Detour for Mac

Name: Detour
Rating: 4.2 (13 reviews)
Author: Rogue Amoeba Software

Download now

Used Detour for Mac?

Detour Analysis

AI Assisted Content · June 11, 2026

Not written by CNET Staff.

Detour is a free multimedia application designed for Mac users, focusing on audio routing capabilities. This software allows users to control how audio is directed from applications to output devices, offering a flexible solution for those looking to customize their audio experience. With a user-friendly interface, Detour simplifies the process of managing audio streams, enabling users to route sound from one app to another seamlessly.

Top Recommended Alternative

4Videosoft iOS Transfer for Mac

Trial version

4.9

Key features of Detour include the ability to create virtual audio devices that can be used to redirect audio output from multiple applications. This functionality is particularly beneficial for users who require specific audio configurations for recording, streaming, or simply enhancing their listening experience. Overall, Detour serves as a powerful tool for audio management, catering to both casual users and professionals who demand precise control over their audio settings.

Detour for Mac

Download now

Used Detour for Mac?

Explore More

Full Specifications

GENERAL

Release: October 14, 2005

Latest update: June 11, 2026

Version: 1.5.5

OPERATING SYSTEMS

Platform: Mac

Operating System

Mac OS X 10.3.9
Mac OS X 10.3
Mac OS X

Additional Requirements: None

POPULARITY

Total Downloads: 5,031

Downloads Last Week: 1

Report Software

Program available in other languages

Descargar Detour

Last Updated

User Reviews

4.2/5

13 User Votes

Class-Act
MAC_1984October 14, 2005
Pros
Cons
Summary
This review was originally posted on VersionTracker.com. I bought and paid for Detour eons ago; paid for the upgrade fee too when a newer version was released. I always felt that it was worth it and my money was well spent. Rogue Amoeba is such a class-act and I intent to keep supporting them by purchasing other apps they develop. For those who sat on the fence over licensing Detour, you lost out of its usage during your waiting. Now that your wait is over you get the opportunity to own a greta piece of software for free. Also, I thank Rogue Amoeba for giving previous owners a nice little thank you gift, very classy. This app works exceedingly well for those who own external iSights and other multimedia devices using sound...I use it daily.
To bad
NetzachMay 24, 2005
Pros
Cons
Summary
This review was originally posted on VersionTracker.com. To bad this messes up my 10.4.1 system. I love the concept. Please fix the bugs, this is a "must have" with my M-Audio Fast Track!
Endangered Tiger
DomMartinMay 18, 2005
Pros
Cons
Summary
This review was originally posted on VersionTracker.com. Makes Tiger behave very dangerously. I've just spent the last week in mac hospital because Detour messed up with my system and lost a lot of data. I can't say it was all down to Detour but as soon as I reinstalled it it happened again. Works like a dream with Panther though. Let's hope a Tiger update is on the way.
1.5.3 detour pref pane crashes from time to time
aaa eee ffMay 5, 2005
Pros
Cons
Summary
This review was originally posted on VersionTracker.com. In Tiger detour pref pane sometimes does not load. Hope this is fixed in the next version. Besides that perfectly routes iTunes audio output to my optical out.
So far...
musicMManNovember 16, 2004
Pros
Cons
Summary
This review was originally posted on VersionTracker.com. ..damn good! Solve a multitude of problems and when used with Hijack Pro, just plain HEAVEN for anyone neeeding control, REAL control of their audio stuff. Highly recommended.
amended review!
fKingOctober 21, 2004
Pros
Cons
Summary
This review was originally posted on VersionTracker.com. at a friend's suggestion, reinstalled this (after reinstalling my mac os). works! can route yahoo messenger, toast to the internal speakers, vlc, etc to my usb audio...excellent! (there's nothing like the toast "ding!" in your studio monitors to ruin a day...) changing my review -
not useful for me...
fKingOctober 11, 2004
Pros
Cons
Summary
This review was originally posted on VersionTracker.com. tried this. wanted to route my "yahoo im" (email notification) sound to the internal speakers... but after a restart, it's still coming thru my stereo. oh well...
Turn Left...NO Turn Rightt--Detour Ahead!
MAC_1984July 21, 2004
Pros
Cons
Summary
This review was originally posted on VersionTracker.com. I have no issues with RA. I had a problem with the previous version, but they always answered my e-mails. The problem was solved when the Panther moved to its next revision. I find RA a pretty cool software company and I like what they offer us. This version adds some needed features and is really starting to rock the house.
No problems here
sjonkeJuly 21, 2004
Pros
Cons
Summary
This review was originally posted on VersionTracker.com. At least for the applications I use with it, Detour still works great and is very easy to use. One snafu is that I have the built-in ScreenSaver entry disabled (unchecked), but it still shows up in the new Detour menu. Also I wish the volume controls in the Detour menu were actual volume sliders instead of a set of fixed percentages. Still, it's a nice enhancement to an already very fine product.
They blew it AGAIN
techdude2004July 20, 2004
Pros
Cons
Summary
This review was originally posted on VersionTracker.com. These guys have some great ideas and a kewl interface but this is still a piece of CRAP. Says it works with any APP. I have been trying to get them to make it work with YIM for 6 versions now. Oh well, maybe next time. They don't answer my emails any more, either. My last email to them came back "undeliverable". Save your money.

Developer’s Description

By Rogue Amoeba Software

Control where audio from all your programs is going.

Detour lets you control where audio from all your programs is going by allowing you to send audio to different output devices on an application-specific basis. This means you can...

...send music from iTunes to your external speakers and keep the annoying beeps and blips of iChat going through your computer's built-in speaker.

...mute any application's sounds all together.

...change the volume of some applications relative to others. Make your email client's alerts quieter, and you'll never again be jarred from work just to receive spam.

Detour for Mac

Detour Analysis

Top Recommended Alternative

4Videosoft iOS Transfer for Mac

Detour for Mac

Explore More

Adobe Stock

4Videosoft iOS Transfer for Mac

Aeon

iRooster

Color Storm

WebernUhrWerk

Musorg

Sound Studio 3 Monbot: Mastering Console

Snapper Screen Recorder

LAMA

Sound Studio 3 Monbot: Stitch

Mousqueak

Full Specifications

Program available in other languages

Last Updated

iMazing

RecBoot

USB Audio ASIO driver

Xpand!2

Absinthe for iOS 5.1.1 for Mac

Winamp for Mac

AltServer

Waves

Sibelius

OrangeVocoder

Altiverb

YamiPod

User Reviews

Class-Act

To bad

Endangered Tiger

1.5.3 detour pref pane crashes from time to time

So far...

amended review!

not useful for me...

Turn Left...NO Turn Rightt--Detour Ahead!

No problems here

They blew it AGAIN

Developer’s Description