Auto Ducking: Volume Control

Auto Ducking lowers background audio on your Mac when you start talking, then brings the volume back when you stop.

Keep music, videos, or ambient sound playing while you dictate, record, or talk to an AI assistant. When the microphone turns on, Auto Ducking lowers the system volume to the level you choose. When the microphone turns off, your original volume comes back. It runs quietly from the menu bar.

CALLS STAY AT FULL VOLUME

Auto Ducking lowers only when something else is playing. In a call, the voices you need to hear stay at full volume. If it ever lowers by mistake, press Restore Now and the volume stays up until your microphone turns off.

TRY BEFORE YOU BUY

Every feature is free for 7 days. After the trial, a one-time Lifetime Unlock keeps automatic volume lowering running. No subscription.

KEY FEATURES

• Automatic lowering and restore The volume goes down when the microphone turns on and comes back when it turns off.

• Smooth fades Fade down and fade back so volume changes never feel abrupt.

• Your volume level Choose how quiet background audio gets while you talk.

• Restore delay Wait a moment before restoring, so short pauses don't make the volume jump.

• App Rules Use every microphone app, only the apps you pick, or exclude the ones you don't want.

• Presets Save separate setups for dictation, recording, podcast prep, or your own workflow.

• Per-device settings Remember a different level for speakers, headphones, displays, and other sound outputs.

• Manual Lower Lower the volume yourself, even when the microphone is off.

• Global shortcuts Pause Auto Ducking, restore the volume, lower it manually, or open the panel from any app.

• Usage stats See how often Auto Ducking saved you from reaching for the volume keys.

• Light and dark A clean status panel and menu bar icon that follow your system appearance.

PRIVACY

Auto Ducking never records, transcribes, or uploads audio. It only checks whether the microphone is in use and adjusts the system volume.

Usage stats stay on your Mac and can be reset at any time. Anonymous crash reports are optional and can be turned off in Settings.