How to Mix SoundCloud Audio with Other Apps on iPhone, iPad & Mac
Want SoundCloud to keep playing while you use Maps, a game or a video? Turn on Soundy's Mixed Mode and your music plays alongside other apps instead of pausing them.
Quick answer: By default, playing SoundCloud in the free Soundy app pauses other apps' audio. To play both at once, open Soundy's Settings tab, go to Audio output mode, and tap Mixed mode. Now Soundy mixes with other apps, which is great for listening while you navigate, game or watch videos. Switch back any time by tapping Default.
On iPhone and iPad, most music apps take exclusive control of audio: start a song and whatever else was making sound gets paused. That's usually what you want. But sometimes you'd rather keep the music going on top of another app: background beats while you play a game, a SoundCloud mix over turn-by-turn navigation, or a lo-fi set behind a muted video.
Soundy, the free, ad-free SoundCloud player for iPhone, iPad and Mac, has a setting for exactly this, called Mixed Mode. Here's what it does and how to turn it on.
What Mixed Mode does
Soundy's Audio output mode setting has two options:
- Default: "Audio from other apps is paused during playback." Soundy takes over the audio, just like most music apps. This is on out of the box.
- Mixed mode: "Play alongside audio from other apps." Soundy shares the audio output, so your SoundCloud track and the other app both play at the same time, each at its own volume.
Mixed Mode doesn't lower or "duck" the other app. It simply lets both sounds through together. It's ideal for navigation, games, or watching videos while you listen.
Turn on Mixed Mode in 5 steps
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Download Soundy and sign in
Install Soundy from the App Store on your iPhone, iPad or Mac (it's free), then tap Sign In with SoundCloud to connect your account.
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Open the Settings tab
Tap the Settings tab (the gear icon) in Soundy's bottom tab bar.
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Find "Audio output mode"
Scroll down to the Audio output mode section. You'll see two rows: Default and Mixed mode, with a short description under each.
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Tap "Mixed mode"
Tap Mixed mode so a checkmark moves next to it. That's it. The change applies immediately, with no restart, and Soundy remembers it the next time you open the app.
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Play and mix
Start a track in Soundy, then open another app: Maps, a game, or a video. Both play together. Want exclusive playback back? Return to Settings → Audio output mode and tap Default.
Good to know
- Everything else keeps working. The 10-band equalizer, playback speed, background playback, lock-screen controls and AirPlay all behave normally in Mixed Mode.
- Available in the car, too. The same Audio output mode setting appears in Soundy's CarPlay settings.
- It's a preference, not per-track. Mixed Mode stays on for all playback until you switch back to Default.
- Videos will mix, not pause. If you start a video in another app while Mixed Mode is on, that app decides whether its own sound plays, and Soundy simply won't force it to stop.
Mixed Mode for SoundCloud: FAQ
Can I play SoundCloud and another app at the same time?
Yes. Turn on Mixed Mode in the free Soundy app (Settings tab → Audio output mode → Mixed mode). SoundCloud audio then plays alongside other apps like Maps, games or videos instead of pausing them.
What is Mixed Mode in Soundy?
Mixed Mode is an audio output setting that lets Soundy share the audio output with other apps. When it's on, Soundy plays at the same time as another app's sound. When it's off (the Default), Soundy takes over playback and pauses other apps' audio.
How do I turn on Mixed Mode?
Open Soundy, tap the Settings tab (gear icon), scroll to "Audio output mode", and tap "Mixed mode". A checkmark confirms it's on. The setting applies instantly and is saved for next time.
Does Mixed Mode lower the volume or duck other apps?
No. Mixed Mode does not duck or reduce the other app's volume. Soundy and the other app simply play together, each at its own volume set by your device.
Does the equalizer still work in Mixed Mode?
Yes. The 10-band equalizer, playback speed control, background playback, lock-screen controls and AirPlay all keep working normally when Mixed Mode is on.
Is Mixed Mode on by default?
No. The Default audio output mode is exclusive playback, which pauses audio from other apps while Soundy plays. You switch to Mixed mode yourself in Settings when you want simultaneous audio.
How do I turn Mixed Mode off?
Go back to the Settings tab, open "Audio output mode" and tap "Default". Soundy returns to exclusive playback and will pause other apps' audio again.
Does Mixed Mode work on iPad, Mac and CarPlay?
Yes. Soundy runs on iPhone, iPad and Mac, and the Audio output mode setting works the same on all of them. The same option is also available in Soundy's CarPlay settings.