Using a USB Headset (Microsoft LifeChat LX3000) with Unity's default volume control in Ubuntu 14.04 LTS, the speakers suddenly mute sound when I turn the system's main volume below a certain threshold. The threshold varies, but is about 25% to 33% of the scale available. I would expect sound to gradually become quieter and quieter until reaching the muted state at zero volume instead.
How can I get that (IMHO more intuitive) behaviour? What causes the early muting?
Best Answer
I had a similar problem (albeit with a different headset) and found the solution here:
https://chrisjean.com/fix-for-usb-audio-is-too-loud-and-mutes-at-low-volume-in-ubuntu/
I recommend you follow the advice in the above link but I've copied the relevant sections in case the website or post disappears in the future.
Open a terminal (CTRL + ALT + T) and enter the following to create a backup copy of the original file before editing:
Edit the file in the text editor.
You'll be asked for your password - enter it and you should see a file editor pop up.
Find the section "[Element PCM]"
Modify that section so it looks like this:
Save the final and enter the following in your terminal to reload the config:
Notes