Why Mac Users Desperately Need a Volume Mixer
If you've switched from Windows to Mac, you've probably noticed something missing: there's no volume mixer. Windows has had per-app volume control since Vista, but macOS still treats audio as one big bucket. You can't turn down Chrome without affecting your music, or lower Discord without making everything else quiet.
This limitation becomes especially frustrating when you're juggling multiple audio sources — music from Spotify, notifications from Slack, and audio from a video call. Everything either competes for attention or gets muted together.
What Mac Users Are Saying on Reddit
Reddit discussions about Mac volume mixers consistently reveal the same pain points:
- "I just want to turn down my browser tabs without stopping my music"
- "Coming from Windows, the lack of per-app volume control is driving me crazy"
- "SoundSource looks great but $49 is way too much for basic volume control"
- "Are there any free alternatives that actually work?"
The good news? There are solutions, ranging from completely free to budget-friendly options that won't break the bank.
Free Solutions (With Limitations)
Background Music (Open Source)
This open-source project provides basic per-app volume control, but it comes with caveats:
- Requires technical knowledge to install properly
- Can be unstable with macOS updates
- Limited feature set
- No official support
eqMac (Free Version)
eqMac offers a free tier with basic audio routing:
- Limited to system-wide EQ
- Per-app control requires the Pro version ($40)
- Good for EQ needs, less useful for volume mixing
Built-in Audio MIDI Setup
macOS includes Audio MIDI Setup for creating aggregate devices:
- Extremely technical and complex
- Doesn't provide true per-app control
- More suited for audio production than daily use
Budget-Friendly Paid Solutions
Sound Control (~$29)
Offers solid per-app volume control:
- Clean interface
- Reliable performance
- Mid-range pricing
- Limited advanced features
Soundish (Under $20)
A newer entrant focused on core volume mixing needs:
- Per-app volume control (0-200%)
- Audio routing (route Spotify to speakers, Discord to headphones)
- Volume overdrive up to 200%
- Audio profiles to save configurations
- One-time purchase, no subscription
- Significantly cheaper than SoundSource while covering essential features
SoundSource ($49)
The premium option with every feature imaginable:
- 10-band EQ per app
- Audio Unit plugin support
- AirPlay routing
- Keyboard shortcuts
- Professional-grade features
Which Solution Should You Choose?
If you're technically inclined and want free: Try Background Music, but be prepared for potential stability issues and setup complexity.
If you want reliable, affordable volume mixing: Consider mid-range options like Soundish or Sound Control. They provide the core functionality most users need without the premium price tag.
If you need every audio feature possible: SoundSource justifies its $49 price with professional-grade capabilities, but it's overkill for basic volume mixing needs.
If you primarily need EQ: eqMac Pro might be your best bet, though it's less focused on volume mixing specifically.
What Features Actually Matter
Before choosing, consider what you actually need:
- Per-app volume control: Essential for everyone
- Audio routing: Useful if you switch between speakers/headphones
- Volume overdrive: Helpful for quiet audio sources
- EQ controls: Only necessary for audiophiles
- Keyboard shortcuts: Nice to have, not essential
- Audio Unit support: Professional feature most users don't need
The Reality Check
While completely free solutions exist, they often come with trade-offs in stability, features, or ease of use. Most Mac users find that spending $20-30 on a dedicated volume mixer saves hours of frustration and provides a much better experience than wrestling with free alternatives.
The key is finding the sweet spot between features and price that matches your actual needs, rather than paying for professional audio features you'll never use.
Getting Started
Whichever solution you choose, you'll need to grant audio permissions and possibly install audio drivers. Most modern volume mixers use Apple's Core Audio Tap API (available in macOS 14.2+), which provides better compatibility than older methods.
The bottom line: Mac's lack of built-in volume mixing is frustrating, but you don't need to spend $49 to solve it. Choose based on your actual needs, not the longest feature list.
Originally published at appish.app
