How can I use both speakers of an iMac connected to an LED Cinema Display?

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Level 1

8 points

How can I use both speakers of an iMac connected to an LED Cinema Display?

I've got a brand new iMac 27 connected to a 27" LED Cinema display. In Control Panel/Sound, I can specify eith Internal or LED Cinema Display as my sound output, but I can't seem to shift-click or command-click both. They are side by side and all speakers going would create a much better sound experience. Anyone know of a way to have multiple sound outputs?

Thanks!

iMac, Mac OS X (10.6.7), LED Cinema Display

Posted on Jun 22, 2011 11:58 AM

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Answer 1

Dah•veed

Level 9

66,559 points

Jun 22, 2011 10:49 PM in response to toddbr

Macs are either internal or external, not both.

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Answer 2

toddbr Author

Level 1

8 points

Jun 23, 2011 4:52 AM in response to Dah•veed

Actually, no. I figured this out yesterday. By using the Audio Midi Setup tool, you can create a multi-output device and then set that as the default audio output device. Its working just great now - except that I have lost the ability to increase or decrease sound via the keyboard, or the sound control in the menu bar...

Anyone know how to resolve that element?

thanks

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Answer 3

Dah•veed

Level 9

66,559 points

Jun 23, 2011 5:34 AM in response to toddbr

Folks have been complaining about this for years, can you explain what you did please?

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Answer 4

atym

Level 1

4 points

Sep 11, 2011 9:23 PM in response to toddbr

Workaround: Add a Multi-Output Audio Device in OS X

Open the Audio Midi Setup utility by selecting Applications -- Utlities -- Audio Midi Setup
In the bottom-left corner of the application's window, you'll see a "+" symbol. Click "+" to begin creating your Multi-Output Device.
From the drop down list that appears, select "Create Multi-Output Device".
You'll now see a new audio device in the left-hand panel named "Multi-Output Device".
Now tick the boxes of all output devices that apply. In my case, I chose both Built-In Output (audio jack at back of unit) and Display Audio (my 24" Apple LED Cinema Display). This will allow your audio to be output to both the Cinema Display built-in speakers as well as any speakers connected directly to your Mac Mini's headphone jack.
To ensure that your new Multi-Output Audio Device is selected as the default playback device, look for the audio signal icon to the left of the device's name.
If you do not see this icon, or if it is currently next to a different audio device, then you must set your new multi-output device as the default audio playback device. To do this, single-click on your new device so that is it highlighted. Then select the Options icon from the bottom-left of the application window (it looks like a small cog with a downwards arrow next to it). From the drop-down list that appears, select "Use This Device For Sound Output".

I hope this helps you all out. It's not perfect (as far as I can see, the system-wide volume control setting is non-functional with this setup) but it makes the audio sound ten times better.

Just a word of warning though:

This seems to set system audio output to 100% so remember to check the integrated volume settings on ALL output devices BEFORE playing any audio!

Cheers,

aTym

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