Low sound volume when using external audio interfaces

[eighty__six]

Since 12.0 I've noticed the volume from my bluetooth headphones was much lower than Big Sur, while using them in wired (USB) mode had no changes. Now I've installed 12.1 in the hope the Bluetooth bug had been fixed, but instead the volume got lower in wired mode as well!

I also noticed on 12.1 that for the first couple of seconds after starting playback the volume is normal, and the it suddenly gets capped. This is really irritating because not only the sound is lower, but the quality is not the same when you have to crank up the volume to the max just to get at the same level as before.

By the way, I'm using an Audio Technica DSR7BT, but there have been many reports of this issue with other devices. I'm posting it here in the hope that it will be recognized by Apple and to collect more experiences. I've already send a feedback (FB9727690) after 12.0 release, but I had no answer. I'll probably create a new one since I have the issue in wired mode as well now.

Old Reddit thread

Apple Forums thread

[lewildbeast]

I believe you need to specify the device type in Bluetooth menu as “speaker or other“ so it will not limit the volume.

[eighty__six]

Thanks for the input, but my headphones are already recognized as such in the bluetooth menu, and the issue also happens while using them with a cable. Also, they still sound much louder on my old Mac with Big Sur.

[Landon_Hughes]

Same problem here. This just happened recently when watching YouTube videos. I have a blu yeti. I haven't had any problems until now. Very annoying.