How to get the best sound from your MacBook Pro

Getting the best sound possible from a device doesn’t have to be a goal just for audiophiles. For example, the MacBook Pro M5 features six high-fidelity speakers with force-cancelling woofers, not even including external speaker or headphone options. Buying a MacBook can have some drawbacks, but audio options are usually not one of them. However, those looking to get the most out of their MacBook need to know a few things.

A MacBook Pro user probably knows that the F11 and F12 keys can lower or raise your system volume, but there are additional settings that deserve your attention as well. In addition to setting the audio output on your MacBook, Apple has included options to balance the audio or turn it off completely. Some third-party tools can also help change certain settings, but Apple includes this tool in its Music app.

If you’re really looking to improve the sound of your device, it may be time to consider high-end options. For example, a portable digital-to-analog converter (DAC) can be a great way to upgrade a device via its USB-C port, providing a good introduction to high-resolution audio. Of course, how you want something to sound is ultimately up to you, so check out these MacBook Pro audio options to see if any of them can make your sound a little smoother.

MacBook Pros offer a good variety of audio output options. Besides AirPlay support for streaming audio from a device to your MacBook, you also get built-in speakers or external options like headphones or external speakers. Having these options may be ideal for your needs, but first you need to know where to make the connection on the software side. Luckily, you just need to look in the system settings.

Here are the steps:

1. Access the Apple menu from the menu bar.

2. Choose System Settings.

3. Click Sound in the sidebar.

4. Choose Exit.

5. In this section you can select your audio output. This includes choosing from your AirPlay devices, anything plugged into your audio port, your USB speakers, or even the device’s built-in speakers.

If you have an external audio device connected to your audio port, make sure to select Headphones in the Output list. There are also additional options in the Output menu. This includes using the sliders to adjust the device’s volume or to balance the sound between the left and right speakers. You can also mute the sound with the Mute box.

Users can also adjust the alert volume slider under Sound Effects to increase or decrease the alert volume. Remember, this is based on the main volume of your MacBook. Since Apple still includes headphone jacks on new MacBook models, knowing these settings can be helpful in configuring and fine-tuning your audio.

One way to get the most out of your audio is to use an adjustable equalizer (EQ). An equalizer lets you adjust audio frequency bands, so you can boost the bass or sharpen the treble to dial in the sound you prefer. Unfortunately, if you want to adjust the EQ system-wide, you’ll need third-party software. You can find free options in the Apple App Store, including EQ Studio, rated 4.9 stars. However, the Music app has its own 10-band adjustable EQ.

You can edit each band individually, but there are also 22 presets you can experiment with, including Hip-Hop, Electronic, Rock, Small Speakers, and more. With the Music app open, you can find these settings by selecting the Windows tab and choosing Equalizer. You can also access it via a keyboard shortcut by pressing Option + Command + E. Experiment with the commands to see what you like best.

For those using the Music app, there’s also the Sound Enhancer option, which adjusts the bass and treble response to increase the “perceived width” of the stereo effect. Finding it is easy; just open the Music app, select the Music tab, then choose Settings. Click Play, then you can activate Sound Enhancer. It has a slider for adjustments and it can be turned off if you don’t like it. Of course, don’t forget that you can also enjoy Spatial Audio on a MacBook.