Support → SoundSource

How SoundSource works with devices locked in exclusive (“hog”) mode

Some audio applications on the Mac may use output devices in an exclusive “hog” mode. When an audio device is locked in hog mode, other software is completely prevented from accessing it. It is thus not possible for SoundSource to redirect an application’s audio to a device in hog mode, nor to detect audio from an application which is playing to a device in hog mode.

SoundSource detects when an audio device is currently in hog mode, and provides information on the situation.

Attempting to redirect audio to a device in hog mode

If a device in hog mode is selected as the output for an application redirect in SoundSource, no audio will be heard. SoundSource will show a warning to alert you to the problem. To resolve this issue, you’ll want to either take the device out of hog mode, or select a different device for your redirect.

Dealing with applications playing to a device in hog mode

If an audio-playing application is sending its audio to a device in hog mode, SoundSource will not be able to detect it. Mac audio applications which offer hog mode playback include “Audivarna”, “Roon”, and “Tidal”.

When an app is playing to a device in hog mode, it will not appear normally in SoundSource. If the app has been set as a “Favorite” in SoundSource, it will show no activity, and SoundSource’s audio adjustments will have no effect.

To resolve this issue, you’ll want to adjust the application to not play in hog mode. Once you do, it will work as expected with SoundSource.