Are there any alternative ways to switch your Input/Output sound device in OS X? My goal is to avoid going through System Preferences and have as few keystrokes/steps as possible.
macOS – How to Change Sound Device Without Visiting System Preferences
audiomacospreferences
Related Solutions
If you alt-click on the speaker icon in your toolbar you can select output and input devices.
Reset the SMC:
1) Power down the system
2) Unplug all cables except Magsafe
3) Hold down left Shift + Control + Option + Power button for ~5 seconds
4) Boot machine up
This usually solves issues when certain hardware devices on the device itself aren't responding, especially when multiple do not work.
Best Answer
To enable the sound icon on the top menu bar, only once you have to go to System Preferences-> Sound-> Show volume in menu bar
alt/option + click on the Sound icon on the menu bar to get this dropdown and select the desired output or input device