Apple - How to stop sound output switching to a monitor when it gets plugged in?
I have multiple devices I connect to my mac and for some they had the same issue.
The work around (or actual fix) is to open 'Audio MIDI setup' in your Applications>Utility and:
- Click + in the lower left corner.
- Click Create Aggregate Device
- Turn off/on the inputs/outputs sound based on needs.
I made an app for this. It allows you to pin input/output so it cannot be changed for every particular set of connected devices.
You just need to specify a preferred audio device once and the Mac system will remember your choice and won't switch the next time.
- Open System Preferences -> Sound.
- Opt-in "Show Volume in menu bar", you will see a sound icon on the status bar.
- Connect to your monitor if not.
- Click on the icon and choose a preferred output device.
- Disconnect monitor and retry, you will see the system remembered your choice.