Why Is There a Difference in Volume Between ListenHub and Other Audio Devices?

If you notice that ListenHub sounds louder or quieter than other audio devices on your Mac, it’s usually due to differences in gain staging, loudness matching, or system audio settings.
This guide lists the most common causes and how to fix them.

Common Causes & Fixes

1. Gain Level Difference in the FX Chain

If you’re using plug‑ins in ListenHub’s FX Chain, some may reduce headroom to prevent clipping.
A common example is Sonarworks SoundID with Safe Headroom enabled.

Fix:

• Open your Sonarworks / SoundID plug‑in inside ListenHub.

• Check if Safe Headroom is enabled.

• Adjust or disable it if you want levels to match other outputs.

2. Match Loudness Feature Enabled

ListenHub’s Match Loudness button automatically adjusts playback level to keep perceived loudness consistent between sources.
If this is turned on, it may make ListenHub sound quieter than other outputs.

Fix:

• Toggle Match Loudness off in the ListenHub interface.

• Compare levels again.

3. Audio/MIDI Setup or System Preferences Level Mismatch

macOS allows you to set different output volume levels for each audio device.
If your ListenHub output is set lower in Audio MIDI Setup or System Preferences → Sound, it will play back quieter.

Fix:

1. Open Applications → Utilities → Audio MIDI Setup.

2. Select ListenHub from the output device list.

3. Check and adjust the Output Volume sliders.

4. Repeat in System Preferences → Sound for consistency.

Additional Tips

• Always check gain staging inside ListenHub’s FX Chain — calibration or processing plug‑ins may alter level.

• Use consistent test material (pink noise or a reference track) when comparing levels between outputs.

• If levels still differ after checking the above, temporarily bypass all plug‑ins in ListenHub to isolate the cause.