https://bugs.kde.org/show_bug.cgi?id=507803
Bug ID: 507803
Summary: Volume keys affect EasyEffects instead of hardware
output when EasyEffects is default device in KDE
System Settings
Classification: Applications
Product: systemsettings
Version First 6.3.6
Reported In:
Platform: Ubuntu
OS: Linux
Status: REPORTED
Severity: normal
Priority: NOR
Component: kcm_pulseaudio
Assignee: [email protected]
Reporter: [email protected]
Target Milestone: ---
Created attachment 183755
--> https://bugs.kde.org/attachment.cgi?id=183755&action=edit
Image of systemsettings proper setup for easyeffects operation.
SUMMARY
When EasyEffects is set as the default output device in KDE System Settings,
volume keys control EasyEffects’ virtual device instead of the underlying
hardware (e.g. Built-In Audio Analog Stereo). This breaks expected behavior and
leads to misleading volume notifications. EasyEffects volume changes have no
audible effect, while the actual hardware volume is unaffected.
STEPS TO REPRODUCE
1. Launch EasyEffects via GUI or background using `easyeffects
--gapplication-service` or via systemd user service (example see my commit
here: https://github.com/m1st0/easyeffects/tree/systemd_user_mistry).
2. In KDE System Settings > Audio (kcm_pulseaudio), select EasyEffects as the
default output device or run `systemsettings kcm_pulseaudio`
3. Use volume keys or software controls to change volume.
OBSERVED RESULT
- Volume keys change EasyEffects virtual output volume, which does not affect
audible output.
- Hardware output (e.g. Built-In Audio Analog Stereo) remains unchanged.
- KDE shows a static or incorrect volume level (e.g. 77%) in volume OSD,
unrelated to real device levels.
EXPECTED RESULT
- Audio should likely flow through EasyEffects but volume control should affect
the physical output device.
- Volume keys and OSD should reflect and control hardware volume, not
EasyEffects virtual levels.
- As EasyEffects notes:
"Do not set Easy Effects virtual devices as your default audio input/output.
Easy Effects is designed assuming that your hardware stays as default device."
(source: https://github.com/m1st0/easyeffects/tree/systemd_user_mistry)
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
- Example workaround implemented via custom volume scripts:
https://github.com/m1st0/g502-py-volume-ctrl/blob/main/raise_volume.zsh
- Screenshot available on request showing routing confusion.
- KDE Plasma: 6.3.6
- Frameworks: 6.14.0
- Qt: 6.8.3
- OS: Kubuntu 25.04 (Wayland)
- Kernel: 6.14.0-27-generic
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