Arch Linux

Slax

Member

Registered: 2010-08-11

Posts: 39

Linear Volume Mixer

I don't know how many people feel this way, but for day-to-day volume control, I think that a mixer based on dB (like alsamixer) is a bad idea. As dB is a logarithmic scale, a mixer like alsamixer limits fine control of percievable volume to about 10-20% of the mixable range. I think this is quite aggrivating.

An end-user mixer should be based on a linearly scaled range from 1-100 where "1" indicates 1% of some maximum volume "100" whose dB gain should be set by the user. (Currently in my alsamixer the maximum gain is 0 dB, how do I increase this limit?)

There are people who like to set their gain to 0 dB and use some physical means of volume control. However, I use IEMs plugged directly into my laptop and would love a sensible, linear, volume mixer.

Does anyone have something like this?

kfgz

Member

From: Supraśl, Poland

Registered: 2009-03-02

Posts: 114

Re: Linear Volume Mixer

Currently in my alsamixer the maximum gain is 0 dB, how do I increase this limit?

If you increase the limit then sound will be distorted. It's simple as that.

eldragon

Member

From: Buenos Aires

Registered: 2008-11-18

Posts: 1,029

Re: Linear Volume Mixer

there is a reason for the log scale.

long story short: your perception will be linear when the scale is logaritmic.

as of 0dB being max. you shouldt care, as it is a relative measurement against a standard power.