Connecting multiple Bluetooth headphones to your Mac can enhance your audio experience, allowing you to enjoy music or share movies with a friend without disturbing anyone nearby. However, the process isn’t always straightforward, and you may encounter challenges along the way. This guide will walk you through the steps to connect two Bluetooth headphones to your Mac, including troubleshooting tips, software options, and some of the best headphones on the market.
Understanding Bluetooth Technology
Before we dive into how to connect two Bluetooth headphones to your Mac, it’s essential to understand how Bluetooth technology works, especially with multiple devices. Bluetooth is a wireless technology that allows devices to communicate with each other over short distances.
How Bluetooth Works
Bluetooth technology operates by establishing a connection between devices through a process called pairing. Once paired, the devices can communicate wirelessly. However, when it comes to audio devices, connecting multiple headphones can be tricky due to limitations in Bluetooth profiles, which dictate how devices interact.
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Bluetooth Profiles: These profiles define what a particular Bluetooth connection can do. The A2DP (Advanced Audio Distribution Profile) is the most common profile used for audio streaming. Unfortunately, A2DP generally only allows for one audio output at a time, complicating attempts to connect two headphones.
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Connection Limitations: Many devices, including Macs, have limitations on how many audio outputs can be connected simultaneously for playback. In practice, connecting two Bluetooth headphones often requires additional software or a workaround.
Preparing Your Mac for Multiple Headphones
Before you attempt to connect two Bluetooth headphones, you should ensure that your Mac is ready. This involves checking your operating system, updating software, and ensuring that both headphones are fully charged.
Check Your macOS Version
Ensure that your Mac is running on a compatible version of macOS. Newer versions tend to have enhancements that improve Bluetooth functionalities.
- Click on the Apple icon in the top-left corner.
- Select “About This Mac.”
- The macOS version will be displayed. Update if necessary.
Charge Your Bluetooth Headphones
Before connecting, make sure both Bluetooth headphones are adequately charged. Low battery levels might result in poor performance or connection issues.
Connecting Two Bluetooth Headphones with Audio MIDI Setup
One effective method to connect two Bluetooth headphones to your Mac is through the Audio MIDI Setup application. This built-in utility allows you to manage audio devices and can create a multi-output device, enabling sound to stream through two connected headphones simultaneously.
Steps to Use Audio MIDI Setup
- Open Audio MIDI Setup:
- Go to “Applications.”
- Open “Utilities.”
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Launch “Audio MIDI Setup.”
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Set Up a Multi-Output Device:
- In the Audio MIDI Setup window, click on the “+” button located in the lower-left corner.
- Select “Create Multi-Output Device.”
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A new device will appear in the list.
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Select Your Bluetooth Headphones:
- On the right side, you will see the list of audio devices connected to your Mac.
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Check the boxes next to both Bluetooth headphones you want to use.
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Configure the Multi-Output Device:
- Right-click (or Control-click) on your new Multi-Output Device and select “Use this device for sound output.”
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Ensure that “Drift Correction” is enabled for one of the connected headphones to prevent audio lag.
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Test the Connection:
- Open your preferred audio application (like iTunes or Spotify).
- Play the audio and verify that both sets of headphones are receiving sound.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
While connecting two Bluetooth headphones to your Mac can enhance your listening experience, there may be hurdles along the way. Here are some common issues and troubleshooting tips to resolve them.
Audio Delay Issues
Audio delay or synchronization problems can occur when using Bluetooth headphones, particularly if both devices do not support the same codecs. Consider these solutions:
- Adjust the Audio Codec: If you experience lag, check if your headphones support aptX or AAC codecs, known for reducing latency.
- Use Wired Headphones: If timing is crucial (for gaming or watching videos), consider using wired headphones alongside Bluetooth ones.
Connection Drops or Failures
If you find that your Bluetooth headphones keep disconnecting, try the following:
- Proximity: Ensure that both headphones are within range (generally around 30 feet) from your Mac.
- Remove Interference: Other wireless devices, including Wi-Fi routers, may interfere with Bluetooth. Relocate any such devices if possible.
Using Third-Party Applications
If you encounter issues using the built-in methods, several third-party applications can simplify the process of connecting multiple Bluetooth headphones to your Mac. Here are a few options:
1. Rogue Amoeba’s Audio Hijack
Audio Hijack allows you to route audio from different applications and devices on your Mac. This powerful tool can help you create a virtual audio output that streams to multiple Bluetooth headphones.
Key Features:
– Capture audio from any application.
– Customizable audio routing.
– Easy to use with a pleasant interface.
2. Airfoil by Rogue Amoeba
Airfoil is another application from Rogue Amoeba that enables you to send audio to multiple devices simultaneously, including Bluetooth headphones.
Key Features:
– Stream any audio from your Mac to multiple devices.
– Supports various audio sources, including streaming services.
– User-friendly setup process.
Advantages of Using Two Bluetooth Headphones
While it requires some effort to connect two Bluetooth headphones to your Mac, the benefits can make it worthwhile.
Sharing Experiences
The primary advantage is the ability to share audio experiences. Whether watching movies or listening to music, having a friend join you enhances the enjoyment.
Remote Listening
Double headphone usage is ideal for situations where you need to maintain distance from your Mac but still want to engage with the audio content. Enjoy your favorite series while lounging on the couch or relaxing in bed.
Choosing the Right Bluetooth Headphones
Selecting the proper Bluetooth headphones is critical for optimal performance. Here are a few of the best options available in the market.
Top Bluetooth Headphones
| Brand | Model | Notable Features | Price Range |
|——————-|———————–|———————————————————|————–|
| Sony | WH-1000XM4 | Noise cancellation, 30-hour battery life, multi-device pairing | $300 – $350 |
| Bose | QuietComfort 35 II | Excellent noise isolation, long comfort, voice assistant integration | $300 – $350 |
| Apple | AirPods Pro | Seamless integration with Apple devices, great sound quality | $250 – $300 |
| Sennheiser | Momentum 3 Wireless | Superior sound quality, adjustable noise cancellation and long battery life | $300 – $350 |
Choosing quality headphones ensures a rich audio experience. Look for features such as active noise cancellation, extended battery life, and sound quality.
Conclusion
Connecting two Bluetooth headphones to a Mac can significantly enhance your listening experience, whether for sharing music or enjoying movies together. While the process may initially seem challenging due to Bluetooth limitations, utilizing the Audio MIDI Setup or third-party applications can simplify the task. By ensuring your devices are compatible and updated, you can enjoy seamless audio streaming with friends.
Follow the steps outlined in this guide, manage any challenges that arise, and you’ll be well on your way to doubling your audio enjoyment on your Mac. Embrace the joy of shared sound with your favorite Bluetooth headphones!
Can I connect two Bluetooth headphones to my Mac at the same time?
Yes, it is possible to connect two Bluetooth headphones to your Mac simultaneously. This feature allows you to share audio, which is perfect for enjoying music or watching movies together. However, it requires a workaround since macOS does not natively support connecting two Bluetooth audio devices at once.
To connect two headphones, you can use an app called “Audio Midi Setup.” This built-in utility lets you create a Multi-Output Device that combines two audio outputs. After creating this set-up, you will be able to choose it as your audio output, and both headphones will receive the same sound.
What is the Audio Midi Setup, and how do I use it?
Audio Midi Setup is a macOS utility that allows users to manage audio devices, including setting up a Multi-Output Device. This feature is particularly useful for users who want to route audio to multiple devices simultaneously, like connecting two Bluetooth headphones. You can find this utility in the Applications folder under Utilities.
To create a Multi-Output Device, open Audio Midi Setup and click on the “+” button in the sidebar. Select “Create Multi-Output Device,” and then check the boxes next to the two Bluetooth headphones you want to connect. After this, you can select this new Multi-Output Device as your audio output in the Sound preferences.
Do both headphones need to be from the same brand?
No, the two Bluetooth headphones do not need to be from the same brand to work with your Mac. As long as both devices support Bluetooth audio and pair successfully with your Mac, they can be used simultaneously. It’s worth noting that different headphones may have varying audio quality or latency, which could affect your listening experience.
However, using headphones from different manufacturers might lead to mismatched audio performance. For the best results, consider using two headphones with similar specifications to maintain a consistent sound quality while sharing audio.
Will the sound quality be affected when connecting two headphones?
There can be some impact on sound quality when connecting two Bluetooth headphones to your Mac, depending on various factors. Each headphone has its own specifications, and pairing them together may result in differences in audio performance, such as volume discrepancies or variations in sound clarity. This could lead to a less than optimal listening experience.
Additionally, Bluetooth connections inherently involve some compression and potential latency issues. When using a Multi-Output Device, the sound may not sync perfectly, especially if the headphones have different latencies. This is particularly noticeable in scenarios like watching movies or playing games.
What if one of the Bluetooth headphones disconnects?
If one of the Bluetooth headphones disconnects while using a Multi-Output Device, the audio will typically stop coming through that device and only stream through the remaining connected headphones. The Mac will recognize which device has dropped the connection, and it may attempt to reroute the audio only to the functional headset.
To resolve the issue, try turning off and on the disconnected headphone or reestablishing the Bluetooth connection through the Mac’s Bluetooth preferences. If you continue experiencing disconnections, consider removing the headphone from the Multi-Output Device and reconnecting.
Are there any apps that can help with connecting two Bluetooth headphones?
Yes, there are several third-party applications available that facilitate connecting multiple Bluetooth headphones to your Mac, making the process easier and more user-friendly than using the built-in capabilities alone. Some popular choices include “Airfoil” and “AudioRelay,” which allow you to stream audio to several devices at once.
These apps often provide additional features beyond what macOS offers natively, such as improved audio syncing and control options for each connected device. Before downloading any third-party app, make sure to check compatibility with your version of macOS and read user reviews to find a solution that best suits your needs.
What troubleshooting steps should I take if I can’t connect both headphones?
If you’re having trouble connecting both Bluetooth headphones, the first step is to ensure that both devices are charged and in pairing mode. This seems simple but is often overlooked. Restarting your Mac or resetting your Bluetooth module can also help resolve connectivity issues if they persist.
Another step to try is to disconnect any other Bluetooth devices that might be connected to your Mac, as there can sometimes be conflicts with multiple connections. After clearing out unwanted devices, attempt to reconnect both headphones and go through the process of creating a Multi-Output Device in Audio Midi Setup again.
Can I use wired headphones together with Bluetooth headphones?
Yes, you can use wired headphones in combination with Bluetooth headphones, provided your Mac has the appropriate audio jacks and Bluetooth capabilities. However, similar to connecting two Bluetooth headphones, there may be a need for a workaround to manage audio output properly.
To achieve this setup, you can also utilize the Audio Midi Setup app to create a Multi-Output Device that includes both wired and Bluetooth headphones. This allows you to enjoy the audio through both outputs simultaneously, but remember that the different connection types can result in varying levels of audio latency and quality.