Fix Ubuntu 9.10 Sound Problems - A Step-by-Step Guide
Addressing Audio Issues After Upgrading to Ubuntu 9.10
Numerous users have encountered difficulties with their audio functionality following an upgrade from Ubuntu 9.04 to 9.10. This guide details solutions to resolve common audio problems, specifically including:
- Absence of sound in Flash video playback.
- Complete audio cessation when a Flash video is launched.
- A total lack of audio output.
- Audio functioning through speakers, but not through headphones connected to the computer's front panel (refer to step 5 for resolution).
Understanding Ubuntu's Audio Architecture
Ubuntu 9.10, by default, utilizes two interconnected programs to manage sound output to your speakers or headphones. These are crucial for proper audio function.
- ALSA: The Advanced Linux Sound Architecture (ALSA) provides a direct interface to your sound card. A limitation of ALSA is its inability to handle simultaneous audio output from multiple applications. Consequently, Ubuntu incorporates a secondary program known as…
- PulseAudio: PulseAudio functions as a sound server, receiving audio data from all running applications and directing it to ALSA. PulseAudio introduces advanced features such as independent volume control for each application and the capability to stream audio across a network.
A frequent issue in Ubuntu 9.10 arises when an application attempts to bypass PulseAudio and directly access ALSA, which is not the intended workflow. The subsequent steps will rectify this situation.
Step 1: Installing Essential Utilities
This initial step involves installing the Gnome ALSA Mixer and the Default Sound Chooser. These tools are vital for configuration.
To install the Gnome ALSA Mixer, launch a terminal and execute the following command:
sudo apt-get install gnome-alsamixer
The installation of the Default Sound Chooser is slightly more involved, as it was removed from the alsa-utils package in Ubuntu 9.10. Fortunately, a resourceful Ubuntu forum member has provided instructions for its installation.
- Download an older version of alsa-utils, ensuring you select the correct architecture (i386 for 32-bit systems and amd64 for 64-bit systems).
- Open a terminal window.
- Navigate to the directory where you saved the .deb file.
- Execute the following commands:
# Install the .deb package
sudo dpkg -i alsa-utils_1.0.18-1ubuntu11*.deb
# Copy the asoundconf file
sudo cp /usr/bin/asoundconf /usr/
# Install the graphical interface for the Default Sound Card chooser
sudo apt-get install asoundconf-gtk
# Update alsa-utils after copying asoundconf
sudo apt-get upgrade alsa-utils
# Move asoundconf to its correct location
sudo mv /usr/asoundconf /usr/bin/
Upon completion, a utility named Default Sound Card should be accessible through System > Preferences.
Step 2: Updating PulseAudio and ALSA
To guarantee you are utilizing the most recent versions of PulseAudio and ALSA, open a terminal and run these commands.
sudo apt-get upgrade pulseaudio gstreamer0.10-pulseaudio
sudo apt-get upgrade alsa-base alsa-utils
If these packages are not currently installed, substitute “upgrade” with “install” in the commands and execute them again.
If the packages are already up-to-date, you will receive a confirmation message.
Step 3: Configuring PulseAudio as the Default Sound Card
Launch the Default Sound Card utility installed in Step 1, found within System > Preferences.
Select PulseAudio. Click Quit to save your changes.
Step 4: System Reboot
Save all open work and reboot your computer to apply the changes.
Step 5: Adjusting Volume Levels
Open the Gnome ALSA Mixer, located in Applications > Sound & Video.
Verify that no channels are muted and set the volume to a comfortable level. Generally, maximizing the volume is acceptable, as most applications provide their own volume controls. Specifically, ensure that the Master and PCM volumes are not muted.
If your motherboard features both rear and front audio jacks, separate volume controls may exist for each. Muting one while leaving the other active could explain why audio functions through speakers but not headphones connected to the front panel.
Step 6: Audio Testing
Launch your preferred music player (RhythmBox is recommended). Ensure the volume is appropriately set. Play a song. Can you hear it?
Open a web browser and play a YouTube video. Do you hear both the YouTube video and your music simultaneously? If so, audio is functioning correctly!
If not, proceed to step 7.
Step 7: Obtaining the Latest ALSA Version
If audio remains problematic, or if issues persist across multiple applications, updating to the newest ALSA version may be necessary.
An Ubuntu forum user has provided a convenient method for this update.
- Download the ALSA upgrade script (requires forum registration).
- Open a terminal.
- Navigate to the directory containing the downloaded .tar file.
- Execute the following commands:
tar xvf AlsaUpgrade-1.0.22.1-2.tar
sudo ./AlsaUpgrade-1.0.22.1-2.sh –d
sudo ./AlsaUpgrade-1.0.22.1-2.sh –c
sudo ./AlsaUpgrade-1.0.22.1-2.sh -i
Step 8: Reboot and Re-test
Save any open work and reboot your computer.
After restarting, test your audio as described in step 6. If the problem persists, a final alternative remains…
Step 9: Switching to the Open Sound System
ALSA was initially developed as a successor to the Open Sound System (OSS). Despite the widespread adoption of ALSA, OSS development continued, and current versions are capable of delivering high-quality audio in Ubuntu.
Switching to OSS is a more complex process. Fortunately, the Ubuntu community has created a dedicated guide for this purpose.
Conclusion
Following these steps should resolve most audio issues encountered in Ubuntu 9.10. Please share your experiences and whether these solutions were effective in the comments section.