How to Get a Volume Mixer on macOS: Per-App Audio Control Like Windows

Why macOS Doesn't Have a Built-in Volume Mixer

If you're coming from Windows, you've probably noticed something missing from macOS: there's no volume mixer. On Windows, you can easily adjust the volume of individual apps—turn down Chrome while keeping Spotify loud, or mute Discord without affecting your music. On Mac, the system volume controls everything at once.

This isn't an oversight by Apple. macOS takes a different approach to audio management, prioritizing simplicity over granular control. But for many users, this simplicity becomes a limitation when you need more control over your audio setup.

What You're Missing Without Per-App Audio Control

The lack of a volume mixer creates several frustrating scenarios:

Browser tab chaos: YouTube ads blast at full volume while you're listening to music at a comfortable level. You either suffer through loud ads or turn down everything.

Video call balance: Discord or Zoom calls are either too quiet (you can't hear participants) or too loud (they overpower your background music or other apps).

Gaming and streaming: You want game audio at 50% but Discord at 80% so you can hear teammates clearly without the game drowning them out.

Productivity workflows: Slack notifications interrupt focus music, but you can't just turn Slack down—it's all or nothing with system volume.

Third-Party Solutions for macOS Volume Mixing

Since Apple doesn't provide this functionality, several third-party apps fill the gap:

SoundSource ($49)

SoundSource is the most feature-complete option, offering a full 10-band EQ, Audio Unit plugin support, and advanced routing options. It's powerful but expensive for users who just want basic per-app volume control.

Sound Control (~$29)

A mid-range option that provides per-app volume control with a simpler interface than SoundSource. Good balance of features and price, though not as polished as premium alternatives.

Soundish (Budget-Friendly)

For users who want the core functionality without paying premium prices, Soundish offers per-app volume control from 0-200%, app-specific output routing (send Spotify to speakers while Discord goes to headphones), and the ability to save audio profiles for different workflows.

It handles multi-process apps like Chrome properly (controlling all tabs together) and includes volume overdrive up to 200% for quiet content. The interface lives in your menu bar for quick access.

How Per-App Audio Control Works

These apps use Apple's Core Audio API to intercept audio streams from individual applications before they reach your output device. This allows them to:

• Adjust volume: Scale each app's audio independently
• Route audio: Send different apps to different output devices
• Apply effects: Add EQ or other processing per app
• Mute selectively: Silence specific apps without affecting others

Setting Up Your Audio Workflow

Once you have a volume mixer app installed, consider these common configurations:

Work Setup: Keep communication apps (Slack, Teams) at 70% so you hear notifications without jarring interruptions. Background music or focus apps at 30-40%.

Gaming Setup: Game audio at 60%, voice chat at 90%, music at 20%. This lets you hear callouts clearly while maintaining game immersion.

Content Creation: Recording software at 100%, reference audio at 50%, communication apps at 30% or muted during recording.

Requirements and Considerations

Most volume mixer apps require:

• macOS 14.2 or later (for modern Core Audio Tap API)
• One-time driver installation on first launch
• Accessibility permissions for some features

The driver installation is legitimate—these apps need low-level audio access to work. macOS will prompt you through the installation process.

Is It Worth Getting a Volume Mixer?

If you regularly use multiple audio apps simultaneously, a volume mixer becomes essential rather than optional. The ability to balance Discord calls with background music, control browser audio independently, or route different apps to different outputs transforms your Mac's audio experience.

For users coming from Windows, it restores functionality you're used to having. For longtime Mac users, it opens up workflow possibilities you didn't know you were missing.

The investment pays off quickly when you're no longer constantly adjusting system volume or missing important audio cues because everything is fighting for the same volume level.