How to Change Sound Output and Audio Balance in Ubuntu Desktop

Whether switching between external USB speakers, gaming headsets, monitor HDMI audio, or wireless Bluetooth earbuds, routing sound accurately in Ubuntu desktop is essential for crisp video calls, music playback, and gaming. While Ubuntu’s top panel includes a master volume slider, advanced acoustic management—such as rebalancing stereo channels for uneven speakers or testing individual directional drivers—takes place inside Ubuntu’s modern Sound settings dashboard powered by the PipeWire audio server.

Switching Audio Output Devices in Ubuntu

To redirect system sound to a newly connected pair of headphones or speakers:

1. Open the Settings app from the application grid or top-right system status panel.
2. In the left sidebar, click on Sound.
3. At the top under the Output section, locate the Output Device dropdown list.
4. Click the dropdown menu to see all audio hardware detected by your system (e.g., Built-in Audio / Line Out, Headphones – Realtek, HDMI / DisplayPort Audio, or Bluetooth Device).
5. Select your preferred hardware. Ubuntu automatically switches the active audio stream without requiring you to restart open media players or browser tabs.

Testing Directional Speakers and Surround Sound

To verify that stereo channels are wired correctly and not reversed:

1. Next to the master Volume slider in Sound settings, click the Test button.
2. A visual speaker diagram will appear showing Front Left and Front Right channels.
3. Click on the Front Left button. Ubuntu will play a clear spoken voice saying “Front Left” through your left speaker or earbud.
4. Click on the Front Right button to verify the right acoustic channel.
5. Click the close button (X) once verified.

Adjusting Left and Right Audio Balance

If one speaker is positioned farther away on your desk, or if you have asymmetric hearing preferences:

1. On the same Sound settings page, locate the Balance slider directly beneath the master output controls.
2. Drag the slider toward Left or Right to increase volume on that specific channel while attenuating the other.
3. Set the balance indicator dead-centre to maintain neutral, identical stereo distribution.

Enabling Volume Overamplification for Quiet Media

If you are watching a quiet film or lecture recording where maximum 100% volume is still too faint to hear clearly:

1. Scroll down to the bottom of the Sound settings page.
2. Under the Advanced section, locate Overamplification.
3. Toggle the switch to On.
4. The master volume slider can now be pushed up to 150% volume to boost quiet audio tracks beyond normal hardware limits (use caution to avoid audio clipping distortion on low-wattage laptop speakers).