Mac usb dac volume control. It is confusing me how I can adjust the volume out of the dac using the volume control in the OS X. Then see your DAC listed. It seems that when I set the DAC at 0 Db and reduce the volume even more in Foobar, the sound quality is better. Some say set it to 100% to best preserve the signal and reduce the volume at the external amp. Other than that, you can use the volume on the electronics the DAC plugs into What kind of budget are you looking at and what software are you thinking of using to output the music? The obvious USB DAC would be the Hi, I have a question about USB DACs and volume control. Launch the Audio MIDI Setup utility. E. It works fine from the macBook directly with vlc or quicktime. There may be a way When i put my M11 Plus LTD on USB DAC Mode, i had to control the Volume from withing Windows or Linux (worked for both systems). When connected to my 2019 iMac I was able to drive the DAC at 24-bit 96. 1, Entrada de Cascos para PC, Mac The Denafrips webpage provides detailed instructions on how to update the USB MCU firmware for their DAC products. The global volume also defaults to max volume. Sep 2, 2014 · I'm in a quest for a new DAC, and it seems to be quite difficult to find one that ticks all the boxes. Both DACs connected via USB cable, not bluetooth. Jan 1, 2017 · Any advice on how to control system volume when connected to a DAC via USB? I recently upgraded my audio setup and, while everything sounds great, MacOS seems to be disabling system volume control when I'm connected to the DAC. I am looking at standalone DACs such as Topping D30 or FX Audio DAC-X6. 1 kHz (as set in Audio MIDI Set Up). 5mm Single-ended & 4. If you use apps that have volume controls (for example, Music or iMovie), their settings can only be equal to or less than the computer’s output volume. I would like to set the physical volume on the 2i2 and then use my system volume on my mac to control the volume (using controls on my keyboard)?? I have tried everything but it doesn't seem Wanting to get a USB DAC/audio for use with a Mac. Dec 12, 2002 · If you are using the USB from a computer to DAC, then the DAC becomes the soundcard whilst leaving the volume control with the computer unless you are using headphones with them. Please add a hardware level volume control to fix this issue. If I select > System Preferences > Sound, the results are the same for when I try to use the keyboard volume control. May 4, 2011 · I have an external dac/headphone amp connected by usb to my macbook. Is there a way for macOS to default to 50-50 balance and remember the last global volume level when the DAC is connected? Sep 5, 2025 · If you’re looking to upgrade your MacBook’s audio quality, USB-C DACs are a smart choice. Bought a Sabrent model for about $8. 5mm dongle defaults to -15db volume cut when using on an android device. Click Manage audio devices 4. It bypasses the audio circuitry in laptops, computers, and smartphones to deliver cleaner, clearer, more naturally beautiful music to headphones, powered speakers, or complete audio systems. 1khz to 32b/768khz. Jun 9, 2012 · Hi, I just got my first external DAC (Audio-gd DAC-19) and it sounds great, but I'm kind of confused. Aug 29, 2019 · Hi, is there a way to control my mac system volume from my mac keyboard when using SMSL c100 as a usb device or do i need a physical volume control wired into the dacs line out? Thanks for any help. Jul 21, 2025 · Pages (2):1 2 Next » Forum Jump: Users browsing this thread: 1 Guest (s) You’ll be able to use the 10-band EQ, battery & volume control, DAC filter and oversampling, channel trim, and maximum volume limit as some of the most rewarding app-based settings. Windows 10 From Windows 10 it’s no longer necessary to install drivers even for high resolutions DACs. If you are shopping for a DAC (digital analog converter), you need to read this guide. DAC Setup Guide · macOS To optimize the sound quality of your external DAC connected to a macOS computer via USB cable, it's crucial to configure the DAC correctly. Description Of Issue No volume Control, through Roon, only maximum volume. I experience audio stutters as soon as I have a high system load. Jun 16, 2007 · Since macos doesn’t allow volume control on optical/digital without software, is there some kind of usb DAC available to control the volume with the mac keyboard? Nov 13, 2002 · After upgrading to El Capitan I've lost the ability to adjust the volume of some of my connected speakers. Oct 10, 2024 · SHANLING UA4 Portable USB DAC/AMP Headphone Amplifier,Support MQA 16X,768kHz DSD512,High Driving Power for Android/iOS/Mac/Windows,dongle Volume Control,3. Jul 27, 2023 · Mac volume control disabled when using external speakers I have external speakers that connect over USB-C, and they play audio just fine, but they have a hardware volume control knob and the control center volume control is disabled on the MacBook. Oct 22, 2021 · The issue I have (whether on Mac or on Windows) is that the volume by default is extremely high. If you are uisng DAC products, please ingore this step. Press the Volume Control Knob once to reset the balance. You could select sound preference from system preference or the sound icon in the status bar first: 4. 5mm, BAL 4. You will need to make sure that the digital output from the DVD player (or another source component) is set to output two-channel PCM, rather than other signals such as bitstream, Dolby Digital, DTS or multi-channel, etc. For our DAC/Amplifier, select 24-bit or 32-bit audio output from the drop-down list. 4mm up to 237mW@32Ω Output (Blue) Visit the SHANLING Store Jan 14, 2019 · You can usually adjust the audio level of your Macintosh computer using the sound slider bar and also using the volume keys on your keyboard. Nov 24, 2017 · I use Behringer Studio 50 USB studio monitors together with my Macbook Pro, connected via USB. 0, so if possible, try getting a 2. I can still see the DAC in Audio MIDI setup still set to default but no output? If i switch to Mac's speaker or screen speakers there is sound output. I am using a USB output from Mac mini to a ZEN DAC v2. Scratch Resistance. Given the above, what is the best output setting to use for the E30? Set it to whatever your music files are. com: DROK USB Volume Control Knob - Computer Speaker External Volume Control with 1-Key Mute Function, Programmable, Compatible for PC/Mac/Android : AppliancesAluminum Outer Covering Smooth enough to rotate with only one finger. To solve this, I used a piece of software called SoundSource, which supports "Super Volume Keys": Enables keyboard volume control for audio devices that do not natively support it. I assume there is something not quite right here? Jul 25, 2025 · S9 Pro Plus Martha USB C DAC Dongle, Portable DAC AMP, BAL 4. Thanks! Creatives who listen to music while working! You Mac mini and Mac Studio have found a musical match. Jun 15, 2023 · When a USB audio DAC (without external volume control) is connected to the system, macOS sets the volume level to the maximum, which can potentially cause ear damage in certain situations. Depending on your Mac and the devices you use, you may be able to set other volume options using the Audio MIDI Setup app. Is this still true, or have OS's/drivers gotten smarter? And: are there USB DAC+preamps that take a separate control signal over the USB connection to tell it what its output volume should be? (In effect, a software version of the analogue volume knob on Jul 7, 2023 · 1. The audio quality itself is excellent, and the DAC itself work fine. With various options available, each designed to support high-resolution audio, you might find the perfect fit for your needs. Jan 29, 2024 · Apple type c to 3. The easiest might be to go to Search and search for “Control Panel”. g just this USB Dac will make a noticable improvement to your Audio https://amzn. When using the analog output (3. Ensures a lossless sound experience, characterized by an exceptional signal-to-noise ratio, minimal distortion, and almost 0 noise for a listening experience that's pure and immersive Dec 1, 2023 · S9 Pro Plus Martha USB C DAC Dongle, Portable DAC AMP, BAL 4. The stutters occur once every few minutes, each lasting only very short. I've been using my dac with the Windows volume at whatever level it happened to be at which is usually around 50%. com Aug 28, 2019 · Audio Devices (Specify what device you’re using and its connection type - USB/HDMI/etc. ). 5mm, Volume Control, 6 Filter Option, Support Windows/Mac/Android/iOS System, Blue Brand: generic Oct 22, 2019 · I think that the usb volume control is added on top of the dac volume level (e. The problem happens with the following DACs: Topping E70 SMSL SU-8 iFI Zen V2 Things I've tried: Change the Jul 4, 2024 · An external DAC ensures that every digital bit is converted into the appropriate audio signal. Set the DAC/Amplifier volume to any value in the operating system Mac Usb -> DAC -> RCA -> Denon. Is there a specification which can be easily referenced? What determines this ability? See full list on appuals. 0 ones only cost about 15$), but keep in mind that DAC's can have issues with USB 3. Is there something I can do? Jan 31, 2020 · Hi all, What is the current situation on volume control on DAC's like the Xsabre Pro, is it any good? I've been told many times in the past not to use any kind of digital volume control due to loss of resolution on lower levels, is it still true? If you have tried every USB-Port and the issue prevails, try getting a PCIe-USB-Card (even the USB 3. The locking of volume controls for external devices is usually when you're sending a digital signal to a device with its own decoder and amp, using toslink or hdmi like w/ an AV receiver or HDMI Display with built in speakers. Jan 28, 2021 · I have the volume output of Audirvana at 100% (which may be the wrong setting, I dunno), running the audio via a USB cable into my Sprout100 and use its volume control exclusively. Ideal for PC, Mac, and digital sources – compact, powerful, and sonically outstanding. Insert any 24-bit and/or 32-bit DAC/amplifier without its own potentiometer/volume control (for example, Hidizs S9 Pro or FiiO KA3) into the USB port. 3. Aug 7, 2016 · Well, that's becuase Windows is still capable of controlling the volume it outputs via the USB. S9 Pro Plus Martha USB C DAC Dongle, Portable DAC AMP, BAL 4. The mac's Audio Midi Setup program offers a variety of outputs to the E30 from 24b/44. The Step by step, how to make sure your Windows computer delivers bit perfect audio to your DAC for maximum music quality. Both the built in speakers in my display, connected through DisplayPort, and my DAC connected through USB. Is there any way to set the default volume? In theory, macOS should remember the volume level set for a specific audio device. 0 kHz without issue. Features: - USB and analog inputs - Advanced asynchronous digital-to-analog converter - High-power, low-distortion amplifier output - Digitally-controlled volume for precise channel balance - Adjustable crossfeed for more natural soundstage - Rechargeable battery with charge disable control - Works with Mac, PC, iOS, and Android - 30-day audition period and 2-year warranty Jul 25, 2025 · S8 Pro Robin Portable Dongle DAC, USB C DAC, SE 3. 4mm, SE 3. Some DACs with well implemented USB input will have its own dedicated power (+5V) and ground. On your player, go to System Settings->USB mode and change the mode to DAC. eu/d/175gpv5 Also the cirrus logic dac in the Mac mini is actually pretty good if you dont want to use an external dac. I need help getting external DACs to work correctly on my 2019 Macbook Pro M1. There may be a way The Limetree USB-DAC is a high-grade D/A converter with analog volume control, headphone amp, and ultra-high resolution up to DSD 512. 4mm up to 237mW@32Ω Output (Silver) May 19, 2021 · How to use the FiiO device as a USB DAC on MAC？ Reply:12 Read:46106 Wed May 19 16:16:35 CST 2021 FIIO BBS elders Jan 12, 2018 · Hi! I was wondering if someone could give me a list of affordable headphone amps/dacs that support the macOS native volume control, instead of having to rely on a hardware knob or buttons on the dac itself. My understanding is that it's a bad idea to use the OS volume control with a USB DAC, as it lowers the dynamic range of the audio signal. One unexpected wrinkle - the DAC doesn't let me adjust the system volume. When connecting my Audioengine D1 external DAC to my Mac Studio (USB A port) the best rate I can get to work is 2 ch 16-bit Integer 44. They don’t override what you choose in Sound settings. Add DAC mini to create a perfect desktop stereo stack. Supporting up to 7. If the DAC is just transferring information from the computer's hard drive, why is there a volume setting on the computer? The computer recognizes the DAC and gives me a volume scale for that Jan 15, 2023 · MacBook Air to USB cable to the DAC, works great with all of my streaming sources (I use Tidal, Roon, and Amazon Music. 5mm, Volume Control Firmware, 6 Filter Option, Support Windows/Mac/Android/iOS System, Silvery Nov 12, 2020 · Volume control and distortion when using USB DAC by Mik75 » 12 Nov 2020 11:28 Hi there! From time to time, I use Deezer HiFi to stream FLAC quality music on my MacBook Pro via USB into a Yulong DAC. 4mm Balanced Outputs - Up to 211mW @ 32 Ohm Output power - Compatible with Android, Windows, Mac and iOS. Great sound but occasionally sound will drop out. I'm confused. No need to annoying manual switch ASIO output everytime for PCM to/from DSD playback in foorbar2000 as using the other famous USB I2S module. with RGB indicator light，light comes up in different colours according to the currently playing music format / sample rate. Your Mac serves up the tunes. So if you can't control the volume from withing macOS, i would consider contacting Apple, sounds like a bug in the Operating System (its the OS job). 5. 2. So in your case I’d set the iMac audio output to just below max, run the Zen as fixed output and use the Naim’s volume knob to control levels. The problem is that they are extremely loud, even on the "volume 1" setting of my Macbook. For example when using Foobar ASIO in Windows, I have to set the DAC to -20 dB, and Foobar to -27 dB to have a normal listening volume. Let's find out which are the best DACs for your Mac. *Audio Balance is available on PC, Mac, and PS5 / PS4 only GREEN Audio Balance – On ORANGE Audio Source – Sound Blaster X4's SPDIF-out endpoint CYAN Audio Source – Sound Blaster X4's speakers endpoint Nov 25, 2019 · About this item DRIVERLESS USB-C PLUG-AND-PLAY WITH USB AUDIO - Powered entirely via USB-C in a plug-and-play driverless format, the Sound Blaster G3 is a hassle-free instant audio upgrade for your gaming consoles (PS4 and Switch), and well as PC and Mac computers. Kindly recommend a solution for this. More comfortable touch than plastic covering. This is possible when connecting the DAC through USB, but few DACs seem Apr 3, 2017 · Can anyone suggest a inexpensive DAC? Try Fiio they have a wide range of excellent DACs with premium Sabre ESS DAC chips suiting all budgets. One of the features I'd like to have is being able to change the volume using the normal volume controls of the computer. Sound Source is the best software for Mac for audio. How to select the Hifime DAC as the output device: 1. The Focusrite Scarlett responds to PC volume adjustments through the OS just fine, but not on a Mac. Amazon. We at What Hi-Fi? pride ourselves on how we test DACs – our experienced, expert reviews team tests every corner of the market and always reviews newcomers against the current class leaders stored in our brimming stockroom. 5mm dongle and Google USB-C to 3. Let’s explore the top 10 DACs that can elevate your sound Sep 11, 2024 · About this item [Get Lossless Sound]: Experience pristine audio clarity with the Zooaux portable headphone amplifier, featuring a three DAC chip configuration, including two CS43131 chips and one CT7601 chip. Is there any way of using my system volume settings to control the volume rather than having to use the physical volume knob? Previously i had a USB dac where this could be done. I have both the Apple USB-C to 3. Feb 26, 2014 · If you are feeding your DAC/amplifier via an asynchronous USB connection from a mac computer are you then supposed to be able to control the volume of your system "directly" from the volume control on you computer keyboard? FIIO BTR5 - DAC MAC - Control Volume from OSX? Hi guys, S Just got a BTR5, i'm using it as a USB DAC with my iMac. dac is unit gain and the usb adds -17db). These compact devices can transform your listening experience, whether you’re into music, gaming, or streaming. Can the volume be controlled using Windows's volume control? Aug 31, 2021 · Hey Folks, Can't use volume control for a USB-C to HDMI connection using a Macbook Air running Big Sur 11. But if Apr 9, 2020 · 2 I have had this problem before, especially since I use a Digital Audio Controller (DAC) connected to my Mac mini (2018), connected via USB. One cannot adjust the volume on the Mac itself. Nowadays, DACs are also available with audio frequency control to change the sound beats to suit your musical tastes. These devices convert a digital signal into an analog one, increasing the richness of the sound and making it more comparable to the original recording. . Is this still true, or have OS's/drivers gotten smarter? And: are there USB DAC+preamps that take a separate control signal over the USB connection to tell it what its output volume should be? (In effect, a software version of the analogue volume knob on - New Design, available in Silver or Grey version - Brand new ESS ES9069Q DAC - Dual Ricore RT6863 Headphone Balanced Amplifier - Three buttons for Hardware Volume Control / Software Volume Control / Playback Control - 3. Mar 23, 2025 · Below are the best of the best DACs you can buy, spanning portable, desktop and hi-fi options that will make the most of your wired headphones or digital hi-fi system. Oct 25, 2024 · Discover the best DAC/amp dongles and desktop setups for Mac users, from portable options to high-end audio solutions for home setups. The Zen DAC also comes with an integrated headphone amp and volume control which is a nice additional feature. 2. This is so that the full volume can be sent to the device digitally which is important for professional audio applications. Like, it needs to be at about half of a single volume bar in OS X in order to be listenable at a reasonable volume on earbuds. 5mm headphone jack; internal Mac DAC), various sources have different recommendations. Click Hardware and Sound 3. DAC mini gives you amazing sound quality! Jun 14, 2011 · I recently read that you should max the volume in Windows (If your dac doesn't bypass it altogether) in order to get the full bitstream to your dac. This guide will walk you through the process of setting up your DAC and adjusting its MIDI settings and sampling rate to match your audio source. I do get sound out, I just can't adjust the volume under System Preferences -> Jan 28, 2022 · Sound output to DAC Mac Mini (M1 2020) OS Monterey. There are a vast number of USB audio interfaces available, and I would like to know what does and what does not allow MacOS to adjust volume. Open control panel, there are several ways to do this. Nov 14, 2024 · HiByDigital D1 USB C DAC The HiBy Digital D1 is a miniature USB audio dongle which may be connected to smartphones and computers alike. Wanting to get a USB DAC/audio for use with a Mac. May 22, 2025 · Here are the best DACs for 2025. Aug 5, 2024 · A digital to analog converter (DAC) is needed if you want to take advantage of Apple Hi-Resolution Lossless audio. 5mm, Volume Control Firmware, 6 Filter Option, Support Windows/Mac/Android/iOS System, Silvery S9 Pro Plus Martha USB C DAC Dongle, Portable DAC AMP, BAL 4. May 20, 2024 · Whether you’re looking to increase the volume of your headset, improve the audio quality, or support high-impedance headphones, a USB DAC is an effective solution that doesn’t have to cost you an arm and a leg. 1kHz and 16 bit. Let’s take a look at the best DACs on the market. There may be a way Nov 20, 2022 · Topping D10s Topping E30 ii SMSL C200 I currently connect my MAC Mini M1 to a Marantz Integrated Amplifier via the headphone jack to RCA input on the amplifier. 5mm, Volume Control, 6 Filter Option, Support Windows/Mac/Android/iOS System, Black Aug 2, 2022 · PALOVUE USB Type C Headphones Magnetic in Ear Earphones Earbuds with Mic and Volume Control Compatible with Google Pixel Samsung Oneplus Huawei Sony MacBook Red Sep 9, 2025 · The best DACs for Apple Music Lossless in 2025 All the equipment you need to listen to hifi audio wherever you are. Mostly FLAC? Set it to 44. With the Mac Studio I get tons of noise at all the 24-bit and higher sampling rates. I bought a USB DAC, specifically a FiiO E10K, to interface between my Mac Mini and my powered speakers. Many thanks. May 17, 2021 · Creative Sound Blaster X4 Hi-Res 24bit/192kHz DAC USB Externo y Tarjeta de Sonido Amp, Multicanal, Sonido Surround Discreto 7. Left channel will be at 100% volume, while the right channel will be at about 10%, so I always have to go to Sound preferences to balance the volume to 50-50. Jan 30, 2014 · All models except the CEntrance DACport and the Cambridge Audio DACmagic XS use your computer’s software volume setting to control the DAC’s internal volume. DSD sound volume is controllable using WIN/MAC/LINUX system volume mixer. The receiver just wants the digital HDMI audio signal it doesn't care about audio level and the Mac doesn't have a way to directly control the volume on Apr 30, 2021 · With my Mac, a USB connection to a DAC results in a fixed line-level output. 5/4. This behaviour would be coherent to protect the speakers: you set the maximum level using the dac's digital volume, and then the device can lower the volume. ) Cambridge Audio magic DAC by USB. The Windows volume control doesn't care what it controls; it just do. 5mm adapter. My curre Aug 23, 2021 · The keyboard volume control is greyed out if I choose either the Schiit DAC or Digital Out options from the speaker icon on the menu bar. I have a 3rd gen 2i2. By the way, I have a Mac mini on the M1 chip. 0 card. DragonFly Red is a USB DAC (digital-to-analog converter), preamplifier, and headphone amplifier. And I guess Tidal is the same way. My recommendation would be to just leave Tidal and Windows at 100% volume and then control the volume via the Q1. Works just fine without needing drivers, but the output is LOUD. Jul 21, 2025 · Pages (2): « Previous 1 2 View a Printable Version Forum Jump: Users browsing this thread: 1 Guest (s) Why doesn’t my DacMagic 100 recognise the digital signal from my DVD player, or Sky Box, etc? Our DACs will recognize and up-sample a two-channel PCM digital input signal. Both of them can be volume-controlled using Windows's volume control. DACs also have amplifiers to boost the output signal for excellent, smooth quality. But if you plug in a USB audio device (Focusrite, Presonus, Behringer, Rode etc) the built in Audio controls are disabled. 5mm, Volume Control, 6 Filter Option, Support Windows/Mac/Android/iOS System, Black Oct 10, 2022 · Every time I plug in a USB DAC, the left and right volume is mismatched. 1 discrete surround, the Sound Blaster X4's 7 extensive I/O connectors like optical-in and -out ports make it the perfect PC companion. Mac Usb -> DAC -> RCA -> Denon. May 6, 2020 · I have a MacBook Air connected via USB to Topping E30 (then THX 789 to HD6xx). (That's on condition the USB to Schiit cable is plugged in of course). It sounds fine, but I just realised, that the Mac's volume control is still active, and sound distorts when it's turned all the way up. So I gave it a shot with the Jun 13, 2023 · The USB c dac has a 30-level hardware volume button control on the side for easier volume control. High performance and low cost DSD DAC solution for everyone. g. 4mm, Dual 32-bit DAC Chip, Volume Control, Type-C Cable, USB-A to Type-C, Support Windows Mac Android iOS System Nov 29, 2023 · SHANLING UA4 Headphone Amplifier, Portable USB DAC AMP, Support MQA 16X, 768kHz DSD512, High Driving Power for Android/iOS/Mac/Windows, Dongle Volume Control, 3. There may be a way Wanting to get a USB DAC/audio for use with a Mac. 4. Which DAC would show a marked improvement in sound quality by connecting the Mini via USB to the DAC and the finishing the connection from the DAC to the amp with an RCA cable. Then connect it with a USB port on the Mac computer using our provided USB cable. I was wondering if I can use control the volume from the MAC, I have a friend with BTR3 - can use the volume keys on the keyboard (from his mac), I cannot. rozof jcblhd wk5g 9lc ovz8b nwh ha yhj stc 0m1