I’m new here, please let me know if this post is missing any important information.
I have a relatively fresh install of fedora 40 after changing my SSD for a bigger one. Everything works as smooth as previously experienced, except for the audio.
I am using a Shure MV7 (USB) as a microphone and the integrated headphone jack for my headphones as part of my primary audio setup. With this new install, the audio is noticeably quieter than it was with the previous installations. I have noticed this first when watching YT videos in FF, but I have since verified that this issue persists with different browsers as well as native apps like Spotify.
Unfortunately I cannot do a 1 to 1 comparison with my previous setup, but it is really noticeable. Previously having System volume at 100% and the Spotify volume at 100 was absolutely unbearably loud, now it is a necessity to hear anything at a decent volume.
I confirmed this issue only exists on my primary desktop. My MacBook as well as my Windows notebook provide more reasonable audio levels when connected to the identical setup situations.
I have worked around this with setting the audio volume to 150% in my KDE audio settings, but it noticeably degrades audio quality which is why I would hope this is only a temporary workaround
I would also want to share graphical options using KDE Plasma settings if you prefer.
On Speaker icon (lower right corner), toggle on ‘raise maximum volume’ that is located underneath ‘Audio volume’ and device tab. You can adjust volume level above 100%.
Your USB mic with the integrated headphone jack works like an external sound card. KDE Plasma sound profile must have shown a sound profile for the MV7 mic[1].
On system settings, go to sound and adjust playback devices and streams. Also check different port and profile and alternate options there.
Shure user forum has a similar post about low volume where default headphone volume settings are set too low. Windows/Mac users have an option to adjust in Shure mixer app ‘MOTIV’, but not for Linux ↩︎
I apologize for the long delay to get back to this. I checked the Shure MOTIV App on my Mac, as expected everything was default (I haven’t used this app till now).
However, after the weekend I came back to my machine and did the usual package update dance. For some reason I fail to understand the issue seems to be resolved. The audio has normal sound levels without getting any distortion like raising the sound level above 100%.
While I am somewhat unsatisifed that the cause of this issue will remain a mystery, I’m glad I can finally listen to music again while working! Thank you @hamrheadcorvette and @hankuoffroad for taking the time to respond to this post and being willing to help.
