How to Set Up Multiple Audio Output Devices on Your MacOS

Are you tired of being limited to a single audio output device on your MacOS? Look no further! With the ability to set up an aggregate device, you can combine multiple audio output devices into one, giving you more simultaneous inputs and outputs. In this article, we will walk you through the process of setting up multiple audio output devices on your Mac.

To get started, you'll need to open the Audio MIDI Setup application, which can be found under Applications - Utilities - Audio MIDI Setup. This is where you'll configure your audio and MIDI devices. Once you've opened the app, select the aggregate device option and choose the devices you want to combine. You can do this by ticking the checkbox labeled 'resample' for each device except your clock source.

If your devices support word clock, connect them together to provide sync. This will ensure that all of your audio output devices are working in harmony. Once you've selected the devices you want to use, choose a device as the clock source or master by checking the checkbox labeled 'use.'

Next, select the aggregate device and you'll see a list of all your available audio devices on the right-hand side. You can now switch between these devices with a simple mouse click.

This is especially useful if you have multiple audio interfaces and want to use them together for more simultaneous inputs and outputs. By combining your devices into an aggregate device, you can increase your overall audio output capabilities without having to purchase another multichannel audio interface.

For example, if you have a 4-channel interface and a 2-channel interface, you can combine them to create a single 6-channel audio interface. This is especially useful for Mac users who want to take advantage of their multiple audio devices but are limited by most DAWs (digital audio workstations) that only allow the use of one audio interface at a time.

To switch between your aggregate device and other audio output devices, simply hold down the Option (⌥) key while clicking on the menu bar volume icon. This will give you a quick and easy way to switch between devices without having to venture into System Preferences.

In summary, setting up multiple audio output devices on your MacOS is easier than ever thanks to the aggregate device feature in Audio MIDI Setup. By combining multiple audio interfaces into one, you can increase your overall audio output capabilities and take advantage of your Mac's ability to handle multiple devices at once. Whether you're a musician, podcaster, or just someone who wants more flexibility from their audio equipment, this feature is sure to be a game-changer.

Macos multiple audio output