How do I get an Audio Aggregate Device to use both analog and digital outputs simultaneously?

Question

How do I get an Audio Aggregate Device to use both analog and digital outputs simultaneously?

I'm trying to set up an audio aggregate device in Leopard, 10.5.8 on a 2006 Mac Pro tower. I created a new device in the editor, selected "use" by the two outputs I want to use, and selected the device in System Preferences/Sound. But audio is only output through the optical output. I get nothing from the analog output unless I select it instead of the aggregate device.

Can anyone tell me what I'm doing wrong? Thanks!

BTW, my old G5 tower, which this machine is replacing as my lossless iTunes player, was able to use both outputs simultaneously with no additional setup, somehow.

Mac Pro, Mac OS X (10.5.8)

Posted on Jan 25, 2016 8:45 AM

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Answer 1

a brody

Level 10

82,941 points

Jan 26, 2016 7:56 PM in response to Mark Bradford

I have never heard of the ability to use two different outputs simultaneously on the Mac. If it is possible you might be able to alter the Audio Midi Setup utility in Applications -> Utilities. You can use the digital output for 5 speaker/1 subwoofer surround sound DTS, or stereo sound. Griffin made a Firewave device that supported three channel sound. Otherwise you are left with stereo.

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Answer 2

Jan 27, 2016 8:20 AM in response to a brody

Thanks for your reply. Maybe it was a hack by the previous owner of that G5 tower, but it did output from both the analog output and the optical at the same time. According to instructions I've seen online, it should be possible by creating an Audio Aggregate Device.

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