FineTune: Free MacOS Utility for Per‑App Audio Control

FineTune: The Ultimate Per‑App Audio Control for macOS

If you’ve been using macOS the way most people do, you already know that the operating system only offers a single system‑wide volume slider. When you’re working on music production, watching a movie while listening to a podcast, or simply need different audio levels for different apps, the lack of per‑app volume control feels like a major pain point. FineTune fills that gap.

What Is FineTune?

FineTune is a free and open‑source macOS menu‑bar application written in Swift. It gives you:

• Per‑App Volume & Mute – Adjust the volume of each running application independently.
• Device Routing – Send any app to a specific output device (e.g., headphones, speakers, or Bluetooth).
• 10‑Band Equalizer – Choose from 20 pre‑built presets spanning five categories.
• Real‑Time VU Meters – See the level of each stream as it moves.
• Boost up to 200 % – Raise the output louder than the system max.
• Quick Device Switching – Change audio outputs on the fly with a single click.
• Persist Settings – Your custom volumes and routes stay across reboots.

Because it uses macOS Core Audio process taps, the gains are applied before the audio leaves the individual applications, giving you fine‑grained control without messing with source code or needing to re‑install your apps.

Why FineTune Is Worth Your Time

Modern macOS developers and power users need a tool that turns the system into a true audio mixer. Whether you:

• Mix music and manage calls without external hardware.
• Want to keep video volume low while podcast talk is louder.
• Need to switch audio from headphones to speakers while working.
• Want a lightweight equalizer instead of a full‑blown DAW.

FineTune covers all these scenarios in a lightweight, single‑click menu bar app.

How to Install FineTune

1. Homebrew (Recommended)

brew install --cask finetune

2. Manual Download

1. Go to the GitHub Releases page.
2. Download the .dmg file for macOS 14.0+.
3. Open the disk image and drag FineTune into your Applications.
4. Launch the app. macOS will prompt for Audio Capture permission – allow it.

Quick‑Start Guide

1. Open FineTune – Click the menu‑bar icon to see the app list.
2. Set Volume – Click a slider next to an app to adjust its level. Mute by clicking the speaker icon.
3. Route to a Device – Click the device dropdown for an app and pick your desired output.
4. Use the Equalizer – Open the EQ panel to try one of the 20 presets. You can fine‑tune the bands manually.
5. Boost – Enable the 200 % boost slider if you’re listening to quiet mixes.
6. Save Settings – No action needed; FineTune stores everything automatically.

Building From Source

Want to tinker, improve, or contribute?

git clone https://github.com/ronitsingh10/FineTune.git
cd FineTune
open FineTune.xcodeproj

Where to Get Help

• Documentation – Check the README.md for detailed explanations of each feature.
• Source Code – Browse GitHub for full implementation.
• Contributing – Follow the guidelines in CONTRIBUTING.md.
• Community – Join discussions on the GitHub issue tracker.

Bottom Line

FineTune turns macOS into a featureful audio workstation without the bulk of a DAW. It’s perfect for developers, audio engineers, and everyday users who need nuanced control over application volume. Install it in seconds, tweak on the fly, and experience a new level of audio flexibility.

Download FineTune today and reclaim control over your soundscape.