Multiple Sound Outputs

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Level 1

8 points

Multiple Sound Outputs

I've recently bought a new Mac Pro - v nice. However I have a simple problem. I want to simultaneously output sound from the Digital Output and Line Out. (The computer is wired to play music around the house). My old 2003 G5 did this no problem. I've looked into setting up an aggregate device in Audi MIDI Setup but that still only seems me let have one audio output source. Anyone else got this problem? Solutions appreciated.

Thanks

Message was edited by: Matt90

Mac Pro, Mac OS X (10.6.4), Quad-Core Intel Xeon 2.4 GHz

Posted on Aug 28, 2010 8:12 AM

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Answer 1

Best reply

Malcolm Rayfield

Level 7

28,123 points

Aug 28, 2010 10:46 AM in response to Matt90

With Audio Hijack Pro
<http://www.rogueamoeba.com/audiohijackpro/>
you can hijack the audio from one application and use the Auxiliary Device Output effect to send the audio to different output devices.

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Answer 2

Matt90 Author

Level 1

8 points

Aug 28, 2010 11:16 AM in response to Malcolm Rayfield

but will it send to more than one output at the same time (ie Digital Out and Line-Out)? Downloaded and installed but cant see how it does that - sorry if I am being stupid?

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Answer 3

Aug 28, 2010 11:28 AM in response to Matt90

but will it send to more than one output at the same time (ie Digital Out and Line-Out)? Downloaded and installed but cant see how it does that

Uncheck its mute button and it will send to both the normal output and the auxiliary output. You can also use multiple Auxiliary Device Output effects.

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Answer 4

Matt90 Author

Level 1

8 points

Aug 29, 2010 2:19 AM in response to Malcolm Rayfield

I am sorry, that's not working, I am not sure if I am doing it right! sorry.

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Answer 5

Aug 30, 2010 11:11 AM in response to Matt90

Hi Matt.
You are talking about two different outputs: digital and line out. You can buy simple splitters (Y-cables) for each type of these outputs. I hope this helps.
W.W.

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Answer 6

Matt90 Author

Level 1

8 points

Sep 1, 2010 10:57 AM in response to Walter Wedler

yup, thanks for that. looks like i'll have to solve the problem using a combination of splitters and converters. Seems silly that you cant do it in the OS though.

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Answer 7

feinberj

Level 1

6 points

Nov 1, 2010 5:49 PM in response to Matt90

There is a solution to supporting multiple output devices, using just sofware that comes with the OS.

Launch Audio MIDI Setup, in the Applications/Utilities folder. Click the + button, which will create a new Aggregate device. Check the desired items for sound output. I have checked Built-in Line Output (for my computer speakers) and iMic USB audio Subsystem (for my living room stereo). Both items list in=0 and out=2.

Click the little triangle next to the aggregate device icon to expand the entry. You'll see an icon for each item. Highlight the entries you've added, one at a time. Make sure the volume is set as desired. For whatever reason, my iMic entry was 0db (full volume) and my Line Out entry as -11db. As a result, it initially sounded like I was only getting sound from my living room stereo hooked to the iMic. Once I adjusted the volume to full (0dB) on the line out entry then it was fine. Of course, you don't have to set both to full - you can use these sliders to balance sound levels if desired.

I would like to take credit for finding this extremely useful functionality, but I was pointed to the Audio MIDI Setup utility by another post:

http://discussions.apple.com/thread.jspa?messageID=9054771

They also mention using JackOSX, but that does not seem to be needed.

John F
New York, NY

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Answer 8

Nov 4, 2010 4:19 PM in response to feinberj

I'm trying to do something similiar. I want to output audio both on my USB headset and via the digital out.

I've tried using the agregate device technique, but I can only get sound out of one or the other not both as described. Am I missing something?

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Answer 9

feinberj

Level 1

6 points

Nov 4, 2010 4:58 PM in response to QuadraQuack

Hello,

The only thing I can think to suggest is to make sure you check the volume levels of each of the aggregate sound outputs you've selected. When I had initially set up my aggregate sound output, the 2nd item had a very low volume. Also be sure the two items you have selected are both output (and not input). They may both look the same -- i.e. the one you want will have in=0 and out=2, while the one you don't want (input) will have in=2 and out=0.

John

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Answer 10

Nov 4, 2010 5:15 PM in response to feinberj

Well the way I have it configured is to output the audio digitally over an optical cable connected to the back of the Mac Mini that goes to my receiver. I was hoping that I could set it to output sound (digitally) both using this built-in output and the digital output of my USB headset. Doesn't work like that.

When I looked up the help on the Aggregate device it gives the example of two different output devices playing separate channels of a multi-channel setup. It never talks about mirroring output to two different devices. It appears that channels 1 and 2 (stereo) go to the headset when it's connected and the built-in digital output is getting channels 3 and 4 (which don't exist when playing music) and thus there is no sound. If I disconnect the headset then it reverts to outputting sound through the built-in optical out. Definitely not plug 'n' play!

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Answer 11

noall

Level 1

0 points

Jan 19, 2011 9:58 AM in response to QuadraQuack

Ok, I am on 10.5 and I have no audio misi selection in system preferences. only audio? possibly under untilities in applications? ok i have the audio midi app but nothing like what you described?

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Answer 12

noall

Level 1

0 points

Jan 19, 2011 10:48 AM in response to noall

cant edit my post. so i found the aggregate window , added second source. says 4 outputs, didnt find little triangle though...ok no luck with multiple outputs. only one or the other. I did see were you have to select aggregate device for ouytputs... however, when i select to configure that aggregate output, the volumes are shaded ...? i give up. no luck....

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Answer 13

Brian_D2

Level 1

0 points

Aug 8, 2011 10:42 AM in response to Matt90

Looked this up today..

1. Aggregate device doesn't do this. The most you can get is - Channel 1 (Left) going to one device and Channel 2 (right) going to a second device.

2. Working Solution : Airfoil by Rogue Amoeba - $29.00

It works by 'sending' the audio to recievers.. the upshot of which you can run airfoil on your mac sending audio

then run the AirSpeaker app.. receiving audio.. then tell the AirSpeaker app to use a different interface.

I suspect there will be a slight (ms) delay between the two inputs but i haven't noticed it quite yet.

My simple goal was to set up my Macbook to use its speakers and an external sub.. Seemingly easy. Wow.

Not. I'm using a usb soundcard for the second out via airfoil.

The Airfoil app is $30.. not sure its worth that much yet.

3. There really should be a way to turn on the both outputs if you so desire, or to bond two interfaces to output

one audio stream. Another work around would be to use an app that outputs to 2 or more devices at the

same time which I think is the way Apple envisioned it.

Hope it helps,

'Brian

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Answer 14

Aug 31, 2011 5:58 PM in response to Brian_D2

At least with Lion there is an option in audio midi setup to send the audio stream to multiple outs, I just tested it an sent audio to a firewire interface and the built in speakers successfully, no delay.

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Answer 15

eezynow

Level 1

0 points

Oct 27, 2011 4:11 AM in response to DVAldrich

awesome... where would that be found in the audio midi setup app? i can't seem to find the option!

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