This does not mean that Crates is attempting to record audio.

On macOS, many applications that initialize the system audio stack can trigger this permission prompt, even if they only intend to play audio. This behavior is common in many well-known applications, including web browsers, video conferencing software, media players, streaming/recording software, digital audio workstations (DAWs), and some games.

Microphone access is not required to use Crates. You can safely click Don’t Allow, and all playback features will continue to work normally.

If you ever want to change your choice, go to: System Settings → Privacy & Security → Microphone

On macOS, media buttons are supposed to work out of the box. If this is not the case, go to macOS Settings > Privacy & Security > Accessibility and you will find Crates there. Turn on the toggle and restart Crates (Quit via menu or CMD+Q & launch again). If it’s not working again, go to Accessibility Settings, remove Crates using the – on the left bottom side of the panel and either add it manually (and flip the switch on) or restart Crates and it should be added again. For good measure, restart the Crates UI completely every time you make some change to this setting.