Does Mac Mini M4 Support DP Alt mode?

Question

Level 1

4 points

Does Mac Mini M4 Support DP Alt mode?

I recently purchased Mac Mini M4 (512 GB) Model. I am using a Benq EX3210U Monitor ( which support HDMI 2.1 and DP 1.4 ). There is some issues when I connect Mac Mini and Monitor using HDMI. As the monitor supports DP Port, I purchased Cable Creations USB-C to DP Adapter. I have verified with Cable Creations that the adapter supports audio. I have also verified the same by connecting to a windows laptop and I am able to receive audio through Monitor Speaker using DP USB-C to DP adapter.

But when I connect the same with Mac Mini M4 I am not able to get audio through Monitor Speakers. So when I researched I found for DP to support audio, Alt Mode should also be supported.

So does Mac Mini M4 Thunderbolt 4 ports ( ports at the back, I tried connecting to ports at the front. I guess they don't transmit video/audio) support DP Alt Mode?

Also, If there is any solution to make audio work using DP 1.4, please do share.

Thanks in advance.

Abhilash D K

Mac mini, macOS 15.3

Posted on Mar 21, 2025 5:28 AM

Reply

Answer 1

MartinR

Level 7

22,531 points

Mar 21, 2025 1:33 PM in response to abhilashdk

Check Audio MIDI Setup. You may need to route the audio output to the DisplayPort device (may be identified as your Benq monitor). The default audio output is "Built-in Output" (the built-in speaker & headphone jack). In Audio MIDI Setup, select the DP/Benq device, then click the gear icon and select "Use This Device for Sound Output."

btw, the M4 mini supports both DP 1.4 and DP 2.1.

Reply

Answer 2

abhilashdk Author

Level 1

4 points

Mar 21, 2025 3:57 PM in response to MartinR

Thank you for the info brother.

Aggregate Device was just a try. I have deleted it.
I am using Ports at the back of Mac Mini. Not the ports at the front.
When I select Benq, in the right panel I can't do anything. In UI terms they are disabled. Channel 1 & 2 are disabled when I select Mac Mini Speakers
I do not want Multi-Output Device

Reply

Answer 3

MartinR

Level 7

22,531 points

Mar 21, 2025 3:45 PM in response to abhilashdk

In the right pane, raise the levels for Primary, Channel 1 & Channel 2. In your screenshot they are all at zero. That's effectively turning the volume all the way off. Take them up all the way for your Benq. For format you should keep it at the default 44,100 KHz 2ch 24bit.

If you want audio output to more than 1 device then you must create a Multi-Output Device. Click the "+" at the bottom of the left panel to do that. That way audio out can go to both the Benq & the Mac mini speakers.

I notice you created an Aggregate device. Reason?

Also, FYI, the USB-C ports on the front of the M4 mini are USB 3.0 only. The USB-C ports on the back support TB 4, USB 4 & Displayport; on the M4Pro version they supports TB 5, USB 4 & Displayport

Reply

Answer 4

abhilashdk Author

Level 1

4 points

Mar 21, 2025 4:15 PM in response to MartinR

I just connected DP with my 2019 macbook pro. The audio is routed to Benq Internal Speakers when I select it without any configuration. I connected the same DP with Mac Mini M2 2023 Base Model. No Audio when Benq Speaker is selected similar to Mac Mini M4. So probably issue with Mac Mini's?