5.1 to Mac Display port
 

Hello all. I'm trying to feed a surround mix out of Pro Tools to my AV receiver via HDMI. However my OS is only showing 2ch. as the available formats for audio outputs on the Display ports. This is a 2018 Mac Mini running 10.14.6. I've attached images.

Re: 5.1 to Mac Display port
 

Hey Tim, check to see that the receiver is setup to receive and decode in auto mode, not specifically Dolby Digital.

Also, did you setup “configure speakers” in the Audio Midi settings for that device output?

https://support.apple.com/guide/audi...5/3.5/mac/11.0

Re: 5.1 to Mac Display port
 

Not even connected to the receiver yet (Though I did have it connected last week and only saw 2ch option then). Is the OS smart enought to auto-sense what's connected to only offer 5.1 when available?.

The attached image shows the "Configure Speakers" window and that the "Surround" option is greyed out.

Re: 5.1 to Mac Display port
 

I think it needs to be connected to the actual device so it can determine how many available outputs can be configured. Not really sure though.

Are you just trying to listen to encoded material out the Mac Mini from a streaming service or use the receiver as a way to monitor a 5.1 mix from Pro Tools?

Re: 5.1 to Mac Display port
 

Just monitoring straight out of PTs as a "Screening" option for producer/Directors, since my media room is more accommodating for clients than my mix room. especially if there a multiple people. Big TV too.

Re: 5.1 to Mac Display port
 

According to this article the Mac has to be connected to the outboard gear https://discussions.apple.com/thread/3639822 to be able to configure for 5.1

Re: 5.1 to Mac Display port
 

That’s cool. There are a few ways to handle this which I’m sure you can figure out. Hit me up on me cell if you want to chat about.

Generally speaking, I think the amp is gonna wanna see an encoded signal on HDMI to decode into 5.1 unless direct PCM will work?

Re: 5.1 to Mac Display port
 

I thought I could output PCM discreet audio, but I'm thinking this may be a limitation of my receiver that is locking the Mac to 2ch. audio.

Re: 5.1 to Mac Display port
 

Update: Looks like the Mac auto-senses the capabilities of the HDMI output and "dumbs it down" to the lowest channel count device. So, I was trying to split one of my HDMI display outputs (I have 3) to feed both my studio display as well as my Home Theater AV receiver. However, the Mac limits outputs to 2 as long as the studio display is connected to one of the split outputs. Now I'm thinking of trying another dedicated USB-C to HDMI output for my AV receiver (bringing my total to 4), but have to figure out if I can get QT to play out 2 HDMI outputs. Maybe possible to mirror only 2 displays in the Mac display prefs? Anyone have any ideas?

Re: 5.1 to Mac Display port
 

Hey Tim,

You should be able to mirror specific displays. Last time I did though was on High Sierra.

https://create.pro/how-to-mirror-spe...-apple-system/