protonscr

[BUG] Volume control does not work in VR

steamvropen bug
ValveSoftware/SteamVR-for-Linux#309 · opened 2020-03-14 by rnd-ash · updated 2025-12-31 · 16 comments · github
Rrnd-ash 2020-03-14 github

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
Mmathew2214 2020-03-14 github

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

ZZamundaaa 2020-03-15 github

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

Kkedodrill 2020-03-16 github

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

Ddsalt 2020-03-24 github

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.

EElectrodeYT 2020-12-30 github

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.

Llanodan 2021-02-07 github

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
}
Mmathew2214 2022-03-07 github

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

ZZamundaaa 2022-03-17 github

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

Rroryyamm 2022-10-31 github

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?

AAtemu 2022-10-31 github

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.

Mmathew2214 2024-11-19 github

Anybody have this issue with pipe wire?

AAtemu 2024-11-20 github

I'd be surprised if someone didn't have this issue with pulse or pipewire.

AAmusingdock25 2025-09-30 github

Anyone find a fix for this?

AAtemu 2025-11-14 github

You can go into the steam settings in the overlay and control audio there just like on the Steam Deck.

Kkisak-valve maintainer 2025-12-27 github

Closing per the last comment.

AAtemu 2025-12-31 github

Closing per the last comment.

I think you misunderstood; that's merely a workaround for the regular volume buttons not functioning.

I haven't tried whether they do in a while though.

Nothing extracted yet.