Mac volume control disabled when using external speakers

Open Audio MIDI Setup and navigate to the audio device window (usually what it opens on). Add a multi output device that includes the speaker that doesn’t allow volume control, as well as a virtual output like Zoom Audio Device or BlackHole. Rename the device if you like, then open your output settings and switch to the new device. You should now be able to control the volume with the software volume control, which means it multiplies the signal by your volume percent BEFORE getting to the gain knob on your speaker. I like to set my computer volume at 50% and balance the level by that on the speaker so that I have room to increase and decrease the level.

So I also have the creative T60's which are a really good speaker. I have overcome this problem but connecting via Bluetooth from my Mac instead then having full volume control. I have not tested this for any length of time but if its reliable enough its a good way of overcoming this issue.

When you have an external speaker via TypeC, this doesn't work. Its good if you feed volume through the headphone attachment to an external speaker.

You might want to check with the speaker manufacturer.

it all depends on how the device processes the signal it is getting from the mac's sound interface.

for example, if I choose my pioneer bluetooth headphones, the volume can be controlled by either the Mac or the controls on the headphones.

but if I choose my Samsung TV in my sound controls, it shows up as full volume on the Mac, and I can only control the sound with the TV.

so it depends on the sound device, not macOS. with some devices you control the volume with the Mac, some you control with the device, and on some, you can control the volume from both ends. that is expected behaviour.

https://www.excelvalley.com/product/analog-volume-controller-aluminium-alloy-3-5-mm-stereo-audio-jack-control-knob-lossless-speaker-line/

Maybe something like this could work. Control volume before it go to macbook.

I don't try it yet.

They may be aware of issues with macOS.

I have exactly the same issue with my Creative T60 speakers - not possible to control the volume with the media keay. Did you find any solution?

I have the same issue with my Creative T60 speakers. It's really annoying. There must be a solution.

The speakers already have a control knob on. The problem is not being able to control the volume via the Mac's volume slider.

What about if you want more channels than basic stereo? Even with my Creative Stage 360 bar I want 6 channels

This is a pretty old issue, but for anyone landing here: this is the solution https://github.com/briankendall/proxy-audio-device

You'd need to use Terminal with homebrew to install it. It's not rocket science, but it might discourage an average user - just install homebrew (tutorial here: https://brew.sh/) using Terminal app and then run the installation command from the Proxy audio device readme.

After installation, you'll have a new app in your Applications directory: Proxy Audio Device Settings. Open it, select the device you want to proxy, and voila — you can control the external audio interface with media keys (or sliders in MacOS UI).