Why new 15 inch Macbook Air Audio Midi only 2 channel output to Denon receiver?

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Level 1

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Why new 15 inch Macbook Air Audio Midi only 2 channel output to Denon receiver?

I'm hooking my new Macbook Air up to a Denon receiver (AVR-760h). Audio Midi setup only outputs 2 channels to the Denon Amp, there are no other options for more channels. My old 2011 Macbook pro shows multi channel output in Audio Midi setup, allowing me to play MKP files on VLC and IINA in full surround sound. Is it me or does my new Mac function worse than it's 12 year younger version? I AM getting sound through all my speakers, but the receiver is only receiving 2 channel audio from the Macbook Air. Any ideas as to how this could be solved would be much appreciated! :)

MacBook Air (M2, 2023)

Posted on Oct 21, 2023 12:31 AM

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Answer 1

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woodmeister50

Level 7

20,479 points

Oct 21, 2023 1:17 PM in response to munnzie

Did a little research and it seems that not all USB-C to HDMI will deliver multichannel audio. It seems if the cable/adapter manufacturer does not specifically specify the audio capabilities of the adapter it is only 2 channel.

There is apparently a chip in the adapter/cable that does the conversion and therefore if the chip is not multichannel capable, it reports to the computer that it is only 2-channel and then hat is all the computer provides.

I found the that mention or spec multichannel capability:

https://www.trust.com/en/product/23774-dalyx-usb-c-to-hdmi-adapter

https://www.wyrestorm.com/product/exp-hdmi-usbc/

https://www.startech.com/en-us/display-video-adapters/cdp2hdmm1mh

Whether these are available in your locale is unknown.

If you take some time to search you may find more.

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Answer 2

munnzie Author

Level 1

9 points

Oct 21, 2023 12:36 PM in response to woodmeister50

From what I understand so far is that the 2011 macbook pro used mini display to hdmi cable to connect, which could output 5.1 audio to the Denon. The 2023 Macbook Air uses USB-C to Hdmi cable which just might only be able to output 2 channel audio (very disappointing if so). Not sure yet if this is a limitation of the USB-C port, or the actual cable I'm using. Probably a new Macbook Pro would be able to do this as it has Hdmi cable output. Trying to find out if anybody actually KNOWS if 2 channel output is a limitation of the USB-C port on the new M2 Macbook Airs...

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Answer 3

munnzie Author

Level 1

9 points

Oct 21, 2023 6:06 PM in response to woodmeister50

Thank you,

I'm in Canada so will look into multi channel specific USB-C to HDMI cables. Very much appreciate the help. I went through many many mini-display to HDMI cables over the years connecting my Mac to my Denon, and they all had multi channel support-so assumed new tech would do the same thing!

Have ordered this one off of Amazon -will update in a couple days. Thanks again everyone for the help!!

https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B08KSMK87K?psc=1&smid=A1JF9937NTN50K&ref_=chk_typ_imgToDp

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Answer 4

munnzie Author

Level 1

9 points

Oct 22, 2023 7:07 PM in response to woodmeister50

Success!! I plugged in the new cable that was advertised for multi channel support, went into the Audio Midi Setup app on my Macbook Air, and there beside "Denon" appeared the option to switch to several different channel outputs. So yes, it was the cable. My mistake was assuming all usb-c to hdmi cables would do this, as every mini display to hdmi cable I've even used in the past did this.

Thanks for the help everyone! The sound is glorious!

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Answer 5

Oct 21, 2023 4:47 AM in response to munnzie

Help maybe: Set up MIDI devices using Audio MIDI Setup on Mac - Apple Support

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Answer 6

Oct 21, 2023 5:35 AM in response to munnzie

How are you connecting the 2011 Mac Book Pro to the Denon and how are you connecting the MacBook Air to the Denon? The issue may have to do with the connection method.

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Why new 15 inch Macbook Air Audio Midi only 2 channel output to Denon receiver?

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