Product · Questions
Frequently asked questions
Short, straight answers about setting up MixOutpost, what it works with, how the audio gets to your phone and what it will cost.
MixOutpost is a free Mac plugin and app plus an iPhone listener. You put the plugin on your master bus, pair your phone once, and hear the live session on the phone while you keep working. The Mac plugin and app are free downloads, and the iPhone app is free on the App Store.
The questions below cover the things people ask first: what it works with, how the network side behaves, how the audio is protected, whether it's really lossless, and what it will cost. If you're setting up for the first time, how it works has the step-by-step version, and the feature reference lists everything the app does today.
At a glance
| Question | Short answer |
|---|---|
| Mac | macOS 12 or later, Apple Silicon and Intel; Mac audio (all apps) needs macOS 14.2+ |
| iPhone | iOS 17 or later (free on the App Store) |
| Plugin formats | AU and VST3; AAX coming |
| Network | Local network only: Wi-Fi or Ethernet |
| Audio | 48 kHz, lossless, bit-exact at 48 kHz sessions |
| Security | Paired phones only, TLS 1.3 |
| Listeners | Up to 8 phones |
| Price | Mac side free; Pro $29.99 one-time |
Still stuck after reading the answers? Most connection problems come down to iOS Local Network permission, a guest network, or a network that blocks discovery. The troubleshooting guide goes through each one.
Questions
What does MixOutpost do?
It streams your DAW's mix from your Mac to your iPhone while you work, lossless and encrypted, so you can check it on the phone speaker, AirPods or any other output. The phone also has mix-checking tools: Listen as Mono or Side, loudness targets, a diagnostic EQ, recording and A/B.
What do I need?
A Mac running macOS 12 or later (Apple Silicon or Intel; sharing Mac audio (all apps) from the Mac app needs macOS 14.2 or later) and an iPhone running iOS 17 or later, on the same local network. The Mac can use Ethernet; the iPhone can use Wi-Fi or a USB-C Ethernet adapter.
Which DAWs does it work with?
Any Mac host that loads Audio Unit or VST3 plugins. The AU is verified in Logic Pro. The VST3 is verified in Ableton Live too. For hosts the plugin doesn't load in, the Mac app shares all Mac audio (macOS 14.2 or later).
Does it work with Pro Tools?
Not as a plugin yet. The AAX version is built and is coming once it's signed for Pro Tools. Until then, use the Mac app to share Pro Tools' output (Mac audio (all apps) needs macOS 14.2 or later). See Pro Tools.
Where do I put the plugin?
In the last insert slot on your Stereo Out (master bus), after any limiter and metering. Then the phone hears exactly what your monitors hear.
Will it change my DAW's audio or my bounces?
No. The plugin is a transparent insert: its output is bit-identical to its input. Offline bounces are skipped, so exports don't flood the phone.
Is the audio really lossless?
Yes. It streams uncompressed at 48 kHz. At a 48 kHz session rate the audio arrives bit-exact, and Connection info on the phone confirms it. 44.1, 88.2 and 96 kHz sessions are converted to 48 kHz.
Does it work over the internet?
No. MixOutpost works on your local network only, over Wi-Fi or Ethernet. Remote listening over the internet is planned but on hold.
Can someone else on my network listen?
No. Only phones you've paired can connect, and all audio is encrypted with TLS 1.3. There's no open-access mode. See security.
How do I pair my iPhone?
Click Pair phone… on the Mac, then scan the QR code in the MixOutpost app or with the iPhone Camera. Or type the 6-digit code on the phone and approve it on the Mac after checking that both screens show the same number. One pairing covers every plugin instance and the Mac app.
How many phones can listen at once?
Up to 8. Each phone has its own volume, Listen as mode and output, and the plugin shows who's connected. See multiple listeners.
Does it keep playing when the phone is locked?
Yes. Playback continues with the screen locked or while you use other apps.
Can I listen on AirPods, AirPlay or Bluetooth speakers?
Yes, on anything your iPhone can play to. The output picker covers the phone speaker, AirPods and other headphones, AirPlay devices (HomePod, Apple TV and the TV it's connected to, AirPlay speakers and receivers), Bluetooth speakers and car stereos, and wired outputs. Bluetooth and AirPlay add their own delay on top of the stream, so the sound runs a little behind the Mac.
How much does it cost?
The Mac plugin and app are free. Pro will be a one-time in-app purchase on the iPhone, not a subscription, and it costs $29.99. See pricing.
Do I need an account?
No. There are no accounts, license keys or serials.
Is there Windows, Android or iPad support?
Not yet. A Windows sender, an Android listener and an Apple TV app are planned after launch. An iPad layout has been proposed.
Where do I get the iPhone app?
It's a free download on the App Store. See the download page for the Mac side.
My Mac doesn't appear on the phone. What now?
Check that iOS Local Network access is allowed for MixOutpost (the app offers Open Settings if not), that both devices are on the same network rather than a guest network, and that sharing is started on the Mac. If your network blocks discovery, connect by address. More in troubleshooting the connection.
I hear dropouts. How do I fix them?
Leave the buffer on Auto or switch to Stable, move closer to the router, or connect the iPhone with a USB-C Ethernet adapter for the steadiest playback. Connection info shows the dropout count and network type. See wired Ethernet.
Does it support surround?
Yes, from plugin buses: 5.1, 7.1, 5.1.4, 7.1.2 and 7.1.4. You hear it spatialized on AirPods and AirPlay, or folded down to stereo on the phone speaker. See surround on AirPods.
Hear your mix on your phone
Free Mac plugin (AU, VST3) and iPhone app. Lossless, bit-exact and encrypted.