Big Update for SoundSource

I use a lot of Rogue Amoeba software and I didn’t come to SoundSource until a few years ago, but in hindsight I have no idea why I waited so long. Because I work constantly with audio, I switch audio sources constantly and SoundSource gets you complete control of audio on your Mac right from the menu bar.

Version 6 brings major improvements, including Grouped Output Devices that let you play audio through multiple outputs simultaneously, comprehensive AirPlay Support for routing individual apps to HomePods and other AirPlay devices, a powerful new Audio Devices Window with extensive control over device settings and preferences, and Quick Configs that save and instantly switch your entire audio setup with one click.

The update also includes a Recent Noise Indicator, new Balance & Pan Effect, per-app “Headphone EQ”, Shortcuts automation support, a system-wide “Cough” button, enhanced effects management, multi-channel support, per-app menu bar icons, keyboard device switching, and per-app volume control from the keyboard. The interface now offers eight accent colors, customizable menu bar icons, and resizable windows.

SoundSource 6 is available now for $49 for new users, with upgrades from version 5 at $25. You can read more details in Rogue Amoeba’s announcement.

Updated Apple Mail Link AppleScript

For years now, I’ve been iterating on an AppleScript to copy a link for the currently selected Apple Mail message to the clipboard. You can then paste the link elsewhere and get a link back to the source message.

This came up during a recent webinar on the Apple Productivity Field Guide. Since the last time I published this script, I’ve added a few new features:

  • Error handling plus a “Basso” sound upon error
  • Cleaner message description in the alert
  • A slight change to the way the link is created to help avoid link issues.

Enjoy!

tell application "Mail"
    try
        set selMessages to selection
        if (count selMessages) > 0 then
            -- Handle multiple message selection
            set msgCount to count selMessages
            if msgCount > 1 then
                display notification (msgCount as rich text) & " messages selected. Using first message." with title "Mail Link" sound name "Pop"
            end if

            set thisMsg to item 1 of selMessages
            set thisMsgID to message id of thisMsg
            set thisMsgURL to "message://%3C" & thisMsgID & "%3E"
            set the clipboard to thisMsgURL

            -- Truncate sender and subject for cleaner notifications
            set senderText to sender of thisMsg
            if length of senderText > 30 then
                set senderText to (rich text 1 thru 30 of senderText) & "..."
            end if

            set subjectText to subject of thisMsg
            if length of subjectText > 40 then
                set subjectText to (rich text 1 thru 40 of subjectText) & "..."
            end if

            display notification "From: " & senderText & " - " & subjectText with title "Message Link Copied" sound name "Pop"
        else
            display notification "Please select a message first." with title "No Message Selected" sound name "Basso"
        end if
    on error errMsg
        display notification errMsg with title "Error Copying Link" sound name "Basso"
    end try
end tell

Whisper Memos: Record a Voice Memo, Receive It as Email (Sponsor)

One of the easiest ways to take advantage of artificial intelligence right now is voice-to-text transcription. I’ve been dictating to computers for decades, and I can tell you it’s never been easier than it is now. My weapon of choice for this on my iPhone is Whisper Memos. (The app is sponsoring the blog this week, but I was a paying subscriber long before that.)

The developer recently went full-time working on his various Whisper-related applications, and this change is already paying dividends. A recent update to Whisper Memos adds an auto-summarization feature. So now, in addition to reliably catching your words, you can also get a summary of anything you dictate to the application.

I’ve been using Whisper Memos for over a year now, and I’ve found it particularly powerful when combined with the action button on my Apple Watch. It gives me a seamless dictation workflow that I use throughout my day—whether I’m capturing quick thoughts, drafting content ideas, or recording notes on the go.

If you’re looking for a solid dictation tool for your iPhone, check out Whisper Memos.

Mac Power Users 826: 2025 State of the Platforms (Part 2)

Stephen and I wrap up our review of Apple’s 2025 with a look at the iPhone, Apple TV, iCloud, and Apple’s other services. They we zoom out and look at the overall ecosystem. Join us on this episode of Mac Power Users.

This episode of Mac Power Users is sponsored by:

  • Squarespace: Save 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain using code MPU.
  • Indeed: Join more than 3.5 million businesses worldwide using Indeed to hire great talent fast.
  • DEVONthink: Get Organized — Unleash Your Creativity. Get 25% off this Black Friday.

Taming YouTube (Without Missing the Good Stuff)

Last week I wrote about avoiding social media, and I got a lot of responses. But several of you pointed out that your real problem isn’t Twitter-type apps or Instagram. It’s YouTube.

You go there to watch one video about fixing your bike tire, and three hours later you’re watching someone restore a 1987 Nintendo. I get it. YouTube is sneaky that way.

So here’s what works for me.

Sparky’s Current Watchlist
  1. Create a watch list. YouTube lets you save videos to custom playlists. When you stumble across something interesting, don’t watch it. Just add it to your watch list and close the tab.
  2. Schedule your YouTube time. Pick a specific block in your week. Mine’s Friday afternoons. When that time comes, open YouTube and go straight to your watch list. No homepage. No recommendations feed. Just your list.
  3. Use the algorithm, but on your terms. I actually like YouTube’s recommendations. They surface videos I wouldn’t find otherwise. The trick is treating them like suggestions, not commands. See something interesting? Add it to the list. Move on.
  4. Curate ruthlessly. Before I start watching, I scan my list and delete anything that doesn’t grab me anymore. What seemed interesting on Tuesday might feel skippable by Friday. That’s fine.

This is time boxing in action. You’re not eliminating YouTube. You’re just deciding when and what to watch before you start watching. It turns passive consumption into an active choice.

Does it eliminate the temptation completely? No. Sometimes I still fall down a rabbit hole. But having a system makes those slip-ups rare instead of routine.

The key insight is that YouTube isn’t the problem. The infinite feed is. Your watch list gives you the benefits of YouTube without the trap of endless autoplay.

Give it a try for a week and see what happens.

Dictation Series 02 – Wispr Flow

For part two of the dictation series in the MacSparky Labs, I wanted to cover an intermediate tool that gives you more power than the built-in Apple solution but without overwhelming you. I looked at a lot of tools and settled on Wispr Flow, which I think is an excellent option.
… This is a post for MacSparky Labs Members only. Care to join? If you’re already a member, you can log in here.

Record Any Audio With Audio Hijack, From Rogue Amoeba (Sponsor)

Record Any Audio With Audio Hijack, From Rogue Amoeba

My friends at Rogue Amoeba are back to sponsor MacSparky this holiday season, and I want to shine a spotlight on their flagship app: Audio Hijack.

Audio Hijack’s tagline is short and sweet: Record any audio. With it, you can save audio from any app, any device, or even from your entire system. Record podcasts, capture streaming audio, archive audio calls, or grab sounds from games and videos. If it makes sound on your Mac, Audio Hijack can record it.

There’s so much more. Use the built-in Transcribe block for local, secure transcription of audio without relying on any cloud services. Schedule recordings for live broadcasts you don’t want to miss. Even use it to create your own live streams. Get 20% off with the coupon code: SPARKYHOLIDAY.