How to Play Mac Audio Through Multiple Outputs

Before you start

This covers a local macOS audio setup. It uses the built-in Audio MIDI Setup utility, so no extra service or third-party driver is required for a basic multi-output device.

Have the audio destinations you want to use connected or available, such as internal speakers and plugged-in headphones. If a Bluetooth or USB audio device is part of the setup, connect it before opening Audio MIDI Setup so it appears in the device list.

Changing the output routing may affect the input device selection and input level in apps that use the same audio interface, so note your current settings if you need to restore them.

Step-by-step instructions

• 1. Open Audio MIDI Setup from Finder by going to Applications, then Utilities, and double-clicking Audio MIDI Setup.
• 2. In the Audio Devices window, select the output device that you want to include, such as Internal Speakers or your headphones.
• 3. Click the Add button at the bottom of the sidebar, then choose Create Multi-Output Device.
• 4. Select the new Multi-Output Device in the sidebar.
• 5. In the list on the right, enable the checkbox for each output device you want to use.
• 6. Set the Master Device to one of the selected outputs. This device controls the shared sample rate.
• 7. Open System Settings, go to Sound, and choose the Multi-Output Device as the output device.

The exact location of sound settings depends on the macOS version, but the multi-output device appears in the same output selection area as other playback devices.

To stop using the setup later, open Sound settings and switch back to your normal output device. You can also return to Audio MIDI Setup and remove the multi-output device if it is no longer needed.

Check the output

Play audio on the Mac and listen for sound from each enabled destination. For example, internal speakers and headphones should both receive the same system audio.

Check that audio is not too loud before testing with headphones. A multi-output route can send the same signal to several devices, so adjust the output volume carefully.

Keep in mind that all outputs in the device share one sample rate. If the selected devices report different supported sample rates, Audio MIDI Setup may convert or restrict the shared rate, which can affect latency or playback quality.

Common problems and next steps

If one destination is silent, confirm that its checkbox is enabled in Audio MIDI Setup and that the master device is working. Also check the volume for each physical device; some outputs have their own mute or level control.

If you hear background noise or an unexpected input signal, review the app's audio input settings. A multi-output device affects playback routing, but recording apps may still be using a separate input source.

If the Multi-Output Device is not available in an app after setup, try restarting the app so it refreshes the list of macOS audio devices.

When headphones are unplugged, macOS may switch away from the multi-output device automatically. Reopen Sound settings after reconnecting them and select the multi-output device again if needed.