volume control on multi output device for mac

Regardless I dont recommend setting the AVRs SW trim level over the 0 setting as it could clip the output in some cases and reduces headroom.) Another old tip (for higher levelsbetter Auto on triggering) is using a Y adapter at the Subwoofer if its amp has dual (RL) inputs, but this could also clip the input stage of the SW Amp, depending on the AVROutput level.

Info here should still be applicable to later OS X versions and newer Macs if using HDMI output.

Also heres a later article with NotesTips for Repeated Mac Mini Video Blackouts with some AV Receivers that includes Receiver HDMI Info, Tests and Tips on HDMI and HDCP problems in OS X.

The OS X Sound pref pane set to HDMI Output ( see example below ) and AudioMidi utility configured correctly for multi-channel audio.

I think.) The receiver the minis HDMI is connected to shows PCM during playback and DVD movie (Dolby Digital 5.1) audio seems muffled compared to playing the same DVD in our home dvd player.

We noticed the standalone player shows Dolby Digital on the receivers display - not PCM.

DVDs just sound much better from the home player than from the OS X DVD player connected to the same receiver.

How do I get the OS X DVD player to send dolby digital to the receiver to see if that helps -Beth.

Volume is controlled from the connected device (i.e.

Receiver or HDTV).

Set the OS X DVD player Prefs (in Disc Setup options) Audio Output to Digital Out.

As you have it set (from the comments), the MacOS X DVD Player is decoding the Dolby Digital audio on the DVD and sending PCM audio to your receiver.

When set to Digital Out, it will bitstream Dolby Digital (or DTS) to the receiver for decoding.) Apples support article on Setting up iTunes DVD Player for digital surround sound (support.apple.comkbHT4072, later changed to HT202029), went from archived, no longer updated to removed as of 2019.

Heres a screenshot from my OS X DVD Player Audio Output prefs setting.

If not going through a receiver, youd usually get only Stereo with direct TV connections.) As you can see in the screenshot, I also check the option to Disable Dolby dynamic range compression.

I prefer maximum dynamic range although some may not, especially for nighttime viewing.

Click the Speech Bubble icon (see below) to seeselect available audio options for the specific file being played.

Apple says in iTunes 11 and later, digital surround sound is selected automatically for content that includes it.

Surround output still relies on proper hardwareconfiguration and options can vary depending on the media used.).

Lower volume (level) with LPCM vs Bitstream isnt uncommon, but even adjusting for volume level, I still preferred bitstreaming Dolby DigitalDTS to the AVR as it also shows the codec used on the AVR display (vs PCM).

Often in blind speaker tests most think louder is better, within limits of course.

Normally from a standalone player, SQ should be equivalent (PCM vs Bitstream) unless theres another issue present.

I used a 2012 Mac Mini 2.3GHz quad-core i7, 16GB RAM with OS X 10.9.5.

Not tested other versionsplayer software.) Bottom line, I prefer letting the AV Receiver decode DVD surround sound rather than OS X.

And one less thing the MacOS X has to do.).

I prefer PCM out for general (non-DVD, non-iTunes movie) playback through the AVR.

DigitalSurround is set separately in the DVD Player and iTunes.) The OS X 5.17.1 speaker tests in AudioMidi Setup Utility workedplayed correctly (front, center, rears, subwoofer, etc.

And their basic guide to Connecting a Mac to a home stereo, iPod, iPad, musical instruments, or speakers is now Set up an audio device on your Mac or stream music from your Mac.

Maybe other modelsOS versions or players differ, but I see no reason not to set the DVD player to Digital Out unless your connected hardwaresetup has an issue with that.

The only time Ive set my BD player to PCM is to hear directors commentarysecondary audio tracksPIP - something I rarely do.).

That usually isnt recommended however and setting speakers to Small (regardless of their sizedriver capability) is preferred as it reduces the amplifier load significantly by not having to handle LF (low frequency bass) output, and lets the Subwoofer do what its designed to do better than the main speakers.

Low Frequency audio takes a LOT more power.).

This can vary by subwooferamp mfr and also by AVR.

Some AVRs output higher voltage levels than others.

Volume Control On Multi Output Device For Mac