Postby johnB67 » 18 May 2020 18:26
Hi Baward, maybe I can help you. When you're in VLC, go to Audio, then Audio Device and pick either encoded digital audio or built in Line output Usually, as you said, 5.1 audio is encoded into the file. Also you may wish to go to Preferences, then Audio, make sure Enable Audio is turned ON, then click at the bottom to show All; which should give you a bunch more options. Also, baward, if you hold down the Alt/Option key on your keyboard and clck on your speaker icon at the top right of your screen (next to the time display). It'll show you a list of all audio inputs and outputs. I haven't ever seen a "Downmix" control panel on Mac, or any audio control panel apart from the basic one built into the OS (Output, input, volume and balance).You might also want to mess around in Audio MIDI setup which was in Utilities. there you can set the frequency and bitrate: but for 2 channel only. Some have reported getting 5.1 working in Audio MIDI setup but that was a while ago. How are your speakers connected to your Mac ??
hope this helps you a bit
john b