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Sometimes - often - even at 100%, the sound is not loud enough. For example, when playing videos, with the volume setting at 100% in the player and 100% in the computer volume setting, it is still maarginal.
Is there any way to increase the sound volume besides these two settings?
Read some posts about mixer settings - where do I find that other than the sound icon in the tray, which is set to 100%.
Hadn't thought of that. Not an option. Immediate need is for a headset, and I suppose there are powered headsets, but I'm not willing to spend more. Analog output is very bad - distortion is unacceptable. Built-in speakers and USB headsets work fine, but marginal volume. If I can't find a workable software solution, I'll live with it.
I use PulseAudio Volume Control GUI to quickly boost the volume (up to 153% of normal) when I need to; note that like you, this can't be done through the tray icon. However, if I remember correctly, I've read some nasty things about it in Mint?
I've installed it, and it seems to run OK. Volume is good at 100% and adequate down to 75%. However, there is a background noise...a random ticking kind of noise that is annoying, but better than not having sufficient volume at all. It's not there when there is no sontent sound, so I assume it's something to do with maybe overdriving?
Oh ok, sorry, I missed what you meant the first time I read it. I'm glad the volume's better. In regards to the background noise, what if you change in /etc/pulse/default.pa :
### Automatically load driver modules depending on the hardware available
.ifexists module-udev-detect.so load-module module-udev-detect
to:
### Automatically load driver modules depending on the hardware available
.ifexists module-udev-detect.so load-module module-udev-detect tsched=0
and restarting. This should turn off the timer-based audio scheduling. I really don't know if it will have the desired effect, but maybe it's worth giving it a shot.
Analog output is very bad - distortion is unacceptable. Built-in speakers and USB headsets work fine, but marginal volume. If I can't find a workable software solution, I'll live with it.
If you do manage to get more volume, you'll also get more distortion.
A better sound card (either internal if its a desktop, or USB if its a laptop) might be a better idea. Or an amp.
ziphem --- I'll hold on that. Not very experienced at Linux, so not much at tinkering.
allend --- sorry, I have no idea if I'm loading that and no idea how to find out. The post you linked looks promising, and when I get a little more time, I'll read it all and try to do what it suggests. Might be a week or more before I can get to it, but will reply with results.
cascade9 --- Understand. I really don't want to put any money into new hardware unless there's no other option. This laptop is ancient! It should be on it's way to recycle, but thought that with Linux, I might get a few more years out of it. Still, I'll check USB sound cards and if there's no sticker shock, might be tempted!
I don't really need real good sound, so what I have at this point might be acceptable, though annoying.
I use PulseAudio Volume Control GUI to quickly boost the volume (up to 153% of normal) when I need to; note that like you, this can't be done through the tray icon. However, if I remember correctly, I've read some nasty things about it in Mint?
Sorry I missed this. I have no idea if I am, and don't know how to find out. I haven't looked at that thread yet, but will when I have time. Will be away for several days, so probably won't get to it until the weekend.
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