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Asked: 2024-09-27T04:29:32+05:30 In:

What is the terminal command used in Ubuntu to adjust the audio volume?

I’ve been diving into Ubuntu lately, and I’m trying to figure out the best way to adjust the audio volume using terminal commands. You know, I want to feel like a real tech wizard, not just point and click at the settings all the time! It seems like there’s always a command for everything in Linux, but I keep getting mixed up with syntax and whatnot.

So here’s the situation: I’m sitting there with my headphones on, trying to get into the zone while listening to some tunes. But then, out of nowhere, a buddy starts chatting with me, and I need to quickly lower the volume without fumbling around in the GUI. I want to look cool and impress my friends with some slick command-line skills. How do I do that?

I’ve heard snippets about a command called `pactl` or `amixer` floating around, but I can’t seem to remember the exact commands to adjust the volume up or down. I’m guessing I might need to use something like `pactl set-sink-volume` followed by some volume percentage. If that’s the case, do you add a plus or minus before the number, or is there a specific way you need to format the command?

Plus, I’m curious—are there other commands or shortcuts that could make managing audio even easier? Sometimes I find myself wanting to mute and unmute super quickly, and I wouldn’t mind learning a command for that too.

So, if you’ve got a second, could you share what that command is? Or even better, if you have any tips or tricks for adjusting audio levels in Ubuntu via terminal, I’d love to hear them! Honestly, any insight you can provide would be super helpful. I just want to blend that geeky command-line flair with my audio tinkering!

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    2 Answers


    1. To adjust audio volume in Ubuntu from the terminal, you can indeed use the `pactl` command, which is part of the PulseAudio sound system. To lower or raise the volume, you can use the following commands: to increase the volume by 10%, you would type pactl set-sink-volume @DEFAULT_SINK@ +10%, and to decrease it, type pactl set-sink-volume @DEFAULT_SINK@ -10%. The @DEFAULT_SINK@ part refers to the current default audio output device, allowing you to adjust the right sink without knowing its specific name. You can also set an absolute volume using a percentage; for example, pactl set-sink-volume @DEFAULT_SINK@ 50% would set the volume to 50% directly. This flexibility in sinking allows you to manage audio seamlessly while staying in the zone.

      If you’re interested in other methods to manage audio volume quickly, another excellent command-line utility is amixer. To adjust the volume using amixer, the command is amixer set Master 10%+ to increase the volume and amixer set Master 10%- to decrease it. To mute or unmute the audio, you can simply use amixer set Master toggle. These commands allow you to maintain that smooth command-line experience while effectively controlling your audio preferences without navigating through the GUI, ensuring you look like a true tech wizard in front of your friends.




    2. Adjusting Audio Volume in Ubuntu via Terminal

      Adjusting Audio Volume in Ubuntu via Terminal

      If you want to adjust audio volume in Ubuntu using the terminal, you’re definitely on the right path! The commands you’re thinking of, like pactl and amixer, are perfect for this.

      Using pactl

      The command you mentioned, pactl set-sink-volume, is indeed what you want! Here’s how you can use it:


      pactl set-sink-volume @DEFAULT_SINK@ +10%

      This command will increase the volume by 10%. If you want to decrease it, just replace the + with a -, like this:


      pactl set-sink-volume @DEFAULT_SINK@ -10%

      You can set the volume to a specific percentage as well:


      pactl set-sink-volume @DEFAULT_SINK@ 50%

      Using amixer

      amixer is another great tool you can use:


      amixer set Master 10%+

      This increases the volume by 10%. For lowering the volume, do:


      amixer set Master 10%-

      And to set it to a specific level:


      amixer set Master 50%

      Mute and Unmute

      If you need to mute or unmute quickly, both tools have got you covered!

      Using pactl:


      pactl set-sink-mute @DEFAULT_SINK@ toggle

      And for amixer:


      amixer set Master toggle

      Quick Tips

      • Use the up and down arrow keys in the terminal to quickly repeat your last command.
      • Create shortcuts or aliases in your .bashrc file for the commands you use most.

      So there you go! Try these out next time you need to adjust your audio—it’ll surely impress your buddies!


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