Sound output choices

I'm not sure where this Q should be, however:
My problem is that when I start up the Sound preference automatically chooses Soundflower (2ch) rather than either internal speakers or headphone which are my usual wishes. It's probably some 3rd-party issue but I'm at a loss as to what. It happens whether I have anything connected or not and has been a problem since I travelled recently or perhaps since I migrated from my backup to the new MBPro.
Any ideas?
Neville

Thanks for the suggestions. Results:
Resetting PRAM has made no difference.
The Sound preferences were correct, ie set to 'selected output device' in sound effects but still default to Soundflower under the output tab after restart rather than to the available outputs. I do understand the change when external speakers are attached but the computer still opens to Soundflower consequently giving no sound when playing movie clips for example.
This is a new MBPro (March 2010) with Migration assistant used to copy software & files & settings from the backup I had. The problem didn't exist in the replaced machine. I've used Software Update to apply all updates. I'm wondering whether one of the updates has caused this problem as there are occasionally glitches with downloads/updates for individual users.
Neville

Similar Messages

Sound output choices don't always stay fixed

On my mac pro, when I select headphones as my output for sound in my preferences, some things do not respect this and instead play sound through my external speakers, most noticeably in flash player videos. In fact, playing some videos in a flash player (through a browser), will actually make the computer's general sounds start coming from the speakers as well, even though my preference is still set to output:headphones.
Anyone else hit this bug, and did you find a workaround?

I find that changing the sound output device needs to be done twice, almost every time.
For example, when changing from Internal Speakers to Line Out, I either need to click Digital Out then Line Out, or click Line Out then Internal Speakers then Line Out again.
So, as long as I change the output device twice it works. If I only switch from the current output device to the one I'd like to switch to, it doesn't work.
While this is all very annoying, I have found a few things that make the process a bit easier:
Instead of clicking System Preferences > Sound > Output to get to the output device selection screen, you can hold down Option (⌥) and then press any of the Sound keys (Mute, Volume Up or Volume Down).
Another option is SoundSource by Rogue Amoeba which lets you switch all sound devices with a single click on the menu bar.
I hope that helps.

How to renew sound output choices

Macbook Pro, OS 10.6.3.
I recently optimized my files and volumes using Techtool Pro 5.0.7. Soon after, I noticed there was no sound coming from the computer speakers on the laptop. No other odd behavior from the computer. When I checked the sound preference panel, the "internal speakers" choice was completely missing. Where is the relevant file stored in the mac OS? and how do I do something to restore that choice in the preference panel list, hopefully without having to reload the entire system? Thanks in advance for any help you can give.

Oddly enough, the choice re-emerged without doing anything. Weird.

Troubleshoot Sound output for Macbook Pro 2009

macbook pro 2009 Sound output choice does not drop down anything but "internal speakers" choice. HDMI cable streams video and no sound. Have swapped out HDMI and it recognizes no sound for either. I think it could be a faulty adaptor for HDMI cable connection? It used to work fine then it stopped working and gave me a planet screen on TV when video was playing fine on computer. I tried again after software updates and a new hard drive and now it streams the video but sound only comes out of internal speakers. Wondering if I could be missing something on my mac before I buy another adaptor.

Another option, if you need a multi-channel sound support is to use a Optical cable like -
http://www.monoprice.com/Product?c_id=102&cp_id=10229&cs_id=1022902&p_id=1557&se q=1&format=2
From MacBook Pro (13-inch, Mid 2009) - Technical Specifications (all the other Macs from 2009 also support optical digital audio).
Audio
Built-in stereo speakers
Built-in omnidirectional microphone
Combined optical digital output/headphone out (user-selectable analog audio line in)
Supports Apple Stereo Headset with microphone

The choice of headphone jack is not showing up under the system preferences - sound output options. Therefor, my speakers suddenly do not work with my iMac

On my Intel based iMac, OS 10.6.8, my speakers suddenly were not transmitting sound. When I checked the System Preferences, Sound output, the headphone option was no longer available. This has always worked in the past - what is up?
Anyone have any suggestions???
Ellen

Applications > Utilities > AudioMIDI Setup.app
Audio Devices window
Side Bar
Click the Built-in Output.
Under Mute any of the boxes checked? If so uncheck it.
Plug in the headphone and check whether in the output headphone shows up in the same panel.
If so, you can adjust the volume there.
Reset SMC and PRAM.
     Reset PRAM. http://support.apple.com/kb/PH4405
     Reset SMC.     http://support.apple.com/kb/HT3964
     Choose the appropriate method.
Best.

Assigning an application to different sound outputs

Question: Is there a way to assign an application to use a sound output options in the mixer or another Win7 application?
I have installed Win7 RC 32bit. I have headphones and speaker outputs on my system. Both are detected and both can be assigned to a working default sound choice. I am unable to assign an applications sound output to a certain outputs or change them.
The only way I can make a sound application work through the speakers if the headset is assigned the default role is to go into sound management, then assign the speakers to default and then restart my application.
Desired: I would like an application profile to default to the assigned role from the mixer. The settings could be permanent or temporary. If the 1st choice is not available, use the alternate working or (default). The sound should dynamically change or at the very least keep that profile with that application until changed.
In the mixer, I should be able to rt click on the application in the mixer and manually assign it to a sound device. This option should be assigned to a default target to play ONLY if the desired is not available. Possible options can be, just one time, or have this device handle sound if available.
Hardware: Asus Rampage 2: Gene motherboard, 6GB Ram, GTX 275 graphics, Seagate 1.5TB. Drivers auto discovered on install and appear to be functional.

Hi TKCDAC,
As you may noticed, great improvements have been made in Windows 7. Applications can realize Stream Routing via the new Core Audio APIs. Windows 7 has the ability to distinguish between communication devices and all other audio devices. It is now possible to have both a Default Communications Device that is separate from the Default Audio Device. The Default Communication Devices will be used for PC based communication like web chat or VOIP, and the Default Audio Device will be used for everything else. Stream switching enabled dynamic stream switching based on the default device. If the default audio device is disabled or unplugged, Windows automatically tries to determine the next default audio device and will dynamically redirect the audio to that new device.
For instance, if you would like to play the audio via headphone when using communication applications such as Windows Live Messenger, we can simply right click the volume icon in the system tray, click Playback Devices, right click the headphone listed and then choose Set as default Communications Device.
For more information, please refer to the following articles:
http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/dd756612(VS.85).aspx
http://louisgale.blogspot.com/2009/08/live-messenger-and-default.html
Also, based on my test, certain application such as Windows Media Player has a sound output option. To change the settings, please open Windows Media Player, click Tools, Options, click Devices tab, double click Speakers in the Devices list, pull down the Select the audio device and then choose the device you would like to play the music from Windows Media Player, click OK. We may play another song in the play list to take effect.
In the meantime, I will forward your suggestions to our Product Group. Please be assured that any improvements in the product are based on users' requirements.
Thanks,
Linda

How to change sound output?

Howdy
I recently bought a high-end toslink cable which I connected from the optical/digital out from my iMac to my receiver. The sound quality is excellent, however I noticed that all sounds now gets passed to my Hifi system all the time. The only way (I could find) to route sound to the internal speakers is by physically unplug the cable. This is really not workable in the long run as it wears down the plug and, not to mention, my patience...
So, anyone know any way to switch output to internal speakers w/o having to unplug the cable? Or is there another approach (I'm thinking Airport Express)?
/Cheers

Unfortunately, you cannot select +Internal speakers+ in System Preferences Sound pane Output tab, if you have something plugged into the audio output port.
If you got an AirPort Express, its AirTunes feature would certainly work for iTunes output. However, I believe AirTunes would only play the output of iTunes. So it would work great as long as you were only playing songs and videos using iTunes, because all other sounds will come from your computer speakers. No need to change any setting manually, after you are done listening over the stereo system. However, it would not work so great, if you wanted the audio output of some other programs to be played from the stereo system; but there seems to be a third-party solution for that issue
http://www.rogueamoeba.com/airfoil/mac/
If you have separate powered computer speakers that connect using a standard mini-jack, one alternative is to get a USB (or possibly FireWire) sound output device (if you want to be able to change the sound output setting manually). The least expensive one may be the Griffin iMic.
http://www.griffintechnology.com/products/imic/
It provides a second sound output port over USB, so it should show up as a separate choice in System Preferences Sound pane Output tab. Therefore, you should be able to use the Sound preference pane to manually switch the sound output from you stereo system to the computer speakers connected over the USB iMic.

Mac mini sound output

new 2014 mac mini -> two monitors setup -> upon "awake", sound output from monitor choice disappear. Only to restart to have those output appeared again. any solution?

It depends on the sound input socket on the LCD. On the mini end, it's a standard stereo mini jack. If the LCD has the same, small, circular socket marked audio in, then a standard stereo mini jack to stereo mini jack cable will be what you need. On the other hand, if the LCD has two sockets marked audio in, one red and one white, then you need a stereo mini jack to twin RCA/phono cable.

Sound Output through external speakers not working

For some reason, the sound output to my JBL speaker system that is connected through the headphones jack of my iMac has cut out. When I go to the Sound Preferance panel, under Output, my choices are :
Internal Speakers
Soundflower (2CH)
Soundflower (16CH)
I have NO idea what these Soundflower things are, and don't see a standard "Headphones" option, which is the jack they are plugged into. I also don't see a way to delete these Soundflower "devices".
The sound output not working seemed to happen after a power outage in my building, so I'm going to try a powerreset of the iMac, but still not sure what is going on with this Soundflower stuff.

/System/Library/Extensions/Soundflower.kext and restarting your computer uninstalls Soundflower.
To remove preference panes, context-click on the preference pane's icon and select the Remove option.
https://getsatisfaction.com/cycling74/topics/how_to_uninstall
Long shot, but...
Open Audio Midi Setup in Applications>Utilities, see the input & output options & KHz setting there, some things will change it for their own use, then not set it back.

Sound output option is missing in preferences

I'm probably doing something stupid, but iChat works fine for "chatting" but when I want to talk it doesn't work. In the video tab of the iChat preferences the option "sound output" is missing, while I can select the internal microphone of my MacBook Pro... iTunes plays perfectly though the internal speaker though!
any ideas?
Wim

Hi,
I am not sure what you are asking ?
If you only have internal speakers iChat will select them.
In Actually System preferences > Sound > Output tab selects them as the only option.
iChat only shows a Drop down for Sound output if you actually have a choice.
11:31 PM Friday; August 17, 2007

Upgrade to 10.9.4 Sound Output Gone

I upgraded to 10.9.4 today. After doing so the internal speakers output option is not available in the Sound control panel. My only selections are the Soundflower output choices from my previous install of Soundflower.
Can anyone advise how I could restore normal sound output to the speakers? Thanks

There are many possible causes for this issue. Take each of the following steps that you haven't already tried.
1. Start with the steps recommended in this support article. Don't skip any of the steps. It's the starting point for further efforts to solve the problem.
2. If you've installed an application called "Memory Clean" or any other third-party software that is supposed to "clean" or "purge" memory automatically, remove it according to the developer's instructions and restart. You should do that even if the software is not causing the problem, because it's useless.
3. If you've installed a software equalizer called "Boom" or anything similar, update or delete it and restart.
4. If a red light is coming from the audio-out port, the internal switch is stuck in the position for digital output. You may be able to free it by inserting and removing a mini-stereo jack of the proper size. Inserting any kind of tool in the port may cause damage that won't be covered by your warranty.
If there's no red light, the switch may still be stuck in the headphone position. Try to free it the same way.
5. Disconnect all wired peripherals except keyboard and mouse, if applicable. If more than one display is connected, disconnect all extra ones. Restart and test.
6. Start up in safe mode. Don't log in; just restart as usual when the login screen appears. When you do, make sure the words "Safe Boot" do not appear in the login screen. If they do, the system is still in safe mode and sound won't work.
7. Reset the NVRAM.
8. Reset the SMC.
9. Reinstall OS X after backing up all data.
10. Make a "Genius" appointment at an Apple Store.

Selecting sound output on new alu iMac

I realise there have been quite a few posts about similar topics in Apple Discussions, but I would be really grateful if somebody could answer this one. I am using Tiger 10.4.11 (i'm waiting for software updates for Leopard to be released before installing it).
My question is, why haven't I got the option to switch sound to my iMac's internal speakers while still having my headphones plugged in?
When I go to System Preferences > Sound, the only sound output options I have are 'Headphones', and the Bluetooth headset that I use for iChat. It seems logical to me that I should have the choice to switch between internal speakers and headphones.
When I unplug the headphones, the internal speakers show up, any ideas? Could it be something to do with the Audio MIDI setup options?
Thank you in advance for your help.

I have a newer alu iMac, 24" and I have SoundSticks connected (external speakers). My options for Sound in SysPrefs are the SoundSticks or internal speakers. I have the option to select either one, even while the external speakers are in use.
I would think that you should have similar options, but maybe the Headphone option cancels the internal speakers similarly to how cell phones work when an earpiece device is connected. You don't hear sounds coming from the phone until you disconnect the earpiece.

No sound output in Messages

I'm running 10.8.2 on a MBP 2.66 ghz Intel Core 2 Duo.
When I go into the Messages preferences, the Sound output option is greyed out, similar to the Camera.
Microphone is working fine but I can't hear anything from the other side.
If I plug in some headphones, Sound output option changes to Headphones but remains greyed out and sound still doesn't work.
I've already tried resetting the PRAM with the Option-P-R trick but that hasn't helped.
Thanks in advance for helping to fix this.

HI,
Sound in Messages needs the Output device set in System Preference > Sound > Output in the first place.
This should then show up in the Messages Menu > Preference > Video Section in the output drop down (If there is only one choice in System Preferences then it will not be a drop down but just the greyed out name of the Output.
PRAM is OPT+CMD+P+R not just Option and the letters.
If you have sound in other apps like iTunes and the volume is actually set high enough then open the Connection Doctor in Messages > Video menu.
If you do this during a Chat then the incoming Video and Audio feeds are represented by two green bars.
Having a green bar fro audio doe snot actually mean anything is being sent from the other end.
But a lack of a green bar does mean they are not sending anything.
Get them to Check:-
They has set the mic and Volume in System Preferences > Sound > Input.
The volume needs to move the blue response bar at least halfway but not bang into the right hand end.
The Same mic or input device needs to be selected in Messages > Preferences> Video Section > Microphone Drop down.
It also needs to be "On" and ticked in Messages > Video menu > "Audio chat Enabled".
(IF they are using iChat then same Menu > "Microphone Enabled")
You can test to a certain point with several computers that Apple tend to keep on line as text accounts (they Auto answer with no human interaction)
Add appleu3test01 or appleu3test02 or appleu3test03 as Buddies to your AIM list.
Normally at least two are on line but as I type this is seems none of them are.
They tend to be playing Apple Adverts and the like.
8:53 PM Monday; January 28, 2013
Please, if posting Logs, do not post any Log info after the line "Binary Images for iChat"
 iMac 2.5Ghz 5i 2011 (Mountain Lion 10.8.2)
 G4/1GhzDual MDD (Leopard 10.5.8)
 MacBookPro 2Gb (Snow Leopard 10.6.8)
 Mac OS X (10.6.8),
 Couple of iPhones and an iPad
"Limit the Logs to the Bits above Binary Images."  No, Seriously

Can not change sound output. Help Please

Well, i've been digging all the forums lately in web. my problem is, i can't change my 'system' sound output to my sound card which is Native Instruments Audio8 Dj.
Let me explain my problem decently. I do the usual procedure, system preferences > sound > n then select the output. but nothing happens. it is always set on internal speakers or headphone or whatever plugged in to the *Built-in Output*. I try switching from audio-midi setup n that doesn't work as well. The system perfectly recognizes the sound card, i can get output from sound card with applications which have their own output settings. But i cant change the system output. I have the latest version of soundflower loaded(this might be causing the problem who knows), i used many soundcards before(or maybe even ex-drivers?) n they used to work until i updated to snow leopard. I also tried trashing the files in macintosh hd > library > preferences > audio >>
and those files *did not regenerate* after restart(like 10 times), so i had to copy them from my imac.(hehe). i tried resetting pram or nvram.(didn't do any good too)And also i tried trashing soundpref.plist which didn't do me any good neither. Now i need that sound card to give me my system output. I don't need drivers of any other ex-sound cards or whatever. My drivers are up to date. And im pretty sure this ain't an hardware fail.
So, any ideas? Thx.

I am having the exact same problem. I have spoken with Apple Care and they are having my case reviewed by "Engineers," apparently. Its very frustrating as I cannot listen to iTunes or any of my video games through my really nice monitor speakers. FYI, I had this problem without installing Sound Flower, since then I have installed it in the hopes that having something different to select it might work but no changes. If I hear any good news from Apple I will be back to let you know. This seems to be a very rare problem as I have only found one other post about this issue.

The sound output does not work on my ipod

Hi There,
I have an Ipod 4 th generation and the sound output no longer works on any device. I've reset and reinstalled the software but nothing appears to work?
Any ideas please?
Serial number: 9C6463XJV9R
Thanks Chris

If none of the 5 R's helped address the issue, it's likely hardware related.
http://www.apple.com/support/ipod/five_rs/
As to what exactly is damaged/faulty, no there is no certain way to tell. It could be the iPod's audio chip or something else on the logic board.
Either way you'll need to have your iPod serviced/replaced either by Apple or a third party company.
B-rock

Sound output choices

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