Significant audio level drop with Audio Application sources – MixKey 1.1.3 / macOS / Audient iD44

MixKey
1

Hi,

I’m experiencing a significant audio level drop whenever an application is added to MixKey as an Audio Application source.

Setup:

  • MixKey 1.1.3
  • macOS
  • Audient iD44
  • Monitor Output: Audient iD44

I’ve tested this with both Brave and TIDAL, with the same result.

Steps to reproduce:

  1. Play audio normally from Brave or TIDAL.
  2. Add the application to MixKey as an Audio Application source.
  3. The monitoring level immediately drops significantly.
  4. Remove the application from MixKey and the level immediately returns to normal.

This is an actual reduction in the signal level, not simply a change in the Audient monitor volume. I can also see the lower level on the Audient iD Mixer meters while the application is routed through MixKey. When I remove the application from MixKey, the meters immediately rise again.

I’ve already checked:

  • MixKey Monitor Volume is at maximum.
  • Individual channel Monitor Levels are at maximum.
  • Monitor Level Link makes no difference.
  • “Set Device Attenuation To 0 dB” makes no difference.
  • Changing Sensitivity makes no difference.
  • macOS Mic Mode is already set to Standard, not Voice Isolation.

Steinberg Support initially suggested checking Mic Mode and then referred me to this forum when I confirmed it was already set to Standard.

Is this expected behaviour, or could there be an issue with Audio Application capture in MixKey 1.1.3 on macOS?

Thanks,
Vassilikos