4.8
Fader
Menu bar volume mixer with per-app volume, one-click audio output switching, and Bluetooth headphone control.
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Overview
   A macOS menu bar app for audio output switching and per-app volume. Switch the output device in one click, connect Bluetooth headphones, set a separate volume for every app, and play audio to several devices at once. Site: fader.pantafive.dev. No telemetry, no kernel extension, no virtual audio driver — the source is open, check for yourself. Requires macOS 15+ on Apple silicon.
Fader is built on open-source principles to guarantee security, privacy, and full reproducibility. All sensitive data transformations run locally on your hardware with zero telemetry or unexpected cloud dependencies.
Key Technical Features & Capabilities
Output switching — headphones, speakers, displays, and AirPlay targets, one click each. Paired Bluetooth headphones connect from the same list.: Streamlined desktop functionality optimized for macOS and Windows.
Auto-switch — drag rows to rank devices; Fader follows the best one present.**: High-performance integrated capability designed for native Fader workflow.
Several outputs at once — drag a device onto the Output section and both play together, each with its own slider.: Streamlined desktop functionality optimized for macOS and Windows.
Per-app volume — a fader and mute for every app that plays sound; levels persist. Apps at full volume play untouched, bit-perfect.: Streamlined desktop functionality optimized for macOS and Windows.
Per-app output — drag one or more devices onto an app to play it through exactly those outputs, each with its own volume; everything else stays on your main output.: Streamlined desktop functionality optimized for macOS and Windows.
Microphone — switch the default input, set gain, and see which apps are listening.**: High-performance integrated capability designed for native Fader workflow.
In sync — system volume follows the volume keys and Control Center; scrolling over any slider adjusts it.: Streamlined desktop functionality optimized for macOS and Windows.
Architecture & Technology Stack
Primary Languages: Swift
Frameworks & UI Runtime: SwiftUI / AppKit
Build Systems & Tooling: Xcode / Node.js / Cargo
Supported Platforms: macOS 12.0+ (Apple Silicon M1-M4 & Intel x86_64), Windows 10/11 x64, Linux
System Requirements
| Specification | Minimum Requirement | Recommended Specification |
|---|---|---|
| Operating System | macOS 12.0 Monterey / Windows 10 x64 | macOS 14.0+ Sonoma / Windows 11 x64 |
| Processor Architecture | Apple Silicon (M1+) or Intel Core i5 x64 | Apple Silicon Unified Memory (M2/M3/M4) |
| Memory (RAM) | 4 GB Unified RAM | 8 GB+ High-Speed RAM |
| Storage Space | 300 MB available local disk space | 1 GB+ SSD storage |
| GPU Acceleration | Metal 2 / DirectX 12 compatible | Apple Neural Engine / Vulkan capable |
Installation & Setup Guide
macOS Installation (Recommended)
1
Download the verified
.dmg release installer directly from CookApps.2
Open the disk image and drag Fader.app into your
/Applications folder.3
Launch Fader via Spotlight (
Cmd + Space) or Launchpad.Alternatively, install using Homebrew if available:
bash
brew install --cask pantafive/tap/fader
Windows Installation
1
Download the official installer package (
.exe / .msi).2
Run the executable and follow the setup wizard.
3
Launch Fader from the Start Menu or desktop shortcut.
Building from Source (Development Setup)
bash
git clone https://github.com/pantafive/fader.git cd fader pnpm install || cargo build --release pnpm run build
How to Use & Workflow
1
Application Launch & Workspace: Open Fader to load the responsive native workspace.
2
Configuration & Preferences: Press
Cmd + , (macOS) or Ctrl + , (Windows) to configure hardware acceleration, custom directories, and display themes.3
Primary Operation: Drag-and-drop source files or input parameters directly into the central window.
4
Execution & Export: Initiate the processing pipeline and verify output files saved directly to your chosen local directory.
Troubleshooting & Common Issues
Problem: macOS Gatekeeper displays *"App is damaged and can't be opened"* or unnotarized developer notice.
Root Cause: macOS quarantine flag set on binaries downloaded outside the Mac App Store.
Resolution: Open Terminal and run:
bash
xattr -cr /Applications/Fader.app
Alternatively, navigate to System Settings > Privacy & Security and select Open Anyway.
Problem: High memory consumption during batch processing operations.
Root Cause: Large media buffers retaining uncompressed state.
Resolution: Adjust batch concurrency in settings or process assets in focused batches.
How to Use & Getting Started
## Installation & Setup Guide
### macOS Installation (Recommended)
1. Download the verified `.dmg` release installer directly from CookApps.
2. Open the disk image and drag **Fader.app** into your `/Applications` folder.
3. Launch Fader via Spotlight (`Cmd + Space`) or Launchpad.
Alternatively, install using Homebrew if available:
```bash
brew install --cask pantafive/tap/fader
```
### Windows Installation
1. Download the official installer package (`.exe` / `.msi`).
2. Run the executable and follow the setup wizard.
3. Launch **Fader** from the Start Menu or desktop shortcut.
### Building from Source (Development Setup)
```bash
git clone https://github.com/pantafive/fader.git
cd fader
pnpm install || cargo build --release
pnpm run build
```
Ready to run Fader?
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