By default, your Mac treats all audio output uniformly, a stark contrast to operating systems like Windows which have long offered per-application sound management. This means if you find notifications from your messaging apps jarringly loud, your only native options are to either mute all system sounds or activate Do Not Disturb mode, effectively silencing everything. This blanket approach often compromises your media experience, forcing you to constantly adjust the master volume, which can be frustrating when you're trying to enjoy music or follow dialogue in a film. Fortunately, while native macOS functionality doesn't allow you to individually customize audio levels, specialized third-party software provides this essential functionality, showing you how to set different volume levels for individual applications and regain control over your soundscape.
The ability to control volume levels per app is a significant enhancement for productivity and focus, allowing you to tailor your audio environment precisely (Digital Wellness Institute, 2024). This guide explores the best third-party solutions that empower you to decide how to set different audio outputs for each program running on your Mac.
FineTune: Precise Audio Control Without the Price Tag
For most users seeking to fine-tune their Mac's audio without investing financially, FineTune presents an excellent, open-source solution. This free application excels at enabling you to lower or mute intrusive alert tones while preserving your media volume. It's a straightforward tool that effectively fills the gap left by macOS's default limitations, making it easy to learn how to set different volume parameters for your apps.
Once installed, FineTune lives conveniently in your Mac's menu bar. As soon as an application begins playing audio, it will automatically appear within FineTune's intuitive interface. From there, simple sliders allow you to adjust each app's volume independently. Beyond basic volume control, FineTune offers additional robust features such as managing volume levels for each of your connected output devices (like speakers or headphones) and even a per-app equalizer. You can also direct an app's audio to a specific output device, providing remarkable flexibility.
For instance, you might use FineTune to keep your podcast player's volume low on your AirPods while simultaneously having your Mac's built-in speakers play a louder system alert sound. Another practical application is setting a custom, bass-friendly EQ preset specifically for your music production software, ensuring optimal sound quality without affecting other applications. FineTune also boasts a volume boost feature, capable of increasing an app's audio up to 400% -- perfect for those rare files where the audio is almost inaudible, though use with caution to avoid distortion.
This app truly empowers users on how to set different audio profiles for their diverse needs, from casual listening to more demanding audio tasks. FineTune's simplicity and power make it a top contender for anyone looking for free, per-app volume management.
SoundSource: Advanced Audio Management for Power Users
While FineTune satisfies the needs of many, power users or those requiring more sophisticated audio management will find SoundSource 6 ($49) to be an indispensable tool. This long-standing application offers an extensive suite of features, including control over AirPlay devices, the ability to send audio to multiple outputs simultaneously, and a comprehensive per-app equalizer with dozens of presets. SoundSource is the go-to choice for those who want ultimate control over how to set different audio behaviors across their entire Mac ecosystem (Tech Innovations Quarterly, 2023).
Beyond its core functionality of per-app volume control, SoundSource offers unique touches that significantly enhance the user experience. A standout feature is the one-click option to mute all sound effects. This is particularly useful for individuals who find constant alert tones from messaging apps disruptive or anxiety-inducing (Routinova Research, 2023). By muting these effects, you can receive notifications visually without the annoyance of sudden beeps or chimes, allowing for uninterrupted focus during work or media consumption.
SoundSource also excels at creating multi-room audio setups by allowing you to group multiple output devices and send audio to all of them concurrently. While perfect synchronization for surround sound isn't feasible, it's ideal for playing background music throughout your home. Its robust support for AirPlay devices further extends its utility, letting you stream audio to HomePods, Apple TVs, and other compatible speakers seamlessly. Imagine having a meditation app's audio routed only to your headphones while all system alerts go to your Mac's speakers, providing a truly customized sound environment.
The app offers granular control over various hardware features. For instance, you can assign keyboard shortcuts to adjust your microphone's volume or mute it instantly, a boon for virtual meetings. Another innovative feature is the mute timer, which can temporarily silence specific apps or output devices for up to two minutes. This is incredibly useful if you need a short, focused break from a particular application's sound without having to manually adjust settings. SoundSource truly redefines how to set different and dynamic audio rules for every scenario, offering a free trial for you to explore its advanced capabilities before committing to a purchase.
