The best SoundDial alternatives for Mac
SoundDial is a good, inexpensive mixer with an EQ and call ducking. People usually look elsewhere because they need something it doesn't list, like monitor volume keys or device rules. Here's what fills those gaps.
Short answer
- For HDMI volume keys, device rules and call fixes: Faders ($5.99). It has no EQ.
- Free: FineTune, with an EQ and AutoEQ. It needs macOS 15.
- For EQ plus Audio Unit effects and HDMI keys: Sound Control 3 ($15).
- For everything, including AirPlay: SoundSource ($49).
Why people look for an alternative
- Monitor volume. We couldn't find volume keys for HDMI or DisplayPort displays in SoundDial's listing.
- Device rules. There's no listed way to rank outputs and mics, or to stop macOS from switching to a device you never want.
- Mic control. A global mute for every mic, and keeping AirPods out of low-quality call mode, aren't listed.
- Price. Some people just want a free app.
Quick comparison
| Price | macOS | EQ | Per-app output | Call ducking | HDMI volume keys | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SoundDial | $12.99 | 14.2+ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | Not listed |
| Faders | $5.99 | 14.2+ | — (planned) | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| FineTune | Free | 15+ | ✓ + AutoEQ | ✓ + multi-device | Not listed | Via DDC |
| Sound Control 3 | $15 | 11.4+ | ✓ + AU | ✓ | Not listed | ✓ |
| SoundSource 6 | $49 | 15+ | ✓ + AU | ✓ + groups | Not listed | ✓ |
“Not listed” means we couldn't find it on the app's own site, not that it's confirmed missing. Checked October 2026.
The alternatives
Faders
This is our app, so read accordingly. It ranks first here because it covers what SoundDial doesn't list: volume keys and an on-screen indicator for any HDMI or DisplayPort monitor, device priority with "never auto-select", a global mic mute, and keeping AirPods in high quality on calls. Like SoundDial, it ducks other apps during calls. But it has no EQ and no profiles, and it isn't on the App Store.
Good
- HDMI/DP volume keys
- Device priority rules
- Global mic mute, AirPods fix
Not so good
- No EQ, no profiles
- Not on the App Store, no Family Sharing
- No refunds
FineTune
If you're on Sequoia or later, FineTune does more than SoundDial for nothing: EQ with AutoEQ, multi-device output, device priority and media keys. Call ducking isn't listed, and it's a community project without paid support.
Good
- Free
- AutoEQ, multi-device output
- Device priority
Not so good
- macOS 15+
- Ducking not listed
- Monitor volume needs DDC
Sound Control 3
If you want to keep an EQ and also get monitor volume keys and device priority, Sound Control has all three, plus Audio Unit effects per app. Call ducking isn't listed.
Good
- 10/31-band EQ, AU effects
- Virtual volume for HDMI
- Trial available
Not so good
- Call ducking not listed
- Two separate purchase options
SoundSource 6
SoundSource has EQ, Audio Units, HDMI keys, device order, a mic "cough button", Output Groups and AirPlay. It costs almost four times as much as SoundDial and needs macOS 15.
Good
- Most complete feature set
- Free trial
Not so good
- $49
- macOS 15+
Stick with SoundDial if…
- You use its EQ or volume profiles. Faders has neither.
- You want App Store purchasing, Apple's refund process or Family Sharing.
- Your Mac's speakers or headphones are your only output, so monitor keys and device rules don't matter.
Questions
Do SoundDial and Faders both duck music during calls?
Yes. Both turn other apps down automatically when a call app is using the mic. Faders also keeps the Mac's mic in use so AirPods don't drop into call mode. SoundDial doesn't list that.
Why isn't Faders on the App Store?
The App Store doesn't allow the permissions Faders needs for volume keys on external displays, so it's sold directly. It's signed and notarized by Apple.
Need monitor volume keys and device rules?
Faders is $5.99 once at launch. Try the live demo on the homepage first.