Output volume defines the maximum volume that sound-playing applications can emit, so if you set Output volume at 75 percent and then play a song in iTunes with the iTunes volume at 50 percent, the song plays at 37.5 percent of the Mac’s maximum output capacity. (Optional) Select (or deselect) the Show Volume in Menu Bar check box.
This works system-wide so that your entire Mac OS X machine produces louder, better and enhanced volume all the time! Advanced Audio Player- Knowing the desires of Audiophiles, Boom 3D comes with a full-fledged audio player that allows you to organize your favorite tracks into playlists and enjoy the sensational studio quality sound, right on. There's a hidden volume control in your Mac menu bar. Menu bar applications on Mac give you quick access to your most important settings. But with this trick, you can control even more from the.
It’s not a secret that MacBook doesn’t have the best sound system among laptops. Very often the sound of some YouTube videos is so low, so I have to put the MacBook on my chest to hear when I am in a noisy environment. I researched various ways to amplify sound on MacBook and here is what I found.
So, how to make Mac volume louder than maximum? There are multiple ways to make volume louder ranging from DIY equalizers to paid tools such as Boom 3D and its alternatives. There also browser plug-ins to which amplify sound when watching YouTube or Netflix in Chrome. However, anyone using those tools must be aware of possible negative effects.
Is this an OS problem?
I read in some forums that the problem with the low sound level on Macs is because Apple intentionally limits the max volume to protect the speakers. To test this hypothesis I used the MacBook with both macOS and Windows (Bootcamp) installed.
I used NIOSH Sound Level Meter to measure the sound output. I also used the same video on YouTube and the same browser (same version) with all sound controls set to maximum. While I understand that this is not the perfect setting it’s as close I could get. How to make a website an app on mac.
During the test, I found that macOS was louder than Windows by 10.3 dB. Another myth debunked!
macOS settings
Before trying to use non-traditional methods make sure that the settings on the MacBook are properly set. If they are not then simply settings them properly may be enough at this point.
Go to System Preferences (link) and click on the Sound panel. In the dialog box click on Sound tab
First, make sure that the Balance is set in the middle. If you move the Balance all the way to the left then right speakers will be muted.
Next, make sure that the Mute box is unchecked. If it is checked then obviously will be no sound at all.
If you check the box “Show volume in the menu bar” then you will be able to control the volume level from the menu bar. Moving the volume slider in this dialog or from the menu bar has the same effect as using F11/F12 keys on the keyboard or volume control on the Touch Bar.
Tip
If you are using F11/F12 keys the volume level changes in big increments, so it is hard to set the exact sound level you need. In this case, use hold Shift and Option (Alt) keys with F11 and F12. You will be able to change the volume in quarter increments and get the precise volume level.
MacBook volume suddenly low
Sometimes the sound volume gets low all of a sudden. While there are multiple reasons for this the two most common fixes are:
1Force Quitting all applications or restarting the computer. Some applications take control of the speakers and do not properly release. It happens with Safari a lot. Another application that has this problem is Team Viewer.
With TV you can either force quit after the session or uncheck the “Computer sound” option. Time calculator app mac. Restarting computer is another way of quitting all applications.
2 Resetting NVRAM/PRAM and SMC. NVRAM and PRAM keep a lot of settings in the memory including some information about speakers. When those settings got corrupted they may prevent changing the sound volume on MacBooks.
If you need instructions on resetting them check my other article: 18 Ways to Fix MacBook Black Screen
How to increase volume in iTunes
If iTunes is your main app to listen to the music and podcasts or watch movies there is a way to boost its volume.
Start iTunes. And then either go to Equalizer item from Window menu or use Command+Option(Alt)+E key combination.
This will bring up an Equalizer window where you can either choose a preset (the default is Flat) or boost all frequencies manually. I decided to do the latter and compare volume before and after with the same music file.
When I only increase Preamp to the max the volume did increase by about 4dB according to my app. The sound was noticeably higher and at times painfully so for my ears. When I maxed out all frequency bands the sound got distorted, but the volume got higher by an additional dB (5dB total).
Note: I am not a sound expert so I used the sound test I found from the internet which was already recorded on a very high level. It is possible that if I had the sound file with a lower level I would get even better results. But the point of the exercise does not accurately measure the sound but rather find out ways to boost the sound on the Mac beyond the max.
Other media players
If you watching downloaded movies or DVD I recommend trying another very popular app – VLC media player. You can download a DMG file (installation package) from here.
Right off the bat VLC is louder then iTunes by about 2.5dB (in my test) if you just set the volume of the player to the maximum.
Then if you go to VLC Preferences and click on Audio tab, there will be an “Always reset audio start level to” setting which by default is set to 100%. I moved it up all the way to 200% and tested the sound again. This time the gain over base iTunes level was 5.5dB.
Then I found VLC Equalizer. To get to it go to Window menu and then click on Audio Effects or simply use Shift+Command+E key combination. I enabled Preamp and set it to the max. This time the level was higher by 6.5dB over base iTunes measurement. I had to use headphones for testing to avoid damaging my ears.
Raising Youtube and Netflix volumes
While we found out the way to boost volumes for music and movies played by iTunes and other media players it doesn’t help with YouTube clips or Netflix movies because they require internet browsers to watch.
Fortunately, if there is a need to do something in Chrome there is almost always a plug-in for it. One of the best Chrome extensions for this purpose is “Ears: Bass Boost, EQ Any Audio!”.
After installing it in Chrome click on the new icon in the extension bar. The configuration menu can also be opened in the full window.
The basic version of the extension is free, but if needed one can upgrade to Pro version for $0.99 per month.
Again, I compared the sound volume of YouTube clip before and after volume boost in Ears plug-in.
And yes, the plug-in has delivered. The boost from the free version was about 5.3dB.
So, if you looking to increase volume on anything you watch or listen on Chrome browser then Ears extension is exactly what you need.
So far we explored some options to boost sound in specific applications on Mac: iTunes, VLC, browsers. But I don’t want to have multiple ways to do the same, I want to have one way to boost audio system-wide.
Is this possible? The answer is yes. First, let’s review some paid tools and then see if we can find some free alternatives.
Commercial apps to boost audio system wide
Audio Hijack from Rogue Amoeba
Audio Hijack was on the market for many years. It has lots of functions including capturing audio from any app and device on Mac, podcast recording, etc. I am only interested in volume pumping functionality the app provides. The app is very expensive: $59 for a single license, but they allow to download a trial version which I used for testing.
After download click on New session, choose Increase volume from the Templates. I tested 2x and 4x override options. Again, I used iTunes clip, but first I turned off equalizer settings.
At 2x boost the sound level increase by 3.6dB (almost the same as iTines with Preamp), at 4x it was even higher by 5.6dB (a little less than VLC media player maximum).
Boom 3D
Another paid app is Boom 3D from Global Delight. They used to have quite popular Boom 2 app which was discontinued. The new app costs less than Audio Hijack: $39.99. I don’t know how often they do promotions, but at the time of writing they were selling their app for $19.99 ($20 discount).
Similar to Audio Hijack Boom 3D can be downloaded as a 30-day trial version. But unlike the app from Rogue Amoeba Boom 3D requires installation. After the installation you need to restart your Mac (very annoying) because Boom replaces the built-in output with its own driver.
After restarting the Mac they ask to sign up on the logon screen. You can skip sign up part by clicking on the button in the top right corner, which I did to avoid giving them a bogus email.
But boy, it was worth all the hassle. I move the boost level to the max and ran the same iTunes test and Boom 3D came out as a winner. The increase was highest with 7.3dB total improvement.
Another cool thing about Boom: they provide application level audio control. It’s very handy when you want to have iTunes play back on the background, but need incoming messages from Slack be loud so they don’t get lost.
To uninstall Boom click on hamburger icon in the top right corner, select About and at the bottom of About screen click on “Uninstall Boom 3D” button.
Boom 3D alternatives
Some users recommended EqMaq2 as an alternative to Boom 3D.
Installation process is even more demanding than Boom’s. First, it required a driver update, then permissions to change the system. Fortunately, it didn’t require restart this time.
First, I thought it increases the volume too, but it only works as an equalizer. So if you need a system wide equalizer (for instance, when you run Spotify) then EqMaq2 could be a perfect tool for the purpose.
What’s good about EqMaq2 is that it’s free because it’s an open source software. Obviously, donations are welcome because even open source developers need money.
Another thing I liked about EqMaq2: it was easy to uninstall by clicking on Uninstall button on the main screen.
DIY booster (free)
Since EqMaq2 did not do what I needed, and I didn’t want to pay for commercial apps I decided to try a DIY option.
The steps are following:
Well, the results were more than underwhelming. The sound thru AU Lab was in fact 9dB lower than with iTunes baseline!
Word of caution
I must say that some of the boosters are very effective, so I need to warn readers about two things:
When I was researching this topic I found several users complaining that Boom and other apps damaged their MacBook speakers. How to move apps on mac. I believe they were trying to use MacBook as DJ equipment.
If you need super loud music I suggest to buy good external speakers instead using volume booster apps. The good reason to use latter is to raise the volume of audio files which were recorded on a low level.
Any sound over 85dBA can cause hearing damage. If you are in the environment where the noise is over 85dBA for 8 hours the damage to the hearing can be permanent. The level of 100dBA can cause permanent damage after 15 minutes!
Conclusion
If you need to boost the volume level in iTunes you can do it inside the app. The boost you get is comparable to the most commercial apps.
If you need to improve the audio of YouTube or Netflix videos install Ears Chrome extension and watch the movies in the Chrome browser.
If you need system wide volume booster go with Boom 3D. It’s cheaper than Audio Hijack and provides the most powerful boost from all solutions we covered in this post.
If you must connect external speakers to your laptop to enjoy the music or watch a movie then you must try to install a Sound Booster for your Laptop on Windows 10. One thing, which all of you will agree is the fact that Laptops are compact devices and include smaller parts as compared to a desktop and hence the output can below.
However, the audio mixer in Windows 10 does not always produce the optimum sound it is capable of. Try using the VLC player and you will instantly observe the difference. However, if you want to increase the overall sound of your Windows 10 while playing games and streaming videos on YouTube, then you can go for one of the volume boosters for Windows 10 laptop listed below:
List of 8 Best Sound Boosters for Windows 10, 8, 7 Laptop and Desktop
Here is the list of 8 best PC volume boosters to increase the sound of speakers:
1. Boom 3D
Download Boom 3D From Button Below
With over 40 million users of the Boom 3D app for macOS and iOS, the parent company Global Delight Apps decided to release this app for Windows 10 finally. The reason for the success of the Boom 3D app is the fact that it is easy to use and increases the volume on Windows 10. This app is designed on 3D Surround Audio Engine Algorithm, which is a patented technology and can calibrate acoustic sensations. Other features which make Boom 3D the best sound booster for laptops in Windows 10 include:
Click here to download.
2. FxSound
FX Sound is an amazing application to boost the sound on Windows 10 and supports a low-resolution output. This equalizer is compatible with all output methods such that you can even connect a jukebox to your PC and enjoy the adjusted sound. It has an easy to use interface and is fully compatible with Windows 10. Other features include:
Click here to download one of the best volume boosters for Windows 10 laptops.
3. Equalizer APO
If you have been wondering how to increase the volume on your laptop for free, then Equalizer APO is just the app for you. It is an open-source and light-weight application and does not consume much of your CPU’s resources. Other features of this sound booster for laptop on windows 10 include:
Support for an unlimited number of channels
VST Plugins supported
An infinite number of filters.
No latency issues
Compatible Voicemeeter and Peace Interface.
Another feature worth mentioning is the graphical user interface which is rather not designed for simplicity, and the options are placed as a raw application. However, to overcome this issue, you can install Peace Interface, which redefines the interface and gives you control to boost the sound on Windows 10.
Click here to download.
4. Fidelizer Audio Enhancer
Fidelizer volume booster for Windows 10 laptop is an application, which optimizes your system to enhance the sound to an optimal level. It is compatible with most of the software like YouTube, VLC, Spotify, etc. and support streaming services like Qobuz and Tidal. The optimization carried out will last only until one active session of your computer. Once the computer is restarted, then you will have to rerun the application and optimize your computer again. Other features include:
Fidelizer is available in three versions: Fidelizer Plus, Fidelizer Pro and the free version with limited options.
Click here to download.
5. Ear Trumpet
Ear Trumpet is not exactly a separate app to boost the sound on Windows 10 but more of an addon to the default Windows 10 Audio Mixer. It enables the user to control the individual volume of all the applications opened on your system. The setup is quite simple, and with a single click allows you to choose between the playback devices. Ear Trumpet is available for free on the Microsoft Store. Other features of this efficient volume booster for Windows 10 laptop include:
Click here to download.
Also Read: 10 Best Desktop Speakers For Your Computer
6. Voice Meeter
A free sound booster for a laptop for Windows 10, Voice Meeter, can fine-tune all the audio streams played in your computer individually. Unlike Ear Trumpet which allows the users only to increase or decrease the volume levels of an individual app, Voice Meeter allots an individual equalizer to every app. It also allows the users to record the desktop audio while sidelining any other sounds and voices. Voice Meeter offers limitless possibilities, but to understand and use this app to the best of its abilities, one must read the tutorial or watch YouTube explaining the features of this app. However, for the time being, you can simply download it for free and use it to increase the volume on Windows 10.
Make Your Volume Louder Apps
Click here to download.
7. Viper4Windows
Another resolution on how to increase volume on your laptop is to download and install Viper4Windows. This application is a community-driven project and has released two versions of the software, one for Windows and the other one for Android. If you have installed custom ROMS of the Android Operating System on your mobile, then you will observe that many of these ROMS have Viper4Android as the default audio software. Some of the features, which make Viper4Windows as one of the best volume boosters for Windows 10 laptop include:
Click here to download.
8. Audio Retoucher
If you are looking for a simple sound booster for a laptop on Windows 10, then Audio Retoucher is probably the application you are looking for. It was developed, keeping in mind, users who are not tech-savvy and are only concerned to increase volume in Windows 10. Most important features include:
Open apps through terminal mac download. Click here to download.
Your Choice on Best Sound Boosters for Windows 10 Laptop and Desktop.Louder Volume Laptop
It is completely up to you to choose the best application to boost the sound of your Windows 10. However, with increasing the volume of the audio, you can boost the bass and treble only as well as introduce effects like echo, set modes according to genres and much more. In short, you can create an awesome experience out of a simple piece of music. This software generally does not consume much of the CPU resources but allows your laptop’s inbuilt speakers to produce output to their maximum capacity, something which they were designed for in the first place.
Louder Volume App Macbook
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