SUMMARY The integration of the Audio Device Switcher into the plasma-pa would have the following benefits: * save space on the panel * make it easier to switch between laptop speakers & headset (e.g. external USB headset) (very helpful in these days with daily video/audio conferences) STEPS TO REPRODUCE 1. Install Audio Device Switcher 2. Enable Audio Device Switcher OBSERVED RESULT * Currently, this is two separate plasmoids * in plasma-pa, the user needs to switch with separate actions the speaker (audio output) and the microphone (audio input) EXPECTED RESULT * With 1 button users can simply switch audio device by 1 click * More user friendly & compact designs SOFTWARE/OS VERSIONS Operating System: Kubuntu 20.10 KDE Plasma Version: 5.19.5 KDE Frameworks Version: 5.74.0 Qt Version: 5.14.2 Kernel Version: 5.8.0-41-generic OS Type: 64-bit ADDITIONAL INFORMATION Thanks for your consideration
Can you please explain what "the Audio Device Switcher" is in more detail? It seems you are referring to a preexisting thing but I don't know which
Sorry, I forgot to add a reference to the plasmoid Audio Device Switcher https://store.kde.org/p/1195707
Thanks. However the existing applet already has a way to switch the default input/output. Is it not good enough or not working? What's wrong with the applet in its current form?
Oops, you are so responsive. However the existing applet already has a way to switch the default input/output. > Is it not good enough or not working? It works but could be improved, see below. > What's wrong with the applet in its current form? in plasma-pa, the user needs to switch with separate actions the speaker (audio output) and the microphone (audio input) Goal: plug in USB headset and use for a call by switching sound from the on-board sound card to the headset. In the current setting, I need to first click to transfer output (headphones) & then to transfer input (microphone). What's the issue: * 2 x clicking instead of 1 * source of error (forget to transfer microphone, etc.) Desired: * option to have the individual transfer from one card to another * option to change input & output at once to another card (listening to music on your speakers --> receive a call --> transfer to headset --> talk --> finish call --> transfer back to speakers)
Thanks for explaining the issue. In general, it's best to explain your problem rather than suggesting a solution. In that case, we don't even know what the problem is, so we can't ascertain whether your proposed solution would be best for everyone. :) The problem seems valid to me, especially with today's emphasis on remote meetings. Can you go to System Settings > Audio > Advanced > Check the checkbox next to "Automatically switch all running streams when a new output becomes available"? Then this will happen automatically. When you do that, does it alleviate the problem?
>Can you go to System Settings > Audio > Advanced > Check the checkbox next to "Automatically >switch all running streams when a new output becomes available"? I did not know this function. Nice for people using outboard soundcards, e.g. music or podcasting... >Then this will happen automatically. When you do that, does it alleviate the problem? Not really because my headset is permanently plugged at the USB hub of the monitor. Or imagine someone using a docking station where the USB headset is plugged in...
I see. So basically the problem is that when you have multiple connected physical devices that have both input and output capabilities, it takes two clicks to switch everything from one device to another. It would be nice if it could be done in a single click. In this respect, the word "device" used in the applet's tab bar is somewhat misleading; it doesn't show you a list of physical devices but rather the audio inputs and outputs of all of the physical devices. The grouping is per-capability, not per-physical-device.
I confirm the conclusion in the last comment. The current setting is a more advanced version useful for people working audio / video or having complex hardware set-ups. It is not wrong. A would click or 1 shortcut solution for device change would be helpful in the described use cases. Thanks.
I would appreciate if the team could take another look at this. Maybe, as an alternative: Add 2 shortcuts to the audio applet: 1) CTRL+ Scrollwheel or CTRL + ARROW UP / CTRL+ ARROW DOWN = flips through available output devices 2) SHIFT + Scrollwheel or SHIFT + ARROW UP / SHIFT + ARROW DOWN = flips through available input devices (currently, scrollwheel increases + lowers volume, only.) In addition, the different items in the audio applet could be assigned with menu key. the scenario would be: - Custom shortcut to activate the applet (functionality already included) - ALT + H = activates Headphones - ALT + S = activates Speakers - ALT + M = activates Microphone (from headset) - ALT + I = activates Internal Microphone - ALT + TAB = switches over to "Applications"