5 Easy Steps to Remove Multi-Output Devices on Mac

Multi-Output Devices on Mac

Have you ever encountered the dreaded “Multiple Output Device” issue on your Mac, where you’re plagued by duplicate audio outputs or an overwhelming number of choices? This can be a frustrating problem, especially when you’re trying to enjoy a seamless audio experience. Fortunately, there are effective solutions to eliminate this issue and restore order to your sound settings. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll delve into the underlying causes of the multiple output device phenomenon and provide step-by-step instructions to help you solve this problem effortlessly.

The root of the multiple output device issue often lies in outdated audio drivers or software conflicts. When these components are not up-to-date, they can cause glitches and inconsistencies in your Mac’s audio settings. Additionally, third-party audio applications or external devices can sometimes introduce their own virtual output devices, further contributing to the clutter. To resolve this, we’ll begin by updating your Mac’s operating system and audio drivers, ensuring that everything is running on the latest and most compatible versions.

If updating your software doesn’t resolve the issue, we’ll proceed to troubleshoot potential conflicts between audio applications and peripherals. We’ll show you how to disable or remove unnecessary virtual output devices and identify any rogue software that may be interfering with your Mac’s audio settings. By systematically eliminating potential culprits, we’ll work towards isolating the source of the problem and restoring a clear and concise list of audio outputs for your Mac.

Identifying the Multi Output Device

A Multi-Output Device (MOD) is a hardware component that allows you to connect multiple audio outputs to a single source. This can be useful for setting up multiple speakers or headphones, or for connecting your computer to an external sound system. If you’re having trouble getting your multi-output device to work, there are a few things you can try to identify the issue:

1. Check your audio settings: The first step is to check your audio settings to make sure that your multi-output device is selected as the default output device. To do this, open the “System Preferences” menu and click on “Sound”. In the “Output” tab, you should see a list of all the available audio outputs on your system. Select the one that corresponds to your multi-output device and click on the “Set Default Output” button.

Name	Description
Internal Speakers	Built-in speakers on your computer
Headphones	Plugged into the headphone jack on your computer
Multi-Output Device	External device that allows you to connect multiple audio outputs

2. Try a different cable: If your multi-output device is not working, it could be due to a faulty cable. Try replacing the cable with a new one and see if that solves the problem.

3. Restart your computer: Sometimes, restarting your computer can fix audio problems. Try restarting your computer and see if that fixes the problem with your multi-output device.

If you’re still having trouble getting your multi-output device to work, you can contact the manufacturer of the device for support.

Disconnecting the Multi Output Device

If you need to get rid of the multi-output device, you can disconnect it from your Mac. To do this, follow these steps:

Unplug the device from your Mac. This will physically disconnect the device from your computer.
Go to the Apple menu and select "System Preferences."
Click on the "Sound" icon.
Select the "Output" tab.
Click on the "Mute" button next to the multi-output device. This will mute the device so that it no longer produces any sound.
Click on the "Remove" button next to the multi-output device. This will remove the device from the list of available output devices.

Additional Information

If you are having trouble disconnecting the multi-output device, you can try the following steps:

Restart your Mac.
Reset the PRAM and NVRAM.
Contact Apple support.

Step	Description
1	Unplug the device from your Mac.
2	Go to the Apple menu and select “System Preferences.”
3	Click on the “Sound” icon.
4	Select the “Output” tab.
5	Click on the “Mute” button next to the multi-output device.
6	Click on the “Remove” button next to the multi-output device.

Removing the Multi Output Device from System Preferences

To remove the Multi Output Device from System Preferences, follow these steps:

1. Open System Preferences

Click on the Apple menu and select “System Preferences.” The System Preferences window will appear.

2. Select “Sound”

In the “System Preferences” window, select the “Sound” pane.

3. Select the “Output” tab

In the “Sound” pane, select the “Output” tab. This will display a list of audio output devices connected to your Mac. Locate the “Multi Output Device” and select it.

The following table provides additional details about the “Output” tab:

Column	Description
Device	The name of the audio output device.
Status	Indicates whether the device is active or inactive.
Balance	Adjusts the balance of the audio between the left and right channels.
Volume	Adjusts the volume of the audio output.
Output format	Specifies the audio format used by the device.

4. Click the “Remove Device” button

Once the “Multi Output Device” is selected, click the “Remove Device” button located at the bottom of the “Output” tab.

5. Confirm the removal

A confirmation dialog will appear. Click “Remove” to confirm the removal of the “Multi Output Device.”

The “Multi Output Device” will now be removed from System Preferences and will no longer be available as an audio output option.

Rebooting the Mac

Rebooting your Mac can often resolve the issue of multiple output devices being detected. Here’s how to do it:

Step 1: Save Your Work

Before rebooting, ensure that you have saved all your work and closed any open applications.

Step 2: Shut Down the Mac

Click on the Apple menu located in the top-left corner of the screen and select “Shut Down.” Alternatively, you can use the keyboard shortcut Control + Command + Q.

Step 3: Power On the Mac

Wait a few minutes for the Mac to shut down completely. Then, press the power button to turn it back on.

Step 4: Check Audio Output Settings

Once the Mac has restarted, navigate to System Preferences > Sound. Under the “Output” tab, ensure that the correct audio output device is selected. You can also use the “Test Output” button to verify the audio output.

Step 5: Verify Multiple Output Devices

Open the MIDI Audio Setup application (Applications > Utilities > MIDI Audio Setup). In the “Audio Devices” window, make sure that no multiple output devices are listed. If there are any extraneous devices, you can remove them by selecting them and clicking the minus button (-).

Resetting the Sound System

If you’re still having trouble getting rid of the multi-output device, you can try resetting your sound system. This will clear all of the settings and preferences for your sound devices, so it’s a good idea to back up any important settings before you proceed.

To reset your sound system, follow these steps:

Click on the Apple menu and select “System Preferences”.
Click on the “Sound” icon.
Click on the “Output” tab.
Select the multi-output device you want to remove.
Click on the “-” button to remove the device.

Click on the “Apply” button to save your changes.

Once you’ve reset your sound system, you should be able to use the “Output” tab to select the sound output device you want to use. If you’re still having trouble, you can try contacting Apple Support for assistance.

Related Information
How to Enable and Use Multi-Output Devices on a Mac
Troubleshooting Multi-Output Devices on a Mac

Updating the Mac’s Operating System

If you’re experiencing issues with a multi-output device, updating your Mac’s operating system can sometimes resolve the problem. Here’s how to do it:

Click on the Apple menu and select “System Preferences”.
Click on “Software Update”.
If there’s an update available, click on “Update Now”.
Your Mac will download and install the update.
Once the update is installed, restart your Mac.

After updating your operating system, try connecting your multi-output device again. If the problem persists, proceed to the next solution.

6. Resetting the NVRAM and SMC

The NVRAM (non-volatile random-access memory) and SMC (system management controller) are two small chips on your Mac’s motherboard that store certain settings. Resetting these chips can sometimes fix problems with multi-output devices.

To reset the NVRAM, follow these steps:

Shut down your Mac.
Press and hold the following keys simultaneously: Option, Command, P, and R.
Turn on your Mac and continue holding the keys for about 20 seconds.
Release the keys and let your Mac boot up.

To reset the SMC, follow these steps:

Mac with a T2 security chip	Mac without a T2 security chip
Shut down your Mac. Press and hold the Control, Option, and Shift keys simultaneously. Press and hold the power button for 7 seconds. Release all keys. Wait 10 seconds. Press the power button to turn on your Mac.	Shut down your Mac. Press and hold the Shift, Control, Option, and power buttons simultaneously for 10 seconds. Release all keys. Wait 5 seconds. Press the power button to turn on your Mac.

After resetting the SMC or NVRAM, try connecting your multi-output device again. If the problem still persists, contact Apple Support for further assistance.

Using a Third-Party Utility

If you’re not comfortable editing system files or prefer a more user-friendly solution, you can use a third-party utility to disable the Multi-Output Device.

Choosing a Third-Party Utility

There are several third-party utilities available that can help you manage audio devices on your Mac. Some popular options include:

Utility	Features
SoundSource	Allows you to select and manage multiple audio outputs and inputs, including Multi-Output Device
Audio Hijack	Provides advanced audio routing and recording capabilities, with support for disabling Multi-Output Device
BlackHole	Lightweight virtual audio driver that lets you create virtual outputs, including a “Null” output that can be used to disable Multi-Output Device

Using the Utility

Once you’ve chosen a third-party utility, follow the instructions provided by the developer to disable the Multi-Output Device. The process may vary depending on the utility you use.

For example, in SoundSource, you can disable Multi-Output Device by selecting it from the list of devices and clicking the “Disable” button.

Consulting with Apple Support

If you’re unable to resolve the issue on your own, you can contact Apple Support for further assistance. Here’s how:

1. Visit Apple’s Support website at support.apple.com.

2. Click on “Mac” under the “Products” section.

3. Select “Audio” from the list of topics.

4. Click on “Multi-Output Device.”

5. Review the troubleshooting steps provided on the page.

6. If the issue persists, click on the “Contact Support” button.

7. Choose the most convenient method of contact (phone, chat, or email).

Contact Information:

Method	Contact Information
Phone	1-800-MY-APPLE (1-800-692-7753)
Chat	Available on Apple’s Support website
Email	Click on the “Email Us” link on Apple’s Support website

Hardware Troubleshooting

If you’re experiencing issues with multiple output devices on your Mac, there are a few hardware troubleshooting steps you can take:

1. Check your cables

Make sure that all cables connecting your output devices to your Mac are securely plugged in. Loose or damaged cables can cause connection problems.

2. Try different ports

If possible, try plugging your output devices into different ports on your Mac. This can help rule out any issues with a specific port.

3. Reset your Mac’s PRAM

Resetting your Mac’s PRAM (Parameter RAM) can resolve many hardware-related issues. To reset your PRAM:

Shut down your Mac.
Press and hold the following keys simultaneously: Command + Option + P + R.
Hold the keys for about 20 seconds until your Mac restarts.

4. Reset your Mac’s SMC

Resetting your Mac’s SMC (System Management Controller) can also resolve hardware issues. The reset procedure varies depending on your Mac model. Refer to Apple’s support website for specific instructions.

5. Test your output devices

To verify if your output devices are functioning properly, connect them to another computer or device. If the devices work on the other device, the issue may lie with your Mac.

6. Install the latest macOS updates

Apple regularly releases software updates that address hardware compatibility issues. Make sure that your Mac is running the latest version of macOS.

7. Check for third-party software conflicts

Certain third-party software applications can interfere with multiple output device functionality. Disable or uninstall any such applications to see if the issue persists.

8. Contact Apple Support

If you’ve tried all the above troubleshooting steps and are still experiencing issues, contact Apple Support. They may be able to provide further assistance or diagnose any underlying hardware problems.

9. Troubleshooting Multiple Audio Outputs

If you’re specifically having trouble with multiple audio outputs:

Issue	Solution
Audio only plays from one output device	Check the audio settings in System Preferences. Make sure that the correct output device is selected.
Audio plays from both output devices simultaneously	Turn off “AirPlay to Multiple Devices” in System Preferences. This feature allows audio to be streamed to multiple output devices at once.
Audio quality is poor or distorted	Try using different cables or ports. Ensure that the output devices are properly connected and that there are no obstructions blocking the audio signal.

Preventing the Issue from Recurring

To prevent the issue of multiple output devices from recurring, follow these steps:

Use a single primary audio output device: In System Preferences > Sound > Output, select the desired audio output device as the primary output.
Disable unused audio output devices: In System Preferences > Sound > Output, deselect or disable any unused audio output devices.
Restart your Mac: This will reset the audio system and remove any temporary glitches that may have caused the issue.
Update macOS: Apple regularly releases updates that address various issues, including audio output problems.
Reset the PRAM and SMC: The PRAM (Parameter Random Access Memory) and SMC (System Management Controller) store important settings for your Mac’s hardware. Resetting them can resolve audio output issues.
Check for third-party software conflicts: Some third-party audio software or plugins can interfere with the audio system. Disable or uninstall any such software to eliminate potential conflicts.
Inspect your audio cables and connections: Loose or damaged cables can cause audio output issues. Ensure that all audio cables are firmly connected and not frayed.
Consider a hardware issue: If none of the above solutions resolve the issue, the problem may lie with the hardware. Contact Apple Support or an authorized repair center for assistance.
Check for Bluetooth interference: If you are using Bluetooth headphones or speakers, ensure that there are no other nearby Bluetooth devices interfering with the connection.
Use the Audio MIDI Setup utility: This utility provides advanced options for managing audio devices on your Mac. You can use it to troubleshoot and resolve complex audio output issues.

Issue	Possible Causes	Solutions
Multiple audio devices listed in Output preferences	– Conflicting software – Loose cables – Hardware issues	– Reset PRAM and SMC – Check cables – Contact Apple Support
Audio output not working on a specific device	– Device disabled – Bluetooth interference – Audio MIDI Setup conflicts	– Enable device – Check Bluetooth – Use Audio MIDI Setup to troubleshoot

How To Get Rid Of Multi Output Device On Mac

If you’re using a Mac, you may have noticed that there is a “Multi Output Device” option in the Sound preferences. This option allows you to send audio to multiple devices at the same time, such as your headphones and speakers. However, you may not always want to use this option, and it can be annoying to have it selected accidentally.

To fix this, you can simply disable the Multi Output Device option. Here’s how:

Open the System Preferences.
Click on the Sound icon.
Click on the Output tab.
Uncheck the box next to “Multi Output Device”.

That’s it! The Multi Output Device option will now be disabled, and you will only be able to send audio to one device at a time.