Where to find the audio device settings in DaVinci Resolve

Open DaVinci Resolve and go to DaVinci Resolve > Preferences (on Mac) or Edit > Preferences (on Windows and Linux). In the Preferences window, click the Audio tab on the left side. You will see a section called Audio Device with a dropdown menu showing your currently selected device.

The dropdown lists every audio input and output device your computer recognizes — your built-in speakers, external USB audio interfaces, headphones, microphones, and any other connected hardware. Click the dropdown to see all available options.

Selecting a different output device for playback

If you want to hear your timeline play through different speakers or headphones, click the Audio Device dropdown and select the device you want to use. DaVinci Resolve will switch to that device when ready. The next time you play your timeline, audio will come through the device you chose.

If your new device does not appear in the list, make sure it is plugged in and powered on. Some USB audio interfaces require their own driver software to be installed before DaVinci Resolve can see them. Check the manufacturer's website for the latest driver if your device is connected but not showing up.

Changing the input device for recording audio

The same Audio Device dropdown controls both playback and input. When you record voiceover or dialogue directly into DaVinci Resolve, the software uses whichever device you have selected here. If you want to record from a microphone or external audio interface instead of your computer's built-in mic, select that device from the dropdown first.

Test your input before you start recording. Click File > New Project or open an existing one, then add a new audio track. Press Record on a short clip to confirm the microphone or interface is sending sound to DaVinci Resolve at the level you expect.

Adjusting sample rate and bit depth for your audio device

Below the Audio Device dropdown, you will see Sample Rate and Bit Depth settings. These control how DaVinci Resolve records and plays audio. Sample rate is measured in Hz (hertz) — 48 kHz is standard for video work, while 44.1 kHz is common for music. Bit depth is measured in bits — 16-bit is standard, 24-bit or 32-bit gives you more headroom if you are recording.

Match these settings to what your audio device supports and what your project needs. If your external audio interface only works at 48 kHz, set DaVinci Resolve to 48 kHz as well. Mismatched settings can cause crackling, dropouts, or sync problems between video and audio.

Troubleshooting when your audio device will not switch

If you select a device but audio still comes through the wrong speaker or microphone, close and reopen DaVinci Resolve. Sometimes the software does not fully release the old device until you restart it. After restarting, go back to Preferences and confirm your device is still selected.

If the device you want is not in the dropdown at all, disconnect it and reconnect it while DaVinci Resolve is open. Some devices need a moment to be recognized. If it still does not appear, restart your computer — the operating system may not have finished loading the device driver. On Windows, also check Device Manager to confirm the device is not showing an error.

Using multiple audio devices at once

DaVinci Resolve can only output to one device at a time through the main Audio Device setting. If you need to send audio to multiple places — speakers and headphones, for example — you have two options. The first is to use your operating system's audio mixer to route DaVinci Resolve's output to a virtual audio device that splits the signal. The second is to export your timeline as an audio file and play it through a separate process that supports multiple outputs.

For most editing work, switching between devices in Preferences is simpler and faster than setting up virtual audio routing. Use the dropdown whenever you need to move between your main speakers, headphones, or an external interface.

Key Takeaways

  • Audio device settings are in DaVinci Resolve > Preferences > Audio (Mac) or Edit > Preferences > Audio (Windows and Linux).
  • The Audio Device dropdown controls both playback and recording input, so selecting a device affects both.
  • If your device does not appear in the dropdown, check that it is plugged in, powered on, and has the latest driver installed.
  • Sample rate and bit depth must match your audio device and project needs to avoid crackling or sync problems.
  • Restart DaVinci Resolve if a device switch does not take effect, or restart your computer if the device is not recognized at all.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does DaVinci Resolve keep switching back to my built-in speakers?

DaVinci Resolve sometimes reverts to the default system audio device when you restart the process or disconnect a USB device. Go back to Preferences and select your preferred device again. If this happens repeatedly, check whether your external device is set as the default in your operating system's audio settings — DaVinci Resolve may be following the system default.

Can I record audio from one device while listening through another?

No — DaVinci Resolve uses the same device for both input and output. If you need to record from a microphone while monitoring through headphones, you must use a single audio interface that has both a microphone input and headphone output, or use your operating system's audio routing tools to split the signal.

What should I do if my USB audio interface is plugged in but not showing up?

First, restart DaVinci Resolve. If the device still does not appear, restart your computer — the operating system may not have finished loading the driver. Check the manufacturer's website to confirm you have the latest driver installed. On Windows, open Device Manager and look for any devices with a warning icon, which indicates a driver problem.

Does changing the audio device affect my saved project?

No. The device you select is a preference for your current session only. When you open the project again, DaVinci Resolve will use whatever device you have selected in Preferences at that time. Your audio clips and timeline settings remain unchanged.

Why is my audio crackling or cutting out after I switched devices?

Check that your sample rate and bit depth match what your new device supports. Mismatched settings are the most common cause of crackling. Also confirm your computer has enough processing power — if your CPU is maxed out, switching to a device with higher sample rate can push it over the edge. Lower the sample rate or close other applications to free up resources.