BetterAudio

The advanced audio management tool for macOS.
Put complete control over your sound environment directly in the menu bar. Switch devices, manage volume per-app, transcribe via AI, and customize your HUD without disrupting your workflow.

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Features

BetterAudio is packed with features to give you granular control over your Mac's audio.

Advanced Audio Control

• 🆕 Per-app volume control (Beta): Adjust volume for individual applications independently.
• 🆕 External Monitor Control (Beta): Control the volume of external monitors directly via DDC.
• Device Management: Quick switching between audio input and output devices.
• Audio Sharing: Play audio on two devices at once (Multi-Output).
• Detailed Device Info: View technical details for each specific audio device.
• Priority System: Organize your device list by priority, or hide/blacklist unwanted devices entirely.
• System Volume: Change the global system volume directly from the menu bar slider.

AI & Media Productivity

• Local AI Transcription: Dictate and quickly transcribe text using privacy-focused local Parakeet AI models.
• Force Media Keys: Force media keys (Play/Pause/Next) to always control your selected player (Spotify, Apple Music), even if another app is focused.
• Volume Key Routing: Redirect system volume keys (F11/F12) to control the specific volume of Spotify or Apple Music instead of the global macOS volume.
• Now Playing: A dedicated section showing the currently playing track and media info.

UI & Experience

• Custom HUD: Beautiful on-screen notifications when adjusting volume, muting, or switching devices.
  • Custom positioning: Place the HUD where you want it.
  • Extended time: Adjust how long the HUD stays visible.
• Smart Muting: Quick microphone muting by clicking the icon, with various status icons to indicate state.
• Global Shortcuts: Customizable keyboard shortcuts for adjusting volume, switching devices, and opening the panel.
• Visual Customization: Full control over components and icons displayed in the menu bar.

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Installation

To unlock full functionality (including Per-App Volume Control), please install both the app and the audio driver.

1. Download Files: Go to the Latest Release and download both:
   • BetterAudio.zip (The Application)
   • BetterAudioDriver.pkg (The Audio Engine)
2. Install App: Unzip the file and drag BetterAudio to your /Applications folder.
3. Install Driver: Run BetterAudioDriver.pkg and follow the installer prompts.
4. Restart: Restart your Mac to load the new audio driver.
5. Setup: Launch BetterAudio and set it as your system output to start managing your sound.

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Licensing & Support

BetterAudio is free to use with a solid set of core features. If you enjoy the app and want to support its development, you can purchase a Lifetime Support license.

Prices: 29.99 PLN / 7.99 EUR / 9.99 USD.

Why buy a Support License?

1. Support the project directly: Help cover backend infrastructure, security work, and ongoing maintenance.
2. Unlock premium features: Gain access to power-user tools detailed below.
3. Risk-free Trial: New users receive a time‑limited trial with all premium features unlocked.

Feature Comparison

Feature	Free Core Version	Support License
Input/Output Switching	✅	✅
Per-App Volume Control (Beta)	✅	✅
External Monitor Control (Beta)	✅	✅
Local AI Dictation	✅	✅
Priority Device System	✅	✅
Force Media Keys (Play/Pause Priority)	✅	✅
Audio Sharing (Multi-output)	❌	✅
Volume Keys Routing (Spotify/Apple)	❌	✅
Compact "Now Playing"	❌	✅
Custom Mute/Dictation HUD Position	❌	✅
Extended HUD Display Time	❌	✅

Note: You don’t need a license to use BetterAudio. But if you find it useful, a Support license is the best way to say “thank you”—and you get powerful extra workflows in return.

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