Ducking controls
Adjust the ducking level on Mac
The right ducking level depends on whether background audio should almost disappear or stay gently audible while you speak.
adjust ducking level Mac
Can you choose how much Mac volume is lowered?
Auto Ducking lets you set the system-output target to 0–20% while the microphone is active. Restore delay decides when the earlier volume returns after microphone use ends; fade down and fade restore make the change less abrupt. If you manually change volume while it is ducked, the app does not automatically restore the old value. These are output-volume controls, not sidechain, compressor, routing, recording, or microphone-processing settings.
Ducking controls worth tuning
A good setup is predictable: quiet enough to speak, not so quiet that background audio disappears unless you want it to.
Ducking level
Choose the lower background volume while the microphone is active.
Restore delay
Delay volume restore so short pauses do not create jumpy audio.
Fade timing
Use fade down and fade restore to make volume changes smoother.
Tune Auto Ducking
01
Choose the ducking level
Set how quiet background audio should become while your microphone is active.
02
Set restore timing
Use restore delay and fade controls so short pauses do not create abrupt volume jumps.
03
Pick app trigger rules
Use every microphone app, selected apps only, or exclusions for workflows that should not trigger ducking.
04
Keep control from the menu bar
Use the menu bar and global hotkeys to pause Auto Ducking, restore volume, or trigger manual ducking.
Control limits
- Auto Ducking adjusts Mac system output volume. It is not an audio editor, recorder, compressor, noise remover, or full per-app mixer.
- Some output devices cannot be controlled by software. Auto Ducking shows an unsupported-output status when macOS does not allow volume control.
- Auto Ducking detects microphone activity so it can change volume. It does not record audio, transcribe speech, or upload microphone audio.
- Do not describe Auto Ducking as replacing professional recording tools or as guaranteeing behavior inside every third-party app.
Ducking controls FAQ
Does Auto Ducking record my microphone?
No. Auto Ducking does not record audio, transcribe speech, or upload microphone audio. It detects microphone activity and adjusts system output volume.
What happens when the microphone turns off?
Auto Ducking restores the previous Mac volume after your chosen restore delay, so short pauses do not cause sudden volume changes.
Can I choose how much the volume is lowered?
Yes. You can set the ducking level, fade down timing, fade restore timing, and restore delay.
Is Auto Ducking a full audio mixer?
No. Auto Ducking is focused on microphone-triggered system volume automation, not full per-app routing, recording, effects, or mastering.
Set the ducking feel once
Choose the lower volume, restore timing, fade behavior, and hotkeys that match your workflow.
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