Sidebar Sidebar
Become a MacRumors Supporter for $50/year with no ads, ability to filter front page stories, and private forums.

Dell Sound Bar AC511 runs on Mac OS X?

Klack3er

Klack3er

macrumors newbie
Original poster
May 22, 2014
13
0
Germany
Hey guys!

Im thinking about replacing my Thunderbolt Display with a Dell UP2414Q for 4k resolution. Dell offers the Soundbar AC511 together with the Display, to have 'integrated' Sound via USB. The Soundbar would just be clipped underneath the Monitor. For me this would be perfect, since i dont want extra Speakers on my Desktop.

Now my question and maybe anyone here already tried or uses the Sound Bar AC511 with Mac OS X? Because on the Dell Website, it of course only mentions Windows 7 & 8. The Soundbar is an USB Speaker tht would Plug into the USB Hub of the Display, theres no normal Audiojack. Thats why it would be great to know if it works with Mac OS X with USB or not before i buy it

=) Thanks in Advance!
 
Most USB audio devices use generic drivers. The most you would need to do is change the audio output on your computer to use the USB audio device that is detected.
 
Thanks for your answer! I got it today and it works fine with mac os x! :)
 
Last edited:
Klack3er said:
Thanks for your answer! I got them today and they work fine with mac os x! :)
Click to expand...

Nice! Too bad Dell changed the mounting for their sound bars, I'd switch my AX510 to the AC511 if it would fit my display. That would keep me from having to swap out the plug for my headset when I use FaceTime.
 
Yes. Using the keyboard volume keys, slider on the menu bar or knob on the side of the sound bar all work identically and show the same on-screen display.
 
Candurin said:
Yes. Using the keyboard volume keys, slider on the menu bar or knob on the side of the sound bar all work identically and show the same on-screen display.
Click to expand...

Having trouble getting the soundbar to work. Have a 2014 MBPr connected to a U2414H via thunderbolt and the AC511 soundbar attached to the monitor but I get no sound. I have changed the sound settings to the monitor in system preferences with no joy.
The soundbar works when directly connected to the MBPr.
Tried two different monitors and two computers, none work. So I seem to have missed a setting somewhere.
Does anyone have an idea where I am going wrong?
Thanks
 
Your connecting the MBP to the monitor via DP cable? That's why connecting the ac511 to rhe U2414H via USB port is not working.

DP does not carry USB (thunderbolt does, DP does not). You'll need to connect the USB "hub" of the monitor to the USB on the MBP. Then the soundbar should work.
 
Klack3er said:
Hey guys!

Im thinking about replacing my Thunderbolt Display with a Dell UP2414Q for 4k resolution. Dell offers the Soundbar AC511 together with the Display, to have 'integrated' Sound via USB. The Soundbar would just be clipped underneath the Monitor. For me this would be perfect, since i dont want extra Speakers on my Desktop.

Now my question and maybe anyone here already tried or uses the Sound Bar AC511 with Mac OS X? Because on the Dell Website, it of course only mentions Windows 7 & 8. The Soundbar is an USB Speaker tht would Plug into the USB Hub of the Display, theres no normal Audiojack. Thats why it would be great to know if it works with Mac OS X with USB or not before i buy it

=) Thanks in Advance!
Click to expand...
It will work. Also I have the newest Dell Ultrasharp U2415 so that is one difference from your question. One thing that confused me is the new AC511 comes with just one USB connection directly from the soundbar and not the separate USB extension that shows in the User Guide. I though that I was missing the USB extension. Once I connected that the USB directly to my MacBook Pro, not the monitor, then the soundbar worked. Instructions were confusing, and I initially just had it connected to my monitor, which did give soundbar power but no sound. Also, you then need to connect directly from the earphones output jack to the input jack on the Dell soundbar. Dell does not explain that, I found that tip on this site. Finally, after doing all of this it works quite well and sounds good. Two extra connections running to your MacBook Pro for the soundbar, but I think it will be worth it if I'm watching Netflix or some other longer video where I want better sound. It was crazy trying to figure it out. I hope this helps others trying to decide whether to buy the new Dell monitor. It's certainly not Mac Thunderbolt quality, but for the price, it is a very good monitor to go wth the MacBook Pro.
 
steverjoy said:
My hackintosh work with AC511
Click to expand...
My does too, but I get some sound pulse feedback on mine. I have connected directly to my Mac Mini (which lessens the feedback from plugging it into my monitor). I have Mac Monterey 12.6.1 and cannot upgrade to 13. Any suggestions?
 
Anyone using the Dell AC511 with a Mac Mini M2 Running Somona 14.1.1 ? Mine works but, If I put my mac to sleep or log off I have to unplug the USB cable from the back of my mac and plug it back in then go to sound in system settings and set it as out put. It won't stay connected. I like the sound bar because it clips to my dell ultrasharp U2414H monitor and doesn't take up desk space but, I'm about to purchase a pair of external speakers because this is driving my nuts.
 
The majority of USB audio devices use generic drivers. To use the acknowledged USB audio device, all you would need to do is adjust your computer's audio output.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Register on MacRumors! This sidebar will go away, and you'll see fewer ads.
Top Bottom
Back