Duckproof vs CallLane: stop FaceTime ducking on a Mac
Duckproof and CallLane both stop call ducking by giving the call its own virtual output; Duckproof is free and open source, and CallLane adds a lock that keeps your Mac's input off the AirPods mic. They work the same way: macOS ducks the virtual device, where only the call plays, and the app forwards the call to your headphones.
I make CallLane, so weigh this with that in mind. Checked on against Duckproof README on GitHub and Duckproof website.
Duckproof and CallLane side by side
| Feature | Duckproof | CallLane |
|---|---|---|
| Price model | Free | One-time purchase, 14-day refund |
| macOS requirement | macOS 14.2 or later, Apple silicon or Intel | macOS 14 or later, Apple silicon and Intel |
| Stops call ducking | Yes. FaceTime, and any call app that lets you pick a speaker, plays into the Duckproof device. You can also choose to duck other apps by 6 to 30 dB | Yes. Call apps play into the CallLane device, so macOS ducks only the call |
| Keeps AirPods out of headset mode (mic lock) | By hand. Its FAQ says to pick another mic in FaceTime's Video menu; FaceTime remembers it | Yes, for apps that follow the system input. Lock input keeps the system input on the Mac's mic (or a USB mic) and puts it back if macOS or an app moves it. An app set to the AirPods mic directly needs switching to System default once |
| Signed and notarized | Yes, Developer ID signed and notarized .pkg | Yes, signed and notarized installer |
| Open source | Yes, GPL-3.0 (its driver is built from BlackHole) | The audio driver is (GPL-3, derived from BlackHole); the app is not |
| Extra setup | Admin password for the driver, then set FaceTime's Audio Output to Duckproof once (and the speaker in other call apps) | Admin password once for the driver, then pick CallLane as the speaker in each call app, once per app |
When to pick Duckproof
- You want it free. Duckproof costs nothing and has no account.
- You want the whole app open source. Duckproof is GPL-3.0, app and driver.
- You want to choose how much other apps duck (6, 12, 20 or 30 dB) or boost FaceTime up to 300%.
- You don't use Bluetooth headphones, or you're happy to pick the Mac's mic in each call app yourself.
When to pick CallLane
- You use AirPods on calls and want the system input handled for you. CallLane's Lock input keeps the Mac's mic as the system input and puts it back when AirPods reconnect or an app moves it, so call apps on their default mic setting stay off the AirPods mic.
- You're on macOS 14.0 or 14.1. CallLane needs macOS 14; Duckproof needs 14.2.
Questions
Do Duckproof and CallLane work the same way?
For ducking, yes. Both install a virtual output device, you set the call app to play into it, and macOS ducks that device instead of your music. CallLane also locks the system input to your Mac's mic, so apps that follow it leave AirPods in high-quality mode.
Is Duckproof free?
Yes. Duckproof is free and open source under GPL-3.0. CallLane is a one-time purchase with a 14-day refund.
Does Duckproof keep AirPods from sounding muffled?
Not on its own. Duckproof's FAQ says to pick another mic in FaceTime's Video menu, such as the Mac's built-in mic. CallLane instead locks the system input to the Mac's mic, which covers apps that follow the system default. An app set to the AirPods mic directly still needs switching once in its own settings.
Do I still have to change a setting in FaceTime?
Yes, with either app. You pick Duckproof or CallLane as FaceTime's audio output once. Other call apps need the same one-time change in their speaker setting.