here.

Posted on Sep 16, 2023 8:37 AM

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Answer 1

Top-ranking reply

dormindk

Level 1

13 points

Sep 29, 2023 3:49 PM in response to Andreas1973

A workaround is to use the loopback feature of Total Mix. Try watching this video https://youtu.be/fCivF5Ql9CY?si=qZn8iJ3Npiq1l3Jj.

In short: route the audio from the microphone to the output Analog 1&2 and activate loopback on the output channel to have TotalMix send the audio back to the Analog 1&2 inputs.

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Answer 2

ryane77

Community Specialist

Sep 17, 2023 7:14 AM in response to Andreas1973

Hi Andreas1973,

If we understand your post correctly, you want to know about changing input channels for a specific device in macOS System Settings. From testing, it may not be possible to do exactly as you describe, but you can always send your suggestion: Product Feedback - Apple

As another possibility, you might check any software for your audio interface to see if there might be customization options, or you can check audio settings for the apps you mentioned as well.

Take care.

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Answer 3

dormindk

Level 1

13 points

Sep 30, 2023 2:14 AM in response to Andreas1973

I know it's not optimal - I have a Fireface 800 and a Babyface and as you have experienced that on Windows there are no issues in selecting other channels - however on the MacOS I have never been able to change the "default" output or input channels. - and as a work around the solution I linked earlier helped me. - Regardless of it being sub-optimal - it is just a workable solution. - You have the possibillity to create different submixes in TotalMix so you can have your "normal" setup ready just a click away.

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Answer 4

Andreas1973 Author

Level 1

7 points

Sep 17, 2023 11:14 PM in response to ryane77

Hello, and thank you for your answer.

I have been using this device on a Windows PC earlier and in Windows it was possible to select which one of the inputs that was going to be used to the default mic input. I was sure this could be done in Mac OS, but I can not find a way to do it and the manufacturer RME Audio indicate this is a limitation in Mac OS. I am not sure if they can add something in their drivers to rearrange the order of the inputs and make input 9 appear as input 1 instead (I have tested to record sound from input 1(which is a line input) and that signal appears as sound on default microphone).

I was hoping I missed something. If this need to be fixed by Apple I guess it may take a long time to get priority, right?

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Answer 5

destiny241

Community Specialist

Sep 18, 2023 6:21 AM in response to Andreas1973

Hello Andreas1973,

Apple reviews all feedback provided to: Product Feedback

However, you may not hear back on any given.

Apple does not request unsolicited ideas.

Hoping this helps out.

Take care.

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Answer 6

Andreas1973 Author

Level 1

7 points

Sep 30, 2023 12:16 AM in response to dormindk

Yes, but that is a bad workaround cause that means that there will be two channels less that can be used. I have used this interface on a PC before and there was no problem selecting which channels on the interface that should be used as default mic. It sort of blew my mind that there is no way to select default mic input channel in Mac OS.

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Answer 7

Andreas1973 Author

Level 1

7 points

Sep 30, 2023 3:13 AM in response to dormindk

Ok, then we are on the same page. It is a substandard solution. Currently i am using another substandard solution that is to input a headset in the minijack on the Mac Studio. But that also need a lot of switching back and forth in settings. It would be very nice if Apple just add an option to select default input device and channel. That is why I post it cause there are a few of use that try to use pro grade audio interfaces that does not work well.

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