Audio, plainly explained.
Guides, comparisons, and short deep-dives on per-app volume, auto-duck, routing — and the macOS audio quirks the rest of the internet doesn't talk about.
Per-app volume on macOS: the complete guide (2026)
macOS still ships with one master volume slider in 2026. Here are the three ways to get a real per-app mixer — and which one is right for you.
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Why macOS still doesn't ship a per-app volume mixer in 2026
Windows has had one since 2006. Linux distros come with one. macOS still ships with a single volume slider. Here's the long, uncharitable explanation.
Whisper Mode: the one-keypress way to keep your Mac quiet
Cafes, libraries, late-night sessions. One hotkey caps every app at a polite level — except the call you don't want to miss.
Route Zoom to AirPods while keeping Spotify on speakers
The classic split-output scenario macOS makes weirdly hard. Here's why the built-in Multi-Output Device approach falls short, and a setup that actually works.
Looking for a SoundSource alternative? How to choose in 2026
SoundSource is the heavyweight per-app audio tool for macOS. It's also $50 and built for audio engineers. Here are the alternatives — and honest advice on when SoundSource is still right.
How to find which app is making noise on your Mac
A sound is playing somewhere on your Mac and you have 30 tabs open. Here are three ways to find it — including the one we built into mactooloud.
Auto-duck explained: when your Mac should turn the music down
Auto-ducking is the trick where music gently lowers itself when someone starts talking. macOS doesn't do it natively. Here's how it works and how to set it up.
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