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Ask Slashdot: Stop PulseAudio From Changing Sound Settings?
New submitter cgdae writes Does anyone know how to stop PulseAudio/Pavucontrol from changing sound settings whenever there is a hardware change such as headphones being plugged in/out or docking/undocking my laptop ? I recently had to install PulseAudio on my Debian system because the Linux version of Skype started to require it. Ever since, whenever i dock/undock or use/stop using headphones, all sound disappears, and i have to go to Pavucontrol and make random changes to its 'Output Devices' or 'Speakers' or 'Headphones' tab, or mute/unmute things, or drag a volume slider which has inexplicably moved to nearly zero, until sound magically comes back again. I've tried creating empty PulseAudio config files in my home directory, and/or disabling the loading of various PulseAudio modules in /etc/pulse/*.conf, but i cannot stop PulseAudio from messing things up whenever there's a hardware change. It's really frustrating that something like PulseAudio doesn't have an easy-to-find way of preventing it from trying (and failing) to be clever.
[In case it's relevant, my system is a Lenovo X220 laptop, with Debian jessie, kernel 3.14-2-amd64. I run fvwm with an ancient config.]
[In case it's relevant, my system is a Lenovo X220 laptop, with Debian jessie, kernel 3.14-2-amd64. I run fvwm with an ancient config.]
It's a pretty good example of the half assed work. Seems a reasonable place to start.
PDNFTT. ...and to the OP: try posting in the correct forum. Hint: it isn't Slashdot.
Political debates have me rolling my eyes so much I think I got optical whiplash. I should sue. - Foamy The Squirrel
Pulseaudio was a royal PITA until about 5 years ago. By then the kinks have been worked out and it works rather well. The only thing worse than Pulseadudio was the cruft that it replaced. People who still complain about it either have very weird hardware or run old systems and just like to complain about old things...
I love Linux but am no expert and have had to deal with audio issues several times because either Ubuntu was too smart and fell on its backside or from trying to do something as simple as outputting sound through the onboard sound while also outputting sound through HDMI. Pulseaudio has settings to make such things easier. Its just too bad they sometimes fail to work when its supposed to be easier.
Alsa is a pita but at least config files are reachable that allow for doing nearly anything you wish. Yes it may be cryptic but at least there is support widely available.
You want piece of mind regarding sound settings? Uninstall PulseAudio and use Alsa and .asoundrc config files. It may take time to figure out how to config using Alsa but at least it won't try to outsmart you - it just stays as you set it.
Sounds like a Skype issue with arrogant / crappy MS programmers adjusting the sys volume in response to ambiant noise. Just a guess, but wouldn't surprise me. Find something better / safer / more secure than Skype.