Seamlessly switch audio devices and never miss a beat. Automatically manage your audio devices, ensuring your music and audio always play through the right speakers or headphones.
Overview
AudioSet is an intelligent menu bar app for macOS that automatically manages your audio devices, ensuring your music and audio always play through the right speakers or headphones. Whether you're switching between AirPods, external speakers, or your Mac's built-in audio, AudioSet keeps everything running smoothly.
Key Benefits
For Remote Workers
- Seamless Meeting Transitions: Automatically switch between headset and speakers without fumbling through settings
- Microphone Management: Quickly cycle between built-in mic and external USB microphones
- Distraction-Free: No more accidentally playing music through the wrong device during video calls
For Music Producers & Audiophiles
- Studio Workflow: Quickly switch between monitoring speakers and headphones
- Device Priority: Ensure audio always goes to your preferred output first
- Playback Continuity: Never interrupt your creative flow with device switching issues
For Multi-Device Users
- Bluetooth Device Support: Perfect for managing AirPods, Bluetooth speakers, and wireless headphones
- Docking Station Users: Automatically handle device changes when docking/undocking
- Hot-Plugging: Intelligently responds to USB audio devices being connected/disconnected
For Everyday Mac Users
- Set It and Forget It: Configure once, enjoy automatic audio management forever
- Keyboard Shortcuts: Switch devices faster than using macOS System Settings
- Visual Feedback: Always know which device is active and available
What Makes AudioSet Different?
Unlike macOS's built-in audio controls or other audio switchers:
- Device Banning: Prevent unwanted devices from ever being selected
- Dual Device Management: Control both input and output devices independently
- Keyboard Shortcuts: Switch devices without touching your mouse
- Smart Monitoring: Automatically switches away from banned or disconnected devices
- Compact Interface: Everything fits in a single menu bar popover
System Requirements
- macOS: 13.0 or later
- Architecture: Universal (Apple Silicon & Intel)
- Size: ~3 MB
Privacy & Security
Privacy-First Design: AudioSet is built with your privacy in mind.
Local Processing: All audio switching happens on your Mac - nothing is sent to external servers.
Minimal Permissions: Only requests necessary audio control permissions.
No Tracking: Zero telemetry or data collection.
Sandboxed: Runs in macOS App Sandbox for enhanced security.
Features
🎯 Intelligent Device Switching
- Automatic Device Switching: Set preferred audio devices and let AudioSet automatically switch when banned devices are detected
- Real-time Monitoring: Continuously monitors your audio setup to prevent unexpected device changes
- Dual Device Support: Manages both output (speakers/headphones) and input (microphones) devices independently
⚡ Global Keyboard Shortcuts
- Quick Output Switching: Press
⇧⌘Ato cycle through your preferred output devices instantly - Quick Input Switching: Press
⇧⌘Ito cycle through your preferred microphone inputs - Zero-Click Control: Switch devices without opening menus or settings panels
🎵 Smart Playback Resume
- Auto-Resume: Automatically resumes playback when you switch audio devices
- Multi-App Support: Works seamlessly with:
- Apple Music
- Spotify
- VLC Media Player
- Intelligent Detection: Only resumes if audio was playing before the switch
🎨 Clean, Minimal Interface
- Menu Bar Integration: Lives quietly in your menu bar, always accessible
- Single & Dual Column Views: Automatically adapts layout based on your device configuration
- Visual Status Indicators:
- Green checkmarks show active devices
- Orange indicators warn of disconnected devices
- Red system mute icon alerts you when audio is muted
⚙️ Powerful Configuration
- Preferred Devices: Star your favorite devices for quick access
- Banned Devices: Block devices you never want to use (e.g., monitor speakers)
- Launch at Login: Start AudioSet automatically when you log in
- Notification Control: Toggle notifications for device switches
- Independent Controls: Separate preferences for output and input devices
Perfect For
- 🎧 Anyone who uses multiple audio devices
- 💼 Remote workers juggling meetings and music
- 🎵 Music producers and audio engineers
- 🎙️ Podcasters and content creators
- 🖥️ Multi-monitor setups with unwanted audio outputs
- 🎮 Gamers switching between headset and speakers
- 📱 Bluetooth device users (AirPods, wireless headphones, etc.)
Real-World Use Cases
Home Office Setup
"I have AirPods for calls and studio monitors for music. AudioSet automatically switches between them based on what I'm doing, and if I manually switch devices, my Spotify automatically resumes playing."
Content Creator
"When I'm editing videos, I switch between headphones and speakers constantly. The ⇧⌘A shortcut lets me do this instantly without leaving my editing software."
Hybrid Worker
"My monitor has terrible speakers that macOS keeps defaulting to. I banned them in AudioSet and now my audio always goes to my good speakers instead."
Podcast Producer
"Managing multiple microphones used to be a pain. Now I just press ⇧⌘I to cycle between my USB mic, XLR interface, and built-in mic depending on what I'm recording."
Getting Started
Step 1: Download & Install
Download AudioSet from the Mac App Store and install it on your Mac.
Open App StoreStep 2: Launch AudioSet
Find AudioSet in your Applications folder or Launchpad and launch the app. You'll see the AudioSet icon appear in your menu bar.
Step 3: Configure Your Devices
Click the AudioSet menu bar icon to open the device manager:
- Star Your Favorites: Click the star icon next to devices you use frequently
- Ban Unwanted Devices: Click the ban icon next to devices you never want to use
- Set Preferences: Choose whether to enable launch at login and notifications
Step 4: Use Keyboard Shortcuts
Once configured, you can quickly switch devices using:
⇧⌘A- Cycle through output devices (speakers/headphones)⇧⌘I- Cycle through input devices (microphones)
Tips & Best Practices
Device Management
- Star Your Primary Devices: AudioSet will prioritize starred devices when switching
- Ban Monitor Speakers: If your monitor has built-in speakers you never use, ban them to prevent accidental switching
- Separate Input/Output: You can have different preferred devices for input and output
Keyboard Shortcuts
- Cycle Through Devices: Press the shortcut repeatedly to cycle through all available devices
- Works System-Wide: Shortcuts work in any application, even full-screen apps
Playback Resume
- Automatic Detection: AudioSet only resumes playback if music was playing before switching
- Supported Apps: Works with Apple Music, Spotify, and VLC by default
Troubleshooting
Device Not Showing Up
- Make sure the device is properly connected to your Mac
- Try disconnecting and reconnecting the device
- Restart AudioSet from the menu bar
Keyboard Shortcuts Not Working
- Check System Settings > Privacy & Security > Accessibility to ensure AudioSet has permission
- Verify the shortcuts aren't conflicting with another app
- Try quitting and relaunching AudioSet
Playback Not Resuming
- Ensure music was playing before switching devices
- Check that you're using a supported music app (Apple Music, Spotify, VLC)
- Verify the app has proper permissions in macOS