Change Audio Devices in Runtime

Unity Engine
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1

Hey everyone,

I’m trying to have a simple dropdown for the audio devices, so the user can select their input and output device.
I was a bit disappointed to see, that this is not natively supported (unless i completely missed something).

I was wondering what’s the best way to go about it, without completely re-inventing the wheel.
Our project is based on Unity’s AudioSystem. We’re pretty happy with everything and would love to keep everything as it is, just simply have the option the select the devices.

Other projects seem to use plugins like FMOD, but using a 140 MB plugin and learning/implementing a new system just to be able to have a functioning dropdown of devices would be the last step we’re willing to take. I’m sure all these plugins are great and have their use, but this is selection is all we need.

Our Application has to function on every common platform.

Has anyone ever solved this issue or can recommend a more lightweight solution?

Thanks in advance!

2

Hi,

You’re right, Unity does not currently support scanning and selecting audio devices, it’s only always sending sound the the system default device.

The obvious hack would be to tap in the system API (which would then be platform specific) and change the default device. If you’re only targeting Windows and/or Mac, I think that’s a reasonable amount of work, but still… it sucks…

I cannot confirm nor deny that this is something we’re currently looking at.

3

Still no Update regardin this issue ? Unity refuse to send sound through my MOTU device even if it’s set as the default one in Windows … Every other software does that with a simple dropdown menu ! I have been looking for a solution for a while now.

4

Hey, we are actively working on this: https://portal.productboard.com/zoyxyyqjirdumawnfz7sjsjg/c/2734-audio-hardware-abstraction-layer-hal?&utm_medium=social&utm_source=starter_share

For your specific problem with the MOTU - how many channels is the device? If you have more than 8, Unity is not able to use it. These are the kind of fundamental changes we are looking at with the HAL.

5

Any update on this? The productboard link seem to be dead :frowning:

Is this still being worked on (any if yes, any ETA)?
Or else any hints on how the change it (even a native API solution would be better than simply always sending to the default device).

Thank you.

6

Yep! Check out the Enhanced Audio Foundation section over here Audio status update Q3 2025, it has started in 6.3!