[BUG] Volume control does not work in VR

[rnd-ash]

Describe the bug Have noticed this for a long time. Simply put, when using the VR overlay, its impossible to adjust the headset audio volume. I can select the audio control, but upon dragging it it goes back to 100%, even though this does not reflect the actual volume of the headset output. The headset volume remains unchanged. I have to manually adjust the volume using the fn keys on my keyboard, or from within plasma desktop.

To Reproduce Steps to reproduce the behavior:

1. Click on the Volume button within the VR overlay
2. Try to lower or raise the volume
3. Note that the volume slider jumps back to 100%, and the headset volume remains unchanged.

Expected behavior Changing the volume slider should reflect the output volume, and actually change the VR headset volume.

System Information (please complete the following information):

• System: Razer blade 2018 Advanced
• Distribution: Arch
• SteamVR version: Noticed since I started using VR under linux with 1.9.16, still present on 1.10.29
• Steam client version: 1583800998
• Opted into Steam client beta?: Both - Doesn't make a difference
• Graphics driver version: GTX 1060 (Mobile) 440.64 (Running optimus-manager set to nvidia)
• Gist for SteamVR System Information: here

[mathew2214]

i also have this issue. and have had it for a while.

[Zamundaaa]

has IIRC never worked at all the last 2 years, probably ever.

[kedodrill]

This has also never worked for me (I've had my Index since last Dec.)

[dsalt]

I'm using plain ALSA, and the HDMI audio presented by my RX 570 doesn't have any volume control (at least none which is presented to user-space). It'd have to be done in software, probably via pulseaudio or pipewire.

[ElectrodeYT]

Also have this problem. Audio itself works. I also have the problem that i have to manually change the audio device to the Valve index speakers and microphone.

[lanodan]

Plain ALSA person here, I haven't got it working into VR (as in changing the volume directly in VR) but this is what I have in my .asoundrc for VR which gives me an ALSA volume control:

pcm.!default {
        type softvol
        slave.pcm "vrheadset"
        control.name "Master"
        control.card 0
}

pcm.!vrheadset {
        type asym
        # SPDIF 2
        playback.pcm "dmix:0,8"
        capture.pcm  "plughw:2"
}

ctl.!default {
        type hw
        card 0
}

[mathew2214]

Debian Bookworm.Pulseaudio. Still having this issue. Valve, Please fix.

[Zamundaaa]

For those seeking for a solution (because official support seems to be forever away), I've been using https://github.com/Supreeeme/vrdio as a great workaround for this. It automatically switches the audio device and allows you to change the volume and devices with a new page on the dashboard

[roryyamm]

I have an old Vive, and I was wondering where the sound went through. Attempting to play sound through what ALSA calls 'Vive' results in an aplay: main:867: audio open error: Invalid argument message. Does the sound come through the HDMI cable or through a USB port?

[Atemu]

The OG Vive has an audio controller on the box thingy IIRC. You should be using it via pulse though, not ALSA.

FYI: https://github.com/OpenVR-Advanced-Settings/OpenVR-AdvancedSettings/ also has a screen for volume control.