SoundSource 5.8.3

Originally published at: https://tidbits.com/watchlist/soundsource-5-8-3-2/

Rogue Amoeba has released SoundSource 5.8.3, updating the ARK audio handling plug-in to version 12.2.4 to reduce CPU usage and prevent a rare issue where ARK could incorrectly appear in the Dock. The audio control utility replaces the previous Text to Speech special source with the new Spoken Content special source, fixes a regression from the previous version that unexpectedly muted sound effects from Siri and Dictation, ensures Bluetooth devices are no longer kept active when no audio is being played, improves support for non-bundle type Steam games with expected audio capture, and updates the volume slider focus ring to follow the knob correctly when it moves as a result of the Volume Overdrive effect. ($39 new with a 20% discount for TidBITS members, free update, 44 MB, release notes, macOS 14.5+)

Through all the updates to Soundsource over the past year or more the application essentially breaks any ability to send sound output via my HDMI interface. This is particularly annoying when connected to my AVR trying to do speaker measurements or send anything out that port. AudioMidi is also broken and can’t even send speaker identification noises. When I quit SoundSource everything works again. I’ve communicated with RA on the issue and they seem to be aware of it, suggesting I try various beta versions, but nothing has worked. Has anyone else experienced this and possibly have a fix?