Configuring audio output channels from Quicktime

Question

Configuring audio output channels from Quicktime

I have a multichannel "audio card" in my MacPro, which is used as the hub of a recording studio. Within my recording software (Cubase) I can configure my outputs and decide which channels/tracks get sent to which outputs.
With the 2 channel stereo output from iTunes, I can choose which channels the outputs go through by using the Audio/MIDI preferences pane.
The trouble is with QT that it doesn't seem to take any notice of the settings in the Audio/MIDI preferences and doesn't have any internal options to choose which CoreAudio device/outputs are used. By default it seems to output to channels 1 and 2, which isn't very helpful for me, because outputs 1 and 2 are connected to outboard processors and not my monitors.
This is such a basic problem that I feel I must be missing something very simple. There seem to be several unresolved posts in this forum, which I think are asking the same basic question.

Any advice would be gratefully received.

QuickTime Player 7.1.3
OSX10.4.8
Apogee Symphony (advanced routing mode)
Cheers

MacPro Dual 3GHz Mac OS X (10.4.8)

Posted on Feb 26, 2007 3:46 PM

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Answer 1

Jon Walker

Level 6

19,489 points

Feb 26, 2007 4:40 PM in response to Adrian Mathie

The trouble is with QT that it doesn't seem to take any notice of the settings in the Audio/MIDI preferences and doesn't have any internal options to choose which CoreAudio device/outputs are used. By default it seems to output to channels 1 and 2, which isn't very helpful for me, because outputs 1 and 2 are connected to outboard processors and not my monitors.

Assuming the files have AAC audio, have you tried opening the QT "Show Movie Properties window" and tried re-designating the output by "channel use" or "discrete channelization?"

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Answer 2

Feb 27, 2007 2:28 AM in response to Adrian Mathie

Well, that helped a bit - thanks.

I had to upgrade to Quick Time 7 Pro to be able to access the "Show Movie Properties" menu item (under the "Window" drop down menu).
I was able to change the outputs to the ones my speakers are connected to, but strangely, this preference has to be saved with the "movie". There is no option to save this as a global setting; I was expecting this to be available under preferences!

What I really want to be able to do is watch a video clip via posted on the internet and have the sound coming out of my speakers. I'm not sure if I will get the option to change the audio outputs when watching a video via Safari - presumably QT is acting as a plugin in this situation. I'll give it a go.

as you suggested, to

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