Auto Ducking
MarcX Studio

Creator workflow

Mac audio ducking for recording and streaming

Recording and streaming go smoother when background audio steps aside the moment you start talking.

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Auto Ducking
Auto Ducking status panel in dark mode lowering the Mac volume from 80% to 10% while an AI assistant uses the microphone.

01Mac audio ducking recording streaming

When is Auto Ducking useful for recording or streaming?

Auto Ducking adds automatic background-volume control to a Mac recording or streaming setup. When your recording, streaming or screen-capture app turns the microphone on, the system volume fades to your chosen level; when the microphone turns off, it fades back after the restore delay. Save presets for recording and podcast prep, choose only the apps that should trigger it, and use Manual Lower to bring the volume down before you hit record. Global shortcuts let you pause, restore or lower without leaving your recording app, while your recording app keeps capturing as usual.

02Controls

Creator workflows this fits

The best fit is a setup where you want background audio to make room for your voice with no extra steps.

01

Podcast prep

Lower background audio while testing a microphone or recording a quick segment, with a podcast prep preset ready to go.

02

Screen recording

Keep reference audio present but quieter while narrating.

03

Streaming setup

Use Only these apps so your streaming app triggers ducking, or Manual Lower for a quick change on cue.

FIG.01

Set up creator ducking

  1. 01

    Choose the Lower to level

    Set how quiet background audio gets while the microphone is on. Speakers, headphones, displays and AirPods each keep their own level.

  2. 02

    Set the restore delay and fades

    Fade down, wait a moment after the microphone turns off, then fade back, so short pauses never make the volume jump.

  3. 03

    Pick the apps

    Let every microphone app trigger Auto Ducking, only the apps you choose, or every app except the ones you skip.

  4. 04

    Keep control from the menu bar

    Use the status panel or global shortcuts to pause Auto Ducking, Restore Now, Manual Lower, or open the panel from any app.

Auto Ducking Ducking settings with the Lower To level, Restore Delay and the During Calls switch.

03FAQ

Recording and streaming FAQ

What does Auto Ducking do with my microphone?

It checks whether the microphone is in use, and which app turned it on, then adjusts your Mac system volume. Auto Ducking never records, transcribes or uploads audio.

What happens when the microphone turns off?

Auto Ducking waits for your restore delay, then fades your previous volume back. To bring it back straight away, press Restore Now.

Can I choose how much the volume is lowered?

Yes. Set the Lower to level from 0 to 20%, separately for each sound output, and tune the restore delay and fades. Save the combinations you like as presets.

What happens during a video or voice call?

With “During Calls” on, which is the default, the call stays at full volume so you hear everyone, and Auto Ducking lowers the volume only when something else is playing, like music while you dictate. To lower every time the microphone turns on, switch off “During Calls” in Settings > Ducking.

Can I lower the volume before I start recording?

Yes. Manual Lower brings the volume down even while the microphone is off, from the menu bar or a global shortcut. Restore Now brings it straight back.

Add automatic ducking to your setup

Auto Ducking handles mic-triggered output volume from the Mac menu bar.

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04Related Auto Ducking pages

Auto Ducking

Auto Ducking is a Mac microphone volume utility that lowers background audio when your mic becomes active, then restores volume when microphone use ends.

Auto Ducking Privacy

Learn how Auto Ducking handles microphone activity, local settings, usage statistics, optional crash reports, purchases, and support contact data.

Simple mic-triggered ducking vs Mac volume mixers

Compare simple mic-triggered ducking with broader Mac volume mixers, audio recorders, and production tools.

Adjust the ducking level on Mac

Choose how quiet Mac background audio gets while the microphone is active, with restore delay, fade timing, presets, and hotkeys.

Mac menu bar audio utility for mic moments

Auto Ducking is a Mac menu bar audio utility for lowering background audio when your microphone becomes active.

Auto Ducking FAQ

Answers about Auto Ducking microphone detection, privacy, ducking level, restore delay, output devices, hotkeys, trial, and calls.

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