Frequently asked questions

Straight, honest answers to what people ask most. Don’t see your question? The rest of these docs go deeper — and if you’re still stuck, reach out.

• Is mixr free?

  mixr has a genuinely complete free tier — per-app volume, the mic kill switch, auto-duck, device management, and the Setup Advisor are all free, and free to use for as long as you like. Some advanced options are part of Pro. Free isn't a crippled trial; it's a real tool you can keep.
• Does mixr need a subscription?

  No. mixr is a one-time purchase, not a subscription. You own it. There's no monthly fee and no recurring charge to keep using what you bought.
• What does mixr do that macOS doesn't?

  macOS gives you one volume for everything. mixr gives you one per app — turn your music down without touching your call, boost a quiet app past 100%, and set levels that stick. It also keeps your mic from switching to whatever plugged in last, ducks your audio for calls, and reads your hardware to flag the things macOS quietly gets wrong.
• How is mixr different from other audio apps?

  There are excellent audio apps for the Mac, and depending on what you need, one of them may suit you better — we'd rather you find the right tool than the wrong one. mixr's focus is honesty about your hardware and staying out of your way: no audio drivers, no virtual devices, almost no CPU, and no telemetry. It tells you what it can and can't do with your specific gear rather than faking controls that don't really work. If that's what you're after, mixr is built for it.
• Can mixr mute one browser tab?

  No — mixr controls audio per application, so it can mute or adjust your whole browser, but it can't reach inside to silence one tab while another keeps playing. Browsers don't expose that to outside apps. mixr is always clear about whether it's controlling the app or something narrower.
• Why can't mixr mute my audio interface?

  Some devices — many professional interfaces like a Focusrite Scarlett or Astro A50 — don't let macOS mute them in software; their controls live on the hardware. mixr tells you honestly rather than faking a mute, and points you to the real control.

  See: Why can't mixr mute my audio interface?

• Does mixr collect any data?

  No. mixr has no account, no analytics, and no telemetry. It works entirely on your Mac — nothing about your audio, your apps, or your devices leaves your machine.

  See: Privacy

• Does mixr use audio drivers or virtual devices?

  No. mixr uses no kernel extensions, no audio drivers, and installs no virtual audio devices. Quit mixr and every app returns to normal instantly. This is also why it uses almost no CPU.
• What do I need to run mixr?

  macOS 26 or later, on an Apple Silicon Mac.
• Will mixr slow down my Mac?

  No. mixr runs at almost zero CPU. It observes and adjusts audio levels; it doesn't sit in your audio path processing everything, so there's nothing to slow down.
• What happens if I quit mixr?

  Every app immediately returns to its normal volume, and your mic is restored to live. mixr never leaves your system in a changed state — quit it and everything is as macOS would have it.
• Can I use mixr on more than one Mac?

  Yes — a license covers up to three of your Macs. You can move a license between machines by deactivating one and activating another. If you need more than three, you can get an additional license.
• I have a problem or a feature request — how do I reach you?

  We read everything. If something's broken, or mixr shows you something that isn't true, we want to know. See Troubleshooting for common issues, or get in touch directly.

  See: Troubleshooting