I need an audio mixer for my mac!

July 16, 2009 3:18 PM

[Mac Audio Filter] Help me find a software "mixer board" for my mac! Specifics inside

First the details of what I've got, and then what I want.

I have a mac with several input options, default sound card line in, built in microphone, usb microphone, Griffin iMic and so on.

I have multiple output options as well, the default sound card line out, and the iMic.

Now what I want is a software audio mixing board. Some piece of software that would allow me collect sound from multiple sources above in to individual channels, adjust their volume indipendantly, and then choose which line out to route the final mixed audio. Recording is not necessary, but real-time output is.

End result is allowing me to talk on a voice service like skype or ventrillo, and be able to play sound effects, music, plug in multiple mics, etc.

Does this magical piece of software exist or am I just going to have to purchase the hardware. Since this is just for goofing around, and not pro-audio I'd prefer not to have a big mixer sitting on my desk.

posted by NeonBlueDecember to computers & internet (4 comments total)

How about something like this: http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/PV6/

It's hardware but tiny and inexpensive, and its hands-on with multiple mic ins and outs.
posted by Spacelegoman at 4:28 PM on July 16

You might find Rogue Amoeba's Freebies useful for some of this, or at least easy switching and control. Soundflower is a super handy tool that lets you route audio _inside_ your mac, e.g. from one application to another. It looks like you can probably do all you need with Soundflower and Soundflowerbed (same page). If not, there's always Jack, which is ultra powerful but not the easiest to work with.
posted by zachlipton at 5:27 PM on July 16

Also, I believe you may not be able to input from the sound card line in and the built-in microphone at the same time. Similarly, you probably can't output to the sound card line out and the Mac's built-in speaker(s). This is a hardware limitation on most if not all Macs.

Finally, if you're looking to move up and handle more external inputs/outputs, MOTU's gear comes with pretty powerful software mixer tools. It's not the cheapest stuff, but something like the UltraLight would be pretty small on your desk.
posted by zachlipton at 5:33 PM on July 16

It looks like soundflower will work perfectly for what I need! Thanks!
posted by NeonBlueDecember at 5:58 PM on July 16