How to Reset Audio MIDI Setup to Default Settings

Before you start

Audio MIDI Setup is a built-in macOS utility for managing audio input and output devices, speaker layouts, and MIDI configuration. Resetting it is a local process and does not require an online service. Close any apps that are actively recording or playing audio before you begin, because changes may interrupt an active input or output device.

If the problem affects a microphone, camera with audio, or headset, confirm that the device is connected and selected first. A reset only restores the utility's stored configuration; it cannot repair a faulty cable, missing driver, or hardware that macOS does not detect.

Step-by-step instructions

The exact reset method varies by macOS version and the type of setting you need to clear. Work through the actions in order and stop when the desired behavior is restored.

Open Audio MIDI Setup

Use Spotlight to open the utility by typing Audio MIDI Setup, or open it from the Utilities folder inside Applications. To view the main controls, choose Show Audio Devices from the Window menu if the window appears empty.

Reset individual device settings

Select the relevant input device or output device in the sidebar. Review the settings that are practical to change, such as the selected device, input level, balance, and sample rate where the device supports manual control. Return each changed value to its standard position: set the balance to center, restore the sample rate to the value recommended for the device, and remove any unintended level boost.

For a device that supports volume control, move the master or output slider back to a moderate level and test it before increasing it further. Avoid using maximum gain as a default, because that can make background noise more noticeable.

Reset speaker configuration

Select an output device and click Configure Speakers if the option is available. Choose the speaker format that matches the physical setup, then close the configuration sheet. This is useful when a multichannel or custom layout was applied earlier and stereo output is expected.

Remove custom aggregate or multi-output devices

Custom aggregate devices and multi-output devices are user-created combinations of physical interfaces. If one is causing incorrect routing, select it in the sidebar and use the remove button. This does not delete the physical audio hardware; it only removes the virtual combination.

Restart the audio service

On some macOS releases, you can stop and start the Core Audio service from the command line. Open Terminal and run:

sudo killall coreaudiod

The service restarts automatically. This is a temporary reset of the audio process and may help when an app has left audio routing in an unexpected state. It does not restore every Audio MIDI Setup preference by itself.

Check the output

Open System Settings or System Preferences and choose Sound. Confirm that the correct input device and output device are selected. Play a short known sound and watch the output level indicator, if shown. Recording apps should show movement on their input meter when you speak into the microphone.

Audio MIDI Setup may continue to show advanced options that are not present in the sound settings pane. If a format or channel setting is unavailable for a device, that option is typically controlled by the device driver rather than macOS.

Common problems and next steps

Input remains too loud or too quiet

Select the input device and adjust the input level while monitoring the meter in the app you are using. Begin around the middle of the available range, then increase it only enough to produce a clear signal. Keep the microphone as close as is practical and reduce nearby noise sources before applying more gain.

No sound after changing devices

Check the output device selection first. If the correct device is visible but silent, quit and reopen the affected app. Some applications keep the previous audio device until they are restarted.

Audio MIDI Setup keeps showing old settings

Close Audio MIDI Setup, then reopen it. If a custom configuration returns, the setting is likely stored by the device driver or by another audio utility. Check the software provided by the hardware manufacturer and reset the device from that interface when available.

For deeper reset attempts, search Apple's support site or the device maker's documentation using a phrase such as restore Audio MIDI Setup defaults on Mac for the relevant macOS version. Support pages and driver updates should be obtained through the manufacturer's official website rather than third-party download links.