Workaround for dual audio output (internal speakers and headphone jack)?

[bootz]

For some reason, macOS blocks the ability to switch between internal speakers and headphone jack output when anything is connected to the headphone jack. I've heard people say this is a hardware issue, but that is not the case when using Bootcamp - it works just fine.

It seems ridiculous and a huge opportunity for hardware failure to continuously plug and unplug headphones just to get the internal speakers to work in macOS. Is there really no software solution? I've heard about Blackhole, but apparently you have to manually adjust the volume in the MIDI setup utility.

I'd prefer not to get a USB sound card. But if I have to, which one offers the least amount of audio processing and bang for the buck?

Thanks.

...btw iMac 4k 21.5 Late 2015

 

[BrianBaughn]

I didn't know that about Bootcamp. But yes, it's a software thing and the headphone jack on the back of an iMac is a pain.

If the USB audio device is just for your headphones I don't have a particular suggestion. There are a lot of cheap ones with 1/8" headphone connectors that will probably sound as good as or better than the on-board audio.

 

[ajmichmac]

It seems ridiculous and a huge opportunity for hardware failure to continuously plug and unplug headphones just to get the internal speakers to work in macOS. Is there really no software solution?

Consider a USB to 1/8" adapter, or better yet, AudioQuest Dragonfly, plus this fine software:

SoundSource - A Superior Sound Control

Access your Mac's audio devices, control per-app audio, and much more, all from the menu bar.

rogueamoeba.com

 

[jerwin]

I think the main issue is that Apple puts the headphone jack in the back. Don't trip on your headphone cord, guys-- the strain goes straight to the imac.

I have a DAC/headphone amp that also outputs to an integrated amplifier. When I want to use headphones, I simply turn off my amp. No, this is not the cheapest solution.

 

[bootz]

Wanted to follow-up...

I purchased a Hagibis USB External Sound Card Adapter on Amazon for $10 (also a 6 foot Amazon 3.5mm extension cable for $6 (3 pole only, so no mic extension). It works perfectly for my needs. macOS and Windows both remember the default audio setting independently, as they should - I can use internal speakers on macOS, reboot to Bootcamp, and Windows 10 will start up with the USB audio device as the default audio device. I haven't used a headset with microphone yet, so I can't speak to the quality of the input. However, the output is perfect for me - sounds no different than using the iMac 3.5mm output.