Prepare your Mac, connect your speakers and choose the audio you want to hear.

1 · Install and restart

SoundFerry requires an Apple silicon Mac running macOS 14 or later. Check release availability before installing.

Use the installer to add the app and virtual audio driver. macOS requests administrator authentication for the driver. Restart after installing or updating it, as directed by the installer.

After restarting, open SoundFerry and continue the initial setup. You can return to it from Settings.

2 · Complete initial setup

Follow the setup screen to select the OwnTone runtime and configure its connection. Use a runtime included with the installer or one installed separately; the app does not download OwnTone automatically.

For AirPlay outputs, also configure the AirPlay timing service. A Chromecast-only setup does not need that service. The setup screen shows which steps remain.

Register your licence or start the trial before streaming. See pricing and trial details for availability and conditions.

3 · Find your speakers

Put the Mac and speakers on the same local network, then open the Speakers tab. Check that each receiver supports AirPlay or Chromecast and has network playback enabled.

If a device is missing, check that it is awake, confirm local-network permission when requested by macOS, and review any guest-network or client-isolation settings. See troubleshooting for the next checks.

4 · Enter a pairing code if requested

Some AirPlay receivers ask for a PIN or fixed password. Follow the pairing prompt and enter the code displayed by the receiver, or the password configured for it. A reset or changed receiver setting may require pairing again.

5 · Choose speakers and save a group

Select the outputs you want to use. Save a named group, such as Living room or Downstairs, to make that selection easy to recall.

Start with one speaker and add the others after confirming playback. Adjust levels for comfortable listening and check timing between nearby rooms.

6 · Select SoundFerry as the Mac output

Open System Settings → Sound → Output and select SoundFerry. Start playback in your source app and start streaming in SoundFerry.

An app with its own output setting may need to be directed to SoundFerry separately. A remote playback session, such as Spotify Connect on another device, does not pass through the Mac output.

The Mac volume controls adjust the SoundFerry master volume. Allow several seconds for buffered audio to reach the speakers.

7 · Adjust the sound

Open the Sound tab. Begin with neutral settings and a familiar recording, then make small EQ changes. Monitor the level when boosting frequencies and allow the streaming buffer to catch up before judging a change.

EQ and effects apply to the selected output group. Speaker synchronization delay can be adjusted separately. See sound controls for more detail.

Uninstalling

Stop streaming. Use the audio-driver removal control in Settings, then quit and remove SoundFerry.app. Follow the restart instructions and retain your licence file if you plan to reinstall.