Mac Audio Output Different Apps: Route Audio to Multiple Devices Simultaneously

Why Mac Users Need Different Audio Outputs Per App

If you're working from home or gaming on Mac, you've probably hit this frustrating limitation: macOS forces all your apps to use the same audio output. You want your music playing through your nice speakers while routing Discord or Teams calls to your headphones for privacy. On Windows, this kind of audio routing has been possible for years, but Mac users are left scrambling for solutions.

The good news? There are ways to route different Mac apps to different audio outputs. Let's explore your options.

Method 1: Using Audio MIDI Setup (Limited Native Solution)

macOS includes a built-in tool called Audio MIDI Setup that can create aggregate audio devices, but it's not designed for per-app routing:

1. Open Audio MIDI Setup (found in Applications > Utilities)
2. Click the + button and select Create Aggregate Device
3. Check the boxes for the audio devices you want to combine
4. Set this aggregate device as your system output

The problem? This creates a single combined output that sends audio to multiple devices simultaneously. Every app will play through all selected outputs — the opposite of what you want.

Method 2: App-Specific Audio Settings (When Available)

Some apps include built-in audio output selection:

Zoom/Teams/Discord:

• Look for audio settings within the app
• Choose your preferred output device
• Works well for video calling apps

Spotify (Desktop App):

• Click the speaker icon in the bottom-right
• Select from available outputs including AirPlay devices
• Limited to specific output types

Limitations: Only certain apps support this, and the selection is often limited to AirPlay devices rather than all connected audio hardware.

Method 3: Professional Audio Routing Software

For true per-app audio routing control, you need dedicated software. Here are the main options:

SoundSource ($49)

Rogue Amoeba's SoundSource is the gold standard for Mac audio routing:

• Route any app to any connected audio device
• Includes EQ, effects, and advanced features
• Professional-grade but expensive for basic routing needs

Audio Hijack ($64)

Also from Rogue Amoeba, designed for audio recording but includes routing:

• Complex workflow creation
• Overkill if you just want basic app routing
• More suited to podcasters and content creators

Soundish (Affordable Alternative)

For users who need core per-app routing without the premium price:

• Route individual apps to specific outputs (speakers, headphones, external devices)
• Per-app volume control (0-200%)
• One-time purchase at a fraction of SoundSource's cost
• Simple menu bar interface

Soundish focuses on the essentials that most users actually need: "Play my music through speakers while my calls go to headphones." It doesn't include advanced features like EQ or Audio Units, but for basic routing scenarios, it delivers the core functionality.

Common Routing Scenarios and Solutions

Scenario 1: Music + Video Calls

Goal: Spotify through speakers, Discord through headphones Best solution: Soundish or SoundSource for reliable routing Why: Video calling apps work best with dedicated audio routing software

Scenario 2: Gaming + Streaming

Goal: Game audio through headphones, streaming software through speakers/capture device Best solution: SoundSource (if budget allows) or Audio Hijack for complex setups Why: Streaming setups often need advanced routing and recording capabilities

Scenario 3: Work Calls + Background Audio

Goal: Teams calls private (headphones), background music ambient (speakers) Best solution: Soundish for simple setups, SoundSource for advanced control Why: Most users need basic routing without complex workflows

Setting Up Your Audio Routing Workflow

1. Identify your devices: List all connected audio outputs (built-in speakers, headphones, external speakers, monitors with audio)
2. Map your apps: Decide which apps should use which outputs
3. Choose your software: Soundish for basic needs, SoundSource for advanced features
4. Test your setup: Ensure audio quality and volume levels work across all outputs
5. Save your configuration: Most routing apps let you save presets for different scenarios

Troubleshooting Audio Routing Issues

Apps not appearing in routing software: Some apps need to be playing audio to show up in the routing interface. Start playing audio from the app, then configure routing.

Audio quality differences: Different outputs may have different volume levels or audio processing. Adjust per-app volumes to compensate.

Bluetooth audio lag: Bluetooth devices can introduce audio delay. Consider wired connections for time-sensitive audio like video calls.

The Bottom Line

While macOS doesn't natively support per-app audio routing like Windows does, dedicated software fills this gap effectively. For most users who want to route music to speakers and calls to headphones, Soundish provides the core functionality at an accessible price point. Users needing advanced features like EQ, effects, or complex audio workflows should consider SoundSource despite the higher cost.

The key is matching the tool to your actual needs — don't overpay for features you won't use, but ensure your solution handles your specific routing scenarios reliably.