Support
Straight answers below. If yours is missing, email a human — the developer reads every message.
License & activation
How does license activation work? Do I need an account?
No account. When you enter your license code, the app performs a short online check to confirm the code is valid and bind it to your Mac. After that, everything runs locally. The app re-verifies quietly in the background; if you are offline, you have a 72-hour grace window before it asks for a connection. This is the only network feature in the app, and we would rather tell you plainly than hide it.
How do I move my license to a new Mac?
Self-service, no email required: on the old Mac, open Settings → License → Deactivate this Mac. Then activate on the new one with the same code. If the old Mac is dead or gone, use the deactivation link in your license email — or just email us and we will release it.
I lost my license code. Can you resend it?
Yes. Email support@soundhop.example from the address you used at purchase (or include your order reference) and we will resend your license.
How many Macs can I use?
One Mac per base license. Add a Mac costs +$14.99 per extra machine, up to 3 Macs total.
Is there a subscription? What do updates cost?
No subscription, ever. All 1.x updates are included — and we specifically promise that compatibility fixes for streaming apps (Apple Music, TIDAL) stay free through 1.x. If a paid 2.0 ever ships, existing customers get 50% off and 1.x keeps working.
Playback & compatibility
What does "TIDAL (experimental)" actually mean?
It means we support it and we are honest about its limits. TIDAL does not expose playback format information as reliably as Apple Music does, so detection is best-effort: it can lag a moment behind a track change or occasionally need a manual DAC preset. We keep improving it, those improvements ship free in 1.x, and the guards still protect you from wrong switches. If TIDAL is your primary player, we suggest trying Pro within the refund window.
Which formats and devices are supported?
Any output device macOS exposes through CoreAudio — USB DACs, audio interfaces, built-in outputs. SoundHop matches the sample rates and bit depths your DAC itself reports as supported.
Does it work with SoundSource, or other audio utilities?
Generally yes. SoundHop changes the default output device and the DAC output format; it does not do per-app routing or EQ. Tools that do (like SoundSource) solve a different problem and typically coexist fine.
What are the "guards" exactly?
Three protections against wrong automatic switches: (1) same-track downshift guard — a suspect low-rate reading mid-track cannot drag your format down; (2) drift recovery — if something else changes the DAC, SoundHop restores the target format; (3) track-change safety window — switches align to track boundaries so matching does not fight playback.
What macOS version do I need?
macOS 13 (Ventura) or later.
Purchases & refunds
What is your refund policy?
14 days, full refund, no questions asked. Email support@soundhop.example with your order reference.
I bought the App Store app. Do I get a discount on Pro?
Yes — email your App Store receipt to support@soundhop.example and we will send a $5 coupon for Pro.
Where is my license after purchase?
It is shown on the order confirmation page right after checkout and also emailed to you. Check spam if it has not arrived within a few minutes — or email us.
Privacy
What data does the app send anywhere?
Playback detection, switching, preferences: all local, nothing leaves your Mac. The single exception is license verification, which contacts our license server with your license information. No analytics, no tracking, no account.
Contact
Email support@soundhop.example — include your order reference or license code for license questions. You will get an answer from the person who wrote the app, usually within one business day.