Where to Find and How to Open Audio MIDI Setup on Mac

Before you start

Audio MIDI Setup is a built-in macOS utility, so you do not need to download anything or sign in to a service. The app runs locally on the Mac and is designed for viewing and configuring audio devices, including microphones and speakers. You may need an administrator account only if a setting requires elevated access; simply opening the app and reviewing most device controls does not require special permissions.

The app is easiest to find if your Mac has been set up at least once and you know which version of macOS you are using. Older systems use a similar location, but labels and sidebar wording can differ between versions.

Step-by-step instructions

The utility is stored in the Utilities folder inside Applications. One reliable way to find it is to use Finder, while Spotlight is often faster if you know the exact app name.

Open it with Spotlight

• Press Command-Space to open Spotlight.
• Type “Audio MIDI Setup” without quotes.
• Wait for the app to appear in the results.
• Select it and press Return.
• If Spotlight does not show it, use the Finder method below instead.

Open it from the Applications folder

• Open Finder.
• From the menu bar, choose Go, then Utilities. Alternatively, open the Applications folder and find Utilities inside it.
• Look for Audio MIDI Setup in the Utilities folder.
• Double-click the app to launch it.

When the app opens, the main window normally shows an Audio Devices section. If it does not appear immediately, choose Window from the menu bar and then select Show Audio Devices.

Understand the main controls

The Audio Devices window lists available input device and output device entries. Select a microphone, interface, or speaker to see its format settings, including sample rate options. Use the input level controls for a microphone or other recording device, but note that macOS may also use separate input volume controls in Sound settings or in an individual app such as a video call tool.

Changes in Audio MIDI Setup can affect how the Mac handles a camera microphone, USB audio interface, or built-in speakers. Where possible, note the original setting before changing it so you can restore it later.

Check the output

To confirm that the app is working, open Audio MIDI Setup and check that your expected audio device is listed. A connected USB microphone or audio interface should normally appear under Audio Devices after being plugged in and recognized. For a built-in microphone or built-in speakers, check that the device is present and not marked as having no controls in a way that prevents selection.

For a microphone, select the device and look at the input level meter while speaking. A changing level suggests the Mac is receiving signal, but the meter alone does not prove that a particular recording or video call app will use that input. For an output device, you can play audio from a source you already know and listen through the selected speaker or headphones. Avoid using Audio MIDI Setup as a full recording tester; it is mainly a configuration utility.

Sample rate and other format options depend on the device. Some built-in Mac devices support several sample rates, while external devices may offer a fixed list. macOS may switch settings automatically for some system operations, so do not assume a manually set sample rate remains in force for every app.

Common problems and next steps

Audio MIDI Setup is not appearing

If Spotlight cannot find the app, open the Utilities folder directly. Search results can be slow to update on a newly set up Mac or when Spotlight is still indexing. The app may also be named with slightly different spacing, but typing “Audio MIDI Setup” should match the built-in utility.

A connected device is missing

• Disconnect and reconnect the device.
• Try a different port or cable if available.
• Check whether the device appears in Apple menu, System Settings, Sound.
• Check the device manufacturer's instructions for Mac setup steps.
• Restart the Mac and reopen Audio MIDI Setup.

A device that works in one app but not another may be selected differently in each app. Many video call and recording apps have their own audio device menus, so an entry in Audio MIDI Setup does not automatically force an app to use that input device or output device.

The microphone sounds quiet or noisy

Select the microphone in Audio MIDI Setup and check the input level meter. If the signal is very low, first confirm that the correct device is selected in the app you are using. Then review input volume in Sound settings and the app's own audio settings. In a noisy environment, reduce background noise at the source by moving closer to the microphone, closing noise sources, or using a directional microphone. Audio MIDI Setup does not include a general background noise removal tool on all Macs, so do not rely on the utility to clean up recorded audio.

Sample rate or format settings are greyed out

Some audio devices do not allow the Mac to change format settings while the device is in use. Close apps that may be using the microphone or output device, then return to Audio MIDI Setup. If the controls remain unavailable, the device may have a fixed format or its own control software.

For system-level sound choices such as the default microphone or alert sounds, use Apple menu, System Settings, Sound. Use Audio MIDI Setup when you need to inspect or configure devices, channels, format options, or aggregate device setups.