I can't get 5.1 to output over USB-C to HDMI on Macbook Air M1 2020

Question

Level 1

4 points

I can't get 5.1 to output over USB-C to HDMI on Macbook Air M1 2020

I am trying to get my macbook to output 5.1 sound thru my AVR > TV set-up. When I plug in, the mac and AVR only see 2.0 being output. I am using a USB-C > HDMI cable that supports 5.1 (allegedly) [https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B09QC76JQW/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1].

What am I doing wrong, and how can I fix this? I have set it to "HDMI" in "Sound" and have opened the "Audio MIDI Set-up" and everything only shows "stereo". I have no options for 5.1, or anything else, besides choosing the bit rate in stereo.

My set-up plays my PS4 in 5.1 no problems. ARC is being used. Is this a handshake between my mac and AVR? Is it even possible to output 5.1 thru the display port USB-C connection?

I am using the macbook m1 2020 > usb C > HDMI cable > yamaha rxv381 avr > sony TV.

Please advise! Thanks.

MacBook Air 13″

Posted on Dec 20, 2022 02:59 PM

Reply

Answer 1

nbotros

Community Specialist

Dec 21, 2022 06:07 PM in response to pevsfreedom

Hello pevsfreedom,

Welcome to Apple Support Communities. To get started, keep in mind that:

Some macOS apps render audio output in stereo while others use multichannel, depending on the media content. You may want to set up your speakers for both configurations to customize your audio experience when using apps.

For more information, check this out: Set up external speakers for stereo or surround sound in Audio MIDI Setup on Mac

Also, check out these helpful links:

Connect to HDMI from your Mac

Combine audio devices into a single aggregate device in Audio MIDI Setup on Mac

We hope this information is useful. Kind regards.

Reply

I can't get 5.1 to output over USB-C to HDMI on Macbook Air M1 2020

Similar questions