FaceTime is a great platform for Apple users to have live conversations over the internet. The experience gets better if you get to chat with some background music. But do your Facetime calls keep lowering the volume of your Mac? Well, don’t worry. There is a solution to the problem.
To prevent Facetime from lowering the volume on your Mac, you have to make some simple adjustments. The problem occurs due to Apple’s feature called audio ducking. You need to adjust or turn off the audio ducking feature to solve the problem.
Low volume during Facetime calls has been a common issue shared by Apple users. But don’t worry. Let’s explore how you can solve the issue all by yourself.
What Is Audio Ducking?
The audio ducking feature of MacBooks is an automatic adjustment of audio volume levels. It sets to work when you have multiple audio sources active simultaneously. The aim of the feature is to help you focus on the important sounds on your device.
So, when you receive a call while watching a movie or listening to music, the feature gets into work. It lowers the volume of other apps so that you can speak to your caller clearly. The audio ducking feature is the primary reason for which your Mac volume gets lowered when you are on a Facetime call.
How to Turn Off Audio Ducking on MacBook?
Since the audio ducking is the primary reason for lowering the volume of your device, you can turn it off to prevent lowering volume. How do you do it? Follow my lead:
- Go to the settings app on your device
- You will find several options here. Tap on “General.”
- Now select “Accessibility.”
- From here, you need to select “Voiceover.”
- From the dropdown menu, choose “Audio.”
- Now look for the feature Audio Ducking and click the checkbox to turn it off
You can do the same using some shortcut keys. First, press F5 to turn on VoiceOver. Now press F8. You will be directed to a menu bar, from where you should select “Sound.” Uncheck the “Enable audio ducking” to set it off.
This is a very simple way to turn off ducking and stop lowering Facetime from lowering volume. There will be no problems such as Facetime audio calls not working or any other problem after changing this setting.
How Do I Stop FaceTime from Making Apps Quiet?
If your Facetime calls keep lowering the volume of other apps, ducking was a good option. If that is not working, then the only option you have is to use a 3rd party application.
You will find applications on the App Store that have audio mixer settings for every application that receives sound. Install one such application to mix the audio sensitivity of your Mac.
You need to add all the applications of your device that you want to adjust. The application will help you set your preferred volume for each application. However, you should keep in mind that using a third-party app can reduce the quality of the audio.
Why Is Audio Ducking Helpful?
You may not like the audio ducking sometimes, but it is really a very useful feature. You should consider some factors before turning it off. For example:
- Audio ducking helps you have undisturbed and clear communication. It ensures that the primary audio source, which is your phone call, is heard clearly.
- Ducking reduces audio clutter when multiple audio sources are playing together. It makes it easier to focus on your conversation.
- By briefly lowering the volume of the primary audio, it allows you to hear important notifications.
- The auto adjustment of the volume increases the overall experience of using Facetime. You are not going to be disturbed by other apps’ sounds, and you are not going to miss any important notifications either.
- You can also customize the ducking settings and have control over when and how audio levels should be adjusted.
FAQs
1. Why does FaceTime lower the volume on Mac during calls?
FaceTime lowers the volume of other audio sources so that you can hear your caller properly and have convenient communication. This feature is known as audio ducking. You can turn it off if you want.
2. Can I adjust the volume during a FaceTime call?
Yes, you can adjust the call volume when you are on a call on Facetime. Use the volume keys (F10, F11, or F12) to adjust the volume of your Mac.
3. How to adjust call volume on Facetime on Mac?
Click on the control center icon in the menu bar at the top of the screen when you are on a Facetime call. You will find a menu named “Mic Mode.” There are several modes, such as Standard, Voice Isolation, and Wide Spectrum. Choose the one you find convenient.
4. Can I listen to music at full volume when talking to a Facetime app?
It is technically possible to listen to music at full volume when you are already on a call on FaceTime. You just need to turn off the setting called Ducking. However, it can disturb your conversation and make it challenging to hear each other clearly.
5. Can I watch a movie while being in a group call on FaceTime?
Yes, you can watch movies while in a group call on your Mac. But you should keep your audio ducking on so that the movie sound cannot overpower the call and make it challenging to hear what others are saying.
6. Can using an earphone solve the Facetime lowering volume problem?
Though it is not a guaranteed solution, it can work to some extent. When you use headphones, the sound is directed to them. So, the Mac may not lower the volume as aggressively as it usually does.
Conclusion
Facetime lowering the volume on Mac is a safety precaution to protect your ear from any kind of hearing damage. However, if you do not like the ducking system or want to have a party vibe with loud music while talking, then you can set the feature off, and Facetime will stop lowering the volume.
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