The Input tab ( Figure C) presents devices available for receiving sound inputs. Adjusting the Balance slider bar adjusts sound correspondingly to either left or right channels according to the slider bar’s position.

The Sound’s Output tab notes the headphones are not built-in and updates the Type field to confirm the headphones are connected to the headphone port.Įven seasoned professionals I’ve met forget a Mac’s balance control is present on the Sound pane’s Output tab. For example, my MacBook Air displays built-in Internal Speakers as the output unless I connect headphones, in which case the display updates to read Headphones. Macs automatically adjust and update the display to reflect connected devices. Built-in speakers or headphones, if connected, will appear within this Output window. The Output tab ( Figure B) displays the sound output. The Sound pane has two tabs in addition to Sound Effects: Output and Input.

Play Feedback When Volume Is Changed prompts the Mac to sound audible tones as the system volume is adjusted up or down.

Play User Interface Sound Effects configures the Mac to play sound alerts when certain events occur.

Two additional options are present on the Sound Effects tab. When multiple output devices are present, use the Sound Effects tab’s drop-down box to specify which device should be used when the computer plays back sounds. If the System Preferences icon is not present, click Finder, select Applications within the Favorites submenu, and double-click the System Preferences entry. A Mac’s volume can also be adjusted using the slider bar found on the Sound Effects tab, where users can opt to mute volume by checking the corresponding box.Īnyone having trouble locating System Preferences on a Mac should scan the Dock for the bold gear icon. Subsequently clicking the menu bar’s volume icon prompts a pop-up window to appear from which the slider button can be raised or lowered to adjust the Mac’s output volume. To display volume on the Mac menu bar, open System Preferences, select Sound, and, from the Sound Effects tab, check the box for Show Volume In Menu Bar ( Figure A). Mac users can place a shortcut icon for the volume control on the Mac’s menu bar.

SEE: New user education checklist (Tech Pro Research) A Mac’s F10 key mutes volume, while F11 and F12 incrementally lower and raise volume, respectively. Unlike most standard Windows keyboards, Apple’s elegant Bluetooth-enabled Magic Keyboard and integrated laptop keyboards offer immediate access to muting, lowering, and raising sound volume. New Mac users can quickly familiarize themselves with audio configuration options and settings. Here's a quick tutorial describing each sound element's location and operation on a Mac. Users new to Macs don't need to sweat learning microphone, equalizer, and sound settings. How to properly configure Mac sound preferences

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