Audio Apps

[elf_lord_ZC5]

Hi,

Which Linux audio playing apps, allow one to choose which of multiple audio output devices to use ...

I want to be able to use a USB headset with Mic. for skype, PC speakers for casual listening, and hi-fi for more serious audio enjoyment.

Alternately a means of easily changing the default audio device when starting up different programs ...

 

[koffiejunkie]

I vaguely remember Amarok allowing this, although it's been years since I used it. For the last four years my only Linux desktop is at work where I don't have sound.

 

[fskmh]

Which Linux audio playing apps, allow one to choose which of multiple audio output devices to use ...

I think most apps have a "settings" option to set an output device. Skype would be an example of this. As koffie says, if you access this option in Amarok, it will present you with the Phonon settings in which you can set a priority (prefer/defer) for available output devices. I have noticed that Amarok will actually use the next available device in the list if the 1st one on the list is in use. Of course, since I had nothing connected to the S/PDIF output it didn't help much at the time.

Alternately a means of easily changing the default audio device when starting up different programs ...

This will inevitably be coupled to the desktop you're using. In KDE you could simply go to System Settings, Multimedia, Phonon and configure the device priorities there. I don't use Gnome much, perhaps the Ubuntu/Fedora users will be able to help with that. On Fluxbox I simply set the options in Skype, XMMS (yes I still use XMMS) etc.

On a related note, I should mention that KDE has a "File Association" section in System Settings where one can configure a prioritised list of programs for each recognised MIME type. (Reminds me a lot of WinXP actually). If you don't like KDE and you're using LXDE or Fluxbox etc., you can use the "pcmanfm" file manager, right-click, click on properties and set the app you want to open it with on the fly. Same goes for Thunar in XFCE.

 

[FHTheron]

I believe this is one of those things Pulse was supposed to be a "fix" for. I know you can set the output device per-program, but it is not quick and easy. In KDE settings you can prioritise a headset in the Communications category and, in theory, it should get used for skype and others. I ended up using "pavucontrol" to control volume levels, but you need to actually be in a call for skype to show its volume bar. This is silly and what it means is that you cannot configure/change an application's sound device until it opens a sound device for output.

 

[elf_lord_ZC5]

I believe this is one of those things Pulse was supposed to be a "fix" for. I know you can set the output device per-program, but it is not quick and easy. In KDE settings you can prioritise a headset in the Communications category and, in theory, it should get used for skype and others. I ended up using "pavucontrol" to control volume levels, but you need to actually be in a call for skype to show its volume bar. This is silly and what it means is that you cannot configure/change an application's sound device until it opens a sound device for output.

Hmmm ... , must have a look if I can find similar settings in Gnome ...

Yes I agree, pulse was supposed to fix it, but Ubuntu 10.10, is the first distro, in which I have not yet resorted to finding, a method of permanently "killing" pulse ... , that might still happen, when I have more time to fiddle with it ... <sigh>

 

[Axis]

I've been having problems with the recording quality in Ubuntu. Any input source sounds very bassy. Not very clear at all. Anyone got a fix for that?
I've tried 3 different sound cards on two different machines.