Audio Device Management

Features

Audio Device Management

Manage, configure, and optimize your audio input and output devices. Set defaults, rename devices, and route audio per-application.

5 min readUpdated December 2025

Overview

Jyv Desktop lets you manage all your audio devices from one place. View connected devices, set defaults, rename devices, and route audio to different devices per application.

Audio Devices Include:
  • ✓ Microphones (physical, USB, wireless)
  • ✓ Speakers and headphones
  • ✓ Virtual cables
  • ✓ Streaming software (OBS, etc.)
  • ✓ Game capture devices

Why Device Management Matters

  • Multiple Headsets: Gaming headset + wireless headphones + work USB mic
  • Room Setup: Desk speakers + laptop speakers + conference room microphone
  • Streaming: Microphone for stream, separate device for Discord
  • Privacy: Use different mics for different apps

View Connected Devices

  1. Open Jyv Desktop

    Tray icon → Open or press your hotkey

  2. Go to Devices Tab

    Main window → Devices (or left sidebar)

  3. View Your Devices

    You'll see two sections:

    • Input Devices: Microphones, line-in
    • Output Devices: Speakers, headphones, line-out
Devices Show As:
  • 📍 Device name (e.g., "Logitech USB Headset")
  • 🎤 Input/Output icon (microphone or speaker)
  • ⭐ Star = default device
  • ✓ Checkmark = active/selected

Set Default Devices

Default devices are used when no specific device is assigned to an app.

  1. Open Devices Tab

    Jyv Desktop → Devices

  2. Find Your Device

    Locate the device you want to set as default

  3. Right-Click Device

    Context menu → Set as Default

    Or click the star icon next to the device

  4. Confirm

    Device now shows a ⭐ star icon, indicating it's the default

Example: Set Default Microphone

  1. Devices → Input Devices
  2. Find Blue Yeti Microphone
  3. Right-click → Set as Default Input
  4. All apps now use Blue Yeti by default

Apps that have specific device assignments will override this default.

Device Information

View detailed information about each device.

  1. Right-Click Device

    Devices tab → Right-click any device

  2. Click Properties or Info

    Context menu → Properties or Device Info

  3. View Details

    You'll see:

    • Device name and manufacturer
    • Connection type (USB, 3.5mm, Bluetooth, etc.)
    • Current sample rate and bit depth
    • Number of input/output channels
    • Whether device is active
Device Info Example
Device: Logitech USB Headset H390
Manufacturer: Logitech
Type: USB Audio Interface
Channels: 2 (Stereo)
Sample Rate: 48 kHz
Bit Depth: 16-bit
Status: Active
Default: Yes (Input)

Per-App Devices

Assign different devices to different applications. For example, Discord uses USB mic while OBS uses another mic.

  1. Open Application Settings

    Devices → Find the application you want to configure

    Or use Per-App Volume settings if available

  2. Select App

    Click the application to expand settings

  3. Assign Input Device

    Microphone dropdown → Select device

    This mic will be used only for this app

  4. Assign Output Device

    Speaker dropdown → Select device

    This speaker will be used only for this app

  5. Save

    Settings auto-save. Next time you open the app, it will use assigned devices.

Real-World Example: Your gaming headset is always on your desk. You assign it to Discord, Game, and OBS. But your wireless earbuds are used for Spotify and casual browsing. You assign those separately, and Jyv switches devices automatically based on which app is active.

Custom Device Names

Rename devices to make them easier to identify.

  1. Right-Click Device

    Devices → Right-click the device you want to rename

  2. Click Rename

    Context menu → Rename

  3. Enter New Name

    Type a descriptive name:

    • Gaming Headset - instead of "Corsair Pro 7.1"
    • Work USB Mic - instead of "Generic USB Microphone"
    • Room Speakers - instead of "HDMI Output (NVIDIA)"
  4. Press Enter

    Device name is updated immediately

Renaming is Local: Custom names only appear in Jyv Desktop. Device name in Windows Settings stays unchanged.

Device Troubleshooting

Device Not Showing Up

Problem: Device is plugged in but doesn't appear in Jyv.

  1. Check Windows Device Manager

    Right-click StartDevice ManagerSound, video and game controllers

    See if device appears there

  2. Try Restarting Jyv Desktop

    Close Jyv completely and reopen it

  3. Reinstall Audio Drivers

    Device → Device Manager → Right-click device → Update driver

  4. Restart Computer

    Sometimes this helps Windows recognize new hardware

Default Device Keeps Changing

Problem: Jyv sets default but Windows reverts it.

Solution:

  • This is a Windows limitation, not a Jyv bug
  • When you disconnect a device, Windows resets to another default
  • Use Per-App Devices instead of default device
  • Or check Settings → Sound → check default there too

Device Detected But Muted

Problem: Device appears but no sound.

Solution:

  • Check if device is muted in Windows Settings → Sound
  • Physically check device (speaker cable plugged in, headphones not muted button)
  • Try unplugging and re-plugging USB devices
  • Increase volume in both Jyv and Windows

Bluetooth Device Keeps Disconnecting

Problem: Bluetooth headphones/mic cuts out.

Solution:

  • Move closer to Bluetooth transmitter
  • Reduce interference (move away from microwave, WiFi router)
  • Re-pair device: Settings → Remove device → Pair again
  • Update Bluetooth drivers or device firmware
  • For gaming/streaming, use wired devices instead

Need more help?

Can't find what you're looking for? Our support team is here to help.