VolumeHub

What is VolumeHub?

VolumeHub is a macOS utility for controlling the audio level of individual apps independently. Instead of adjusting your overall output volume, it lets you change each app’s volume from a dedicated interface.

The app is built on Apple’s native Audio Tap API, aiming to provide per-app controls without third-party audio drivers or kernel extensions. It also includes real-time audio meters, output device switching from the menu bar, and additional per-app audio options.

Key Features

• Per-app volume control (0–100%): Adjust each running app’s output level independently, useful when one app (e.g., during calls) is louder than others.
• Live audio meters: Displays which apps are producing sound and how loud they are in real time.
• Output device picker in the menu bar: Switch the audio output device with one click instead of opening System Settings.
• Per-app 10-band equalizer (EQ): Shape the sound for each app using a 10-band EQ, with 17 built-in presets and the option to create and save your own.
• Focus Audio (auto-ducking): When a call or focus source is active, VolumeHub can automatically reduce other apps’ audio so the focus source is clearer.
• Simple and Pro modes: Simple mode focuses on quick volume control; Pro mode unlocks EQ, audio meters, Focus Audio, and device routing.
• Multiple view densities: Switch between Compact, Comfort, and Full density modes to match how much detail you want.

How to Use VolumeHub

1. Install VolumeHub from the Mac App Store and open it on macOS 14.2 Sonoma or later.
2. Use the menu bar popover to view per-app controls and adjust each app’s volume independently.
3. If you need deeper control, switch to Pro mode to access the per-app EQ, live meters, Focus Audio behavior, and output device routing.
4. Use the output device picker from the menu bar to route audio to the device you want without leaving your current workflow.

Use Cases

• Lower a chat or meeting app during a call: If music is too loud while you’re on a call, reduce the music app’s level without changing your call volume.
• Diagnose which app is playing audio: Use live meters to quickly identify which apps are producing sound and check relative loudness.
• Tailor sound per app with EQ: Apply different EQ presets (or your own saved settings) for specific apps like music, video, or games.
• Reduce distractions when Focus or a call starts: Enable Focus Audio so other apps automatically duck when a call or focus source becomes active.
• Switch audio outputs on the fly: Move between headphones, speakers, or other output devices using the menu bar picker instead of navigating through System Settings.

FAQ

Does VolumeHub require kernel extensions or audio drivers?
No. The product page states it uses Apple’s native Audio Tap API and does not rely on kernel extensions or audio drivers.

What macOS versions are supported?
VolumeHub requires macOS 14.2 Sonoma or later.

What Macs can run it?
The page lists support for Apple Silicon and Intel Macs.

Is VolumeHub doing any data collection?
The page states 0 data collected and specifies no analytics, no telemetry, no tracking, and no network requests.

What’s the difference between Simple and Pro modes?
Simple mode provides quick per-app volume control. Pro mode adds EQ, audio meters, Focus Audio, and audio device routing.

Alternatives

• macOS System Settings / Sound volume controls: Useful for changing overall output volume, but they don’t provide per-app independent volume or per-app EQ.
• Other per-app audio control tools (category: per-app volume/effects utilities): These also aim to manage app-specific audio levels, though implementation details (e.g., reliance on system-level audio hooks vs native APIs) may differ.
• Digital audio equalizer apps (category: system-wide or device EQ tools): Often focus on shaping audio across the system or for specific devices; they may not target individual apps.
• Focus/Do Not Disturb workflows with audio emphasis (category: automation-focused utilities): Can reduce distractions during focus modes, but may not provide the same per-app volume control, meters, or per-app EQ.