How to Change Default Audio Devices and Test Speakers in Ubuntu Sound Settings

Managing audio routing on a modern computer often involves juggling multiple physical endpoints—such as laptop internal speakers, external USB conference webcams, Bluetooth wireless headphones, and HDMI audio carried through desktop monitors. When plugging in an external monitor or USB headset, Ubuntu may occasionally output audio through the wrong device or leave microphone input muted. Mastering Ubuntu’s native GNOME Sound Settings allows you to select default playback devices, perform directional channel speaker tests, and configure granular per-application volume levels.

How Sound Architecture Operates in Modern Ubuntu

Modern Ubuntu installations (version 22.10, 24.04 LTS, and newer) utilize PipeWire alongside WirePlumber as the default audio processing server:

• Low-Latency Routing: Replaced legacy PulseAudio, offering superior multi-channel handling and seamless Bluetooth audio codec negotiation (AAC, LDAC, aptX).
• Hardware Hot-Plugging: Dynamically detects audio peripherals the moment USB cables or 3.5mm jacks are connected, presenting immediate routing options in the GUI.

How to Access Sound Settings in Ubuntu

Accessing the audio control panel takes two clicks from your desktop:

1. Click on the Quick Settings menu in the upper-right corner of the top panel (the volume, network, and battery icon cluster).
2. Click the small arrow next to the primary volume slider, or click the Settings gear icon and select Sound from the left sidebar.
3. The central Sound Settings dashboard will appear, divided into Output, Input, and Volume Levels.

Selecting Default Output Devices and Testing Speakers

To direct your system audio to the correct headphones or external speakers:

1. Under the Output section, locate the Output Device dropdown selector.
2. Click the dropdown and choose your preferred audio interface (e.g., Headphones – USB Audio Device or Built-in Audio – Speaker).
3. To verify that left and right stereo channels are properly wired and audible, click the Test button situated directly beside the output device dropdown.
4. A pop-up dialogue will appear showing visual speaker icons. Click Front Left and Front Right; Ubuntu will speak the channel names out loud to confirm clear stereo separation.

Selecting and Testing Microphone Input Devices

Ensuring your voice is heard clearly during video conferences and Discord calls:

1. Scroll down to the Input section.
2. In the Input Device dropdown, select your preferred microphone (such as your dedicated USB condenser or headset mic rather than the muffled laptop internal array).
3. Speak in your normal conversational voice while watching the Input Level meter.
4. If the bars do not illuminate or barely flicker, drag the Input Volume slider to approximately 70% to 80% to ensure comfortable vocal gain without clipping distortion.

Managing Per-Application Volume Levels

Ubuntu allows you to balance sound levels for individual running software:

1. Scroll down to the Volume Levels section.
2. You will see active sliders for each open application producing audio (such as Firefox, Spotify, or VLC).
3. Lower background music volume while keeping video call audio at full strength to create an ideal collaborative listening mix.