https://bugs.kde.org/show_bug.cgi?id=514038
Bug ID: 514038
Summary: Confusing / error prone user interface for pipewire
audio profiles
Classification: I don't know
Product: kde
Version First unspecified
Reported In:
Platform: Arch Linux
OS: Linux
Status: REPORTED
Severity: normal
Priority: NOR
Component: general
Assignee: [email protected]
Reporter: [email protected]
Target Milestone: ---
Created attachment 188131
--> https://bugs.kde.org/attachment.cgi?id=188131&action=edit
Screenshots showing the confusion
SUMMARY
In the KDE Systems Settings on the Sound page, there is a drop down *per
input/output device* for the "Profile", with values such as "Analog Stereo
Duplex". The UI here is confusing, as this setting really isn't per device, but
tied together. For example: changing "Analog Stereo Duplex" on the laptop
speakers output to "Analog Stereo Output" *removes* the "Internal Microphone"
input. If you happen to change this by mistake, it isn't obvious that you need
to change a setting on your speakers to get your microphone back. See attached
screenshots.
Contrast this with pavucontrol, where the profile setting for "Built in Audio"
is on a separate tab entirely, and not duplicated twice. This makes it more
obvious that it is a setting that might be relevant to your troubleshooting.
I would recommend that the profiles are moved into a separate section from the
devices, since there isn't a 1:1 mapping and entries can appear and disappear
randomly as you change profile.
STEPS TO REPRODUCE
1. Change profile in sound settings
2. Become very confused when your microphone disappears and you can't find
where to re-enable it.
3. End up filing a pipewire bug report
(https://gitlab.freedesktop.org/pipewire/pipewire/-/issues/5051), even though
it was just confusing UX.
OBSERVED RESULT
Inputs disappear in the list and it isn't obvious that you need to change a
setting on an output (which is working) to get things fixed.
EXPECTED RESULT
A less confusing user experience.
SOFTWARE/OS VERSIONS
Operating System: Arch Linux
KDE Plasma Version: 6.5.4
KDE Frameworks Version: 6.21.0
Qt Version: 6.10.1
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
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