Support → SoundSource

Avoiding distortion which could occur as a result of the “Head Tracked” setting provided by Apple’s AirPods and Beats

Due to a bug in MacOS, using SoundSource along with the Head Tracked spatial audio setting provided by AirPods and some Beats headphones had the potential to cause audio distortion. This issue has been reported to Apple, and we’re hopeful it will be fully resolved in a future update to MacOS.

Until then, however, SoundSource acts to prevent distorted audio from occurring. In SoundSource 6.0.6 and higher, the app automatically deactivates the Head Tracked setting when necessary. You should expect clear audio when using AirPods and Beats headphones.

Audio processing is disabled for older versions of SoundSource

In SoundSource 5, as well as earlier versions of SoundSource 6, audio processing is disabled when the Head Tracked setting has been detected on a device. The app also displays a warning triangle next to the system output, and any other applications using that same output:

When that ⚠️ is clicked, SoundSource will display a notice to explain what has occurred:

If you wish, you can leave the Head Tracked setting enabled, but this will mean SoundSource’s audio processing is deactivated for any apps sending audio to your AirPods. At present, we instead recommend turning the Head Tracked setting off.

Turning off head tracking temporarily

The Spatial Audio options for AirPods and Beats devices are controlled on a per-app basis, via the Sound controls available in the Control Center. When an app is playing audio that can be configured with spatial audio options, the Spatial Audio (or Spatialize Stereo) section is shown, as seen here:

In this section, you can switch between three options. Turning this to Off or Fixed will allow SoundSource to reactivate its audio processing.

Preventing head tracking completely

Rather than disabling head tracking on an app-by-app basis, you may wish to disable it completely on your Mac. MacOS offers an accessibility option which can do just that. This can be found in the System Settings app, under the Accessibility section’s Audio settings. Click this link to open it on your Mac.

When the Spatial audio follows head movements option is disabled as pictured above, the Head Tracked setting will no longer be offered by MacOS. You will then always be able to apply effects from SoundSource to audio heard through your device.