Mac Audio MIDI Setup: How to Set 96 kHz

To set an audio device to 96 kHz on a Mac, open Audio MIDI Setup, select the device, and look for 96,000 Hz in its Format menu. The option must be supported by the selected device and its current configuration. No device model or supported-format information was supplied, so availability cannot be confirmed for your hardware.

Select 96 kHz in Audio MIDI Setup

• 1. Open Audio MIDI Setup from the Utilities folder in Applications.
• 2. If the audio device list is hidden, choose Window > Show Audio Devices.
• 3. Select the microphone, audio interface, or output device you want to configure.
• 4. If the device has separate Input and Output controls, select the relevant one.
• 5. Open the sample-rate control beside Format and select 96,000 Hz if it is available.

The setting applies to the selected audio device. Configuring an output device does not establish that your microphone input is also running at 96 kHz.

What does 96 kHz mean?

A sample rate of 96 kHz means 96,000 audio samples per second per channel. It is separate from bit depth, which describes the numerical precision of each sample. Selecting 96 kHz does not by itself make speech clearer or remove background noise.

If 96,000 Hz is missing or unavailable

First check that you selected the intended device and input or output. Then check the device’s supported sample rates and any manufacturer control software. An unavailable option alone does not establish whether the limitation comes from the hardware, its current operating mode, or software controlling it.

If an audio application is using the device, close it and check the setting again. If the rate changes back when you reopen the application, check that application’s audio or project settings. The supplied information does not identify an application, interface, or macOS version, so a device-specific fix cannot be established.

Do you need 96 kHz for a video call?

Setting the device to 96 kHz does not establish that a calling application will capture or transmit audio at that rate. Use a rate supported by both your device and the application; there is no supplied evidence that your call requires 96 kHz.

After changing the setting, select the intended microphone in your calling application and make a short test recording or use its audio test. Microphone detection confirms that an input is available, and a moving level meter shows activity. Listen to playback to check whether speech is intelligible and free from obvious distortion.