Live playback readout
Shows the current Apple Music playback format live, including codec, bit depth, and sample rate, so listeners can see what is actually playing instead of relying only on the badge.
Audex Trace
Audex Trace is a macOS Apple Music companion that shows the live playback format, output match status, and queue health before the next track plays. It helps users verify Lossless and Hi-Res playback on their own Mac and test compatibility before buying Pro.
Overview
Audex Trace is a macOS companion for Apple Music listeners who want to verify what their Mac is actually doing during playback. It focuses on the gap between Apple Music’s badge and the real playback path: the active format, the Mac output device’s sample rate, and the state of the upcoming queue.
The app is built for Music.app playback on macOS 15 and later. The free download includes Compatibility Check and a limited preview so users can confirm detection on their own machine before buying Pro, while the Pro version adds live playback readout, output match status, queue estimates, and optional sample-rate matching for compatible devices.
Core features
Output match status
Compares Apple Music playback with the selected Mac output device to make sample-rate mismatches visible, such as a Hi-Res track playing while the output remains fixed at another rate.
Automatic sample-rate matching
Offers optional Auto Sample Rate Match for supported output devices to reduce manual switching, while noting that device and route support still determine what can be controlled.
Playing Next queue preview
Provides a compact Playing Next view that can show up to three upcoming Apple Music tracks without leaving the player, so queue changes stay visible while listening.
Queue quality and skip warnings
Estimates upcoming queue quality and can flag best-effort skip risks in Pro when enough metadata is available, giving earlier warning before the next track reaches playback.
Multiple lightweight views
Works in compact, menu bar, and optional notch views so playback details stay close at hand while the session continues in the background.
Common use cases
Verify the live playback format
Check whether a track that Apple Music labels as Lossless or Hi-Res Lossless is actually playing at the expected codec, bit depth, and sample rate on your Mac.
Debug sample-rate mismatches
Compare the current Apple Music stream with your Mac’s selected output device to spot a mismatch before you assume the DAC or interface is malfunctioning.
Confirm your Mac is supported
Use the free Compatibility Check on your own machine before paying for Pro, especially if your setup depends on a specific output device or route.
Review the next queue items
Keep an eye on the next few tracks in the queue so you can see estimated quality or possible skip risk before a transition interrupts playback.
Monitor playback in the background
Use the resident player, menu bar panel, or optional notch view to keep playback details visible while working in other apps.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Shows playback format and Mac output status together instead of relying on the Apple Music badge alone.
- Includes a free Compatibility Check before purchase so users can test detection on their own Mac.
- Keeps playback details visible in lightweight player, menu bar, and notch views.
- Does not require Apple Music sign-in and does not upload audio or listening history.
- Pro can surface upcoming queue quality and possible skip issues before the next track interrupts playback.
Cons
- Some detection and queue warnings depend on the macOS version, Apple Music settings, output route, and device support.
- Skip-risk signals are described as best-effort warnings, not a guaranteed way to detect every problematic track.
- The pricing page is not available on the site, so purchase details beyond the launch and regular price shown on the homepage should be treated carefully.
FAQ
What platforms does Audex Trace support?
Audex Trace is built for macOS 15 and later. The source material describes it as a local Mac utility for Apple Music playback monitoring and notes that it is distributed as a signed and notarized Mac app through GitHub Releases.
What is included in the free version?
The free download includes Compatibility Check, basic detection, basic now playing, and a limited preview so you can confirm detection on your own Mac before buying Pro.
What does the Pro version add?
Pro adds live playback readout, output match status, optional Auto Sample Rate Match for compatible devices, estimated queue quality, and best-effort skip warnings for some queued-track issues.
Does Audex Trace upload my music or listening history?
No. The source says Audex Trace does not require Apple Music sign-in and does not upload audio or listening history.
Should I check compatibility before buying Pro?
The site recommends running the free Compatibility Check on the Mac you plan to use, because detection depends on what macOS and Apple Music expose on that machine.
Quick Facts
- Category
- Apple Music companion
- Platform
- macOS 15+
- Primary app
- Music.app / Apple Music
- Distribution
- Signed and notarized Mac app via GitHub Releases
- Privacy
- No Apple Music sign-in; no audio or listening-history upload
- Website
- trace.audex.dev
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