My system consists of a 2011 iMac running Mavericks, and using an external audio interface (iConnectAudio4+) along with a Bluetooth speaker and Airfoil to create a "surround" effect for music while I'm working.
The issue is specific to SoundFlower, which I must use or I can't adjust the computer volume at all (volume control gets greyed out). My routing for this setup is as follows:
Mac Audio Output > SoundFlower > iConnectAudio4+
Airfoil's audio source is typically iTunes and its speakers are the computer, and the Bluetooth speaker. When I have this set up, everything works fine, except that periodically audio will begin to drift and sounds a lot like a warped cassette tape. It's very noticeable especially on any sort of sustained notes (pianos, voice, etc.).
If I remove SoundFlower from the equation and simply route System audio direct to the iConnectAudio4+, the problem goes away but I am no longer able to adjust the Mac audio levels via the OS.
In my experience getting this to work, I have to use Airfoil because any other solution such as simply creating a multi-output device of the audio interface and BT speaker, results in a significant and non-adjustable delay between the two. Airfoil allows for dialing in the latency so that everything is in near perfect sync around me.
My question could be seen as 2 part:
- Is there a way to use this setup as I have described but eliminate the audio warping?
- Is there a different way to set my system up which would give me the same end result (including ability to adjust Mac volume via the OS) but without audio warping?
Best Answer
Apparently the issue may lie in SoundFlowerBed, not SoundFlower itself. But since SFB is an abandoned project... it is unlikely to ever be made more robust.
Fortunately I think I've found a solution, which is Sound Siphon. I'm using it exactly as I would have with SoundFlower - routing my system sound and AirFoil to Sound Siphon, and sending Sound Siphon out to my audio interface.
Seems to be working perfectly, no audio warbling, and I can still adjust my overall system volume with the usual OS controls. Plus, the demo version allows unlimited use of System Audio, which is all I was after... so this solution is even free!