Adjust Audio Device & Sound Effect Volumes in macOS
Preventing System Sound Interruptions on macOS
Presenting or displaying a video can be disrupted by unwanted system sounds like alerts and notifications, particularly when using a public address system or external speakers. These interruptions can be quite distracting and even embarrassing.
macOS offers several settings to manage these audio interruptions. These options allow you to enjoy audio playback, whether it's music during chores or a movie on a large screen, without being bothered by system alerts.
Understanding the Sound Preferences
The Sound preferences in macOS are divided into three distinct sections: "Input", "Output", and "Sound Effects". Each section provides specific controls over your audio experience.
We will examine each of these sections individually, beginning with the "Input" preferences.
Input Preferences
The Input section manages the devices macOS uses to receive audio signals. Adjusting settings here won’t directly silence alerts, but it’s important to understand its function within the overall sound configuration.
Output Preferences
The "Output" section controls where your audio is played. Selecting the correct output device, such as internal speakers or an external sound system, is the first step in ensuring clear audio delivery.
Sound Effects Preferences
The "Sound Effects" section is where you can specifically control the volume of system alerts. This is the key area for preventing interruptions during presentations or media playback.
Within "Sound Effects", you can adjust the volume of alert sounds independently from other audio. You can also choose to mute these sounds entirely, ensuring a seamless audio experience.
By carefully configuring these settings, you can eliminate unwanted interruptions and maintain a professional and engaging presentation or viewing environment.
Configuring Input Preferences
To begin, access the Sound preferences through your preferred method. This is typically achieved by navigating to "System Preferences -> Sound" or utilizing Spotlight search and typing "sound".
Once the Sound preferences window is open, we will examine each tab. We'll start with the "Input" preferences, as these are generally the simplest to understand.
In this instance, a Macbook Air is being used, which typically offers a limited number of input options. However, if a USB microphone or a Bluetooth speaker equipped with a microphone is connected, each input device can be selected and modified as required.
For each connected input device, the volume level can be adjusted. This is particularly useful when dealing with microphones that possess differing levels of sensitivity or are positioned at varying distances.
Adjusting these input device settings is often unnecessary. However, if communication difficulties arise – such as colleagues or family members struggling to hear you, or your audio being excessively loud – these adjustments provide a solution.
Configuring Output Preferences
Selecting the tab immediately to the left reveals the "Output" preferences. It’s important to note the presence of a persistent "Output volume" slider located at the bottom of this preferences panel. This slider’s functionality extends to each individual output device connected to your system.
All devices capable of receiving audio output from your Mac are listed here. This encompasses the built-in speakers, as well as external options like Bluetooth speakers, HDMI connections, and AirPlay-enabled devices. Switching between output devices directs the audio stream to the selected hardware.
A useful capability is the individual volume slider. Each output device can have its volume level and mute status independently configured. For instance, audio can be routed to a Braven BRV-X Bluetooth speaker at a medium volume, while simultaneously being muted.
When switching to a Bluetooth receiver connected to larger desktop speakers, the volume controls will remember their previous settings for that specific output device.
Keep this feature in mind, as it proves beneficial for safeguarding both your hearing and your equipment from unexpected loud sounds. Its utility also extends to the management of sound effects, which will be discussed shortly.
Managing Sound Effects in OS X
The "Sound Effects" preferences within OS X present a common need: directing sound output to a specific device while excluding system alerts and alarms.
A straightforward solution involves either disabling sound effects altogether or reducing their volume to a non-intrusive level.
Alternatively, these sounds can be redirected to a separate output device. Typically, sound effects are initially played through the computer’s built-in speakers or any connected external speakers.
When utilizing an external audio device, sound effects may not be audible through the internal speakers. Instead of complete deactivation, consider simply muting the internal speakers as a viable alternative.
A Convenient Shortcut: Modifying Your Output Device with a Key Combination
Despite the extensive capabilities of modern operating systems, frequently adjusting audio outputs and inputs through the Sound preferences can be cumbersome. Fortunately, a simple solution exists utilizing the "Option" key.
When the menu bar volume control is enabled, clicking it reveals a standard volume slider. However, many users prefer utilizing dedicated media keys on their keyboard for volume adjustments.
Holding down the "Option" key while clicking the volume control presents a menu displaying both available output and input devices. This also provides quick access to the full Sound preferences panel.
For those who find constantly pressing the "Option" key inconvenient, several utility applications are available. These apps add a dedicated menu to the menu bar for streamlined device selection.
An example is SoundOut, a free application obtainable from the App Store. While it doesn't display input devices like the "Option" key method, and lacks specific labeling for each output, it offers a convenient alternative for frequent device switching.
It's important to note that connecting speakers to the headphone jack will automatically switch the output from internal speakers to headphones.
Essentially, headphones and internal speakers are treated as the same output type. This behavior should be considered when configuring audio settings.
This level of configurability is particularly beneficial for Mac users with multiple audio devices. Unexpectedly loud audio from a newly connected Bluetooth speaker, or jarring audio during video playback, are common scenarios.
By establishing distinct audio profiles for each device, these disruptions can be avoided. We invite you to share your thoughts and experiences in our discussion forum.