How to Change Your Audio Output in Logic Pro

Where to find and change Logic Pro's output device

Logic Pro sends audio to your computer's default output by default, but you can route it to a different device in two places: the Audio/MIDI preferences and the I/O stack in the mixer. The fastest route is usually the I/O stack if you are already in a session. If you want to change the default for all new projects, go to Logic Pro menu > Preferences > Audio/MIDI, then click the Devices tab.

In the Devices tab, you will see "Output Device" with a dropdown menu showing your current selection. Click that dropdown and choose from any audio interface, USB headphones, AirPods, or built-in speakers connected to your Mac. Logic Pro will use that device for all new sessions you open until you change it again.

If you want to change the output for only the current session without touching your default, use the I/O stack instead. This is the panel on the right side of the mixer window that shows your output channel strip. At the top of that strip, you will see a small icon that looks like a speaker or a cable jack — click it to open the I/O stack menu and select a different output device.

Key Takeaways

The Audio/MIDI Preferences tab sets your default output device for all new Logic Pro sessions.
The I/O stack in the mixer lets you change the output for only the current session without changing your default.
Logic Pro can route to any connected audio interface, USB device, or built-in output your Mac recognizes.
If your audio interface does not appear in either menu, check that it is powered on, connected, and recognized by macOS in System Settings > Sound.

Using the I/O stack for per-session output routing

The I/O stack is the fastest way to switch outputs while you are working. Open the mixer window (press X or go to Window > Mixer), then look at the far right side. You will see a vertical panel labeled with your current output — usually "Stereo Out" or the name of your interface.

At the very top of that panel is a small icon. Click it to open a menu showing every audio output your Mac can see. Select the device you want to use for this session only. Your choice stays in effect until you close the session or switch again — it does not change your default output in Preferences.

This approach is useful when you are working on multiple projects and need different outputs for each one, or when you want to test how your mix sounds on headphones without changing the setting for future sessions.

Checking if your audio interface appears in Logic Pro

If your audio interface is connected but does not show up in either the Preferences menu or the I/O stack, macOS may not be recognizing it. First, make sure the interface is powered on and connected via USB or Thunderbolt. Then open System Settings, go to Sound, and check whether your interface appears in the "Output" list there.

If it shows up in System Settings but not in Logic Pro, try restarting Logic Pro. If that does not work, restart your Mac. Logic Pro scans for audio devices when it launches, so a restart often fixes detection problems.

If your interface still does not appear after a restart, check the manufacturer's website for the latest driver software for your Mac. Some interfaces require a driver to work with Logic Pro, and an outdated or missing driver can prevent detection. Install any available driver, restart your Mac again, and check Logic Pro's menus.

Routing individual tracks to different outputs

Changing the main output device affects where all audio plays back. If you want to send only certain tracks to a different device — for example, drums to one interface and vocals to another — you use track output assignments instead.

Click on a track in the arrange window, then look at the inspector panel on the left. You will see an "Output" field showing where that track is routed. Click that field and choose a different output from the dropdown. That track will now play through the device you selected, while other tracks continue to use the main output.

This is useful for live recording setups where you need to monitor different instruments on different speakers or headphone mixes, or for sending stems to different destinations during mixdown.

Switching between multiple audio interfaces

If you own more than one audio interface, you can switch between them in Preferences without unplugging anything. Go to Logic Pro > Preferences > Audio/MIDI, click Devices, and select a different interface from the Output Device dropdown. Logic Pro will use that interface for all new sessions.

You can also set up a separate output stack for each interface in the mixer. Some users create multiple output channel strips — one for each interface — so they can route different tracks to different devices in the same session. To do this, go to Mixer > New Output Stack and choose the interface you want to add.

This setup is common in studios where you have a main interface for mixing and a secondary interface for headphone monitoring, or where you need to send different stems to different destinations during a session.

Troubleshooting audio that does not play through the new output

If you change the output device but hear nothing, first check that the device itself is powered on and working. Test it outside Logic Pro — play music in your web browser or system sounds to confirm the device receives audio.

Next, check the volume level in Logic Pro. Look at the master channel strip in the mixer (the rightmost strip) and make sure the fader is not all the way down. Also check the volume control on your audio interface itself — many interfaces have a physical knob or digital slider that can mute the output.

If audio still does not play, go back to Preferences > Audio/MIDI and confirm the output device is still selected. Sometimes Logic Pro reverts to the default if a device disconnects and reconnects. If the device is selected but still silent, try selecting a different output and then selecting your device again — this can reset the connection.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use AirPods as my Logic Pro output?

Yes. Pair your AirPods with your Mac in System Settings > Bluetooth, then open Logic Pro's Preferences > Audio/MIDI > Devices and select your AirPods from the Output Device dropdown. Latency will be higher than with a wired interface, so AirPods work better for playback and monitoring than for real-time recording.

What is the difference between changing output in Preferences and in the I/O stack?

Preferences sets the default output for all new sessions you open. The I/O stack changes the output for only the current session. Use Preferences if you want a permanent change; use the I/O stack if you want to test a different device without affecting future projects.

Why does my audio interface disappear from Logic Pro's menus?

Your interface may have disconnected, lost power, or encountered a driver issue. Check that it is powered on and connected, restart Logic Pro, and if that does not work, restart your Mac. If the interface still does not appear, visit the manufacturer's website and install the latest driver for your Mac model.

Can I send different tracks to different outputs at the same time?

Yes. Click each track in the arrange window, open the inspector, and change its Output field to a different device. Each track can route to a separate interface or output stack, so you can monitor drums on one device and vocals on another in the same session.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.