[Solved] No sound on fresh installation of LMDE6

[nyuwa]

Good evening
I noticed, that a lot of people seem to have trouble with sound.
I just made a fresh installation of LMDE6 and found, there is no sound.
Meaning there is no sound from the speakers. Earphones do work.

Browsing through this forum I tried just about every trick that has been mentioned here,
but so far nothing worked.
I bought a second hand old computer to experiment with. It came with Windows 10 and under that OS the speaker were working just fine.
I have had lots of trouble with sound in the past using different distros, different computers etc.
The advertisement and promotion (also displayed during the installation!) about linux you see always says, it is EASY and everything works "out of the box".
Unfortunately that is definitely not my experience.

Although I do not really "need" sound, it would still be nice to have it.
So, if there is a trick to it, I would be grateful for any possible hints.

Thank you
nyuwa

[SMG]

I just made a fresh installation of LMDE6 and found, there is no sound.
Meaning there is no sound from the speakers. Earphones do work.

Sound issues are very much hardware dependent. There is no one-size-fits-all solution. That means if you would like others to help you, you will need to provide information about your hardware and how Linux Mint views it. Please open the System Reports app and click the System Information tab on the left. Your computer's information should come up in the right pane. Then click the Copy button in the lower right and paste the results into a reply window here.

Please also provide the output of aplay -l.

[nyuwa]

Thank you.
Does the following help?

Code: Select all

System:
  Kernel: 6.1.0-14-amd64 arch: x86_64 bits: 64 compiler: gcc v: 12.2.0 Desktop: Cinnamon v: 5.8.4
    tk: GTK v: 3.24.38 wm: muffin dm: LightDM Distro: LMDE 6 Faye base: Debian 12.1 bookworm
Machine:
  Type: Laptop System: Panasonic product: CF-SX2ADHCS v: 003 serial: <superuser required> Chassis:
    type: 10 v: 001 serial: <superuser required>
  Mobo: Panasonic model: CFSX2-3 v: 1 serial: <superuser required> BIOS: American Megatrends
    v: 3.00L10 date: 12/27/2012
Battery:
  ID-1: BAT1 charge: 77.3 Wh (93.6%) condition: 82.6/92.2 Wh (89.6%) volts: 7.1 min: 7.2
    model: Panasonic CF-VZSU76 serial: <filter> status: discharging
CPU:
  Info: dual core model: Intel Core i5-3340M bits: 64 type: MT MCP arch: Ivy Bridge rev: 9 cache:
    L1: 128 KiB L2: 512 KiB L3: 3 MiB
  Speed (MHz): avg: 1197 min/max: 1200/3400 cores: 1: 1197 2: 1197 3: 1197 4: 1197
    bogomips: 21551
  Flags: avx ht lm nx pae sse sse2 sse3 sse4_1 sse4_2 ssse3 vmx
Graphics:
  Device-1: Intel 3rd Gen Core processor Graphics vendor: Matsushita driver: i915 v: kernel
    arch: Gen-7 ports: active: LVDS-1 empty: DP-1,HDMI-A-1,VGA-1 bus-ID: 00:02.0 chip-ID: 8086:0166
  Device-2: Bison USB HD Webcam type: USB driver: uvcvideo bus-ID: 1-1.6:4 chip-ID: 5986:0297
  Display: x11 server: X.Org v: 1.21.1.7 with: Xwayland v: 22.1.9 driver: X: loaded: modesetting
    unloaded: fbdev,vesa dri: crocus gpu: i915 display-ID: :0 screens: 1
  Screen-1: 0 s-res: 1600x900 s-dpi: 96
  Monitor-1: LVDS-1 res: 1600x900 size: N/A
  API: OpenGL v: 4.2 Mesa 22.3.6 renderer: Mesa Intel HD Graphics 4000 (IVB GT2)
    direct-render: Yes
Audio:
  Device-1: Intel 7 Series/C216 Family High Definition Audio vendor: Matsushita 7
    driver: snd_hda_intel v: kernel bus-ID: 00:1b.0 chip-ID: 8086:1e20
  API: ALSA v: k6.1.0-14-amd64 status: kernel-api
  Server-1: PipeWire v: 0.3.65 status: active with: 1: pipewire-pulse status: active
    2: wireplumber status: active 3: pipewire-alsa type: plugin
Network:
  Device-1: Intel 82579LM Gigabit Network vendor: Matsushita driver: e1000e v: kernel port: f080
    bus-ID: 00:19.0 chip-ID: 8086:1502
  IF: enp0s25 state: down mac: <filter>
  Device-2: Intel Centrino Advanced-N 6205 [Taylor Peak] driver: iwlwifi v: kernel pcie:
    speed: 2.5 GT/s lanes: 1 bus-ID: 02:00.0 chip-ID: 8086:0082
  IF: wlp2s0 state: up mac: <filter>
Bluetooth:
  Device-1: Alps UGNZH type: USB driver: btusb v: 0.8 bus-ID: 1-1.2:3 chip-ID: 044e:301d
  Report: hciconfig ID: hci0 rfk-id: 1 state: up address: <filter> bt-v: 2.1 lmp-v: 4.0
    sub-v: 22bb
Drives:
  Local Storage: total: 298.09 GiB used: 171.04 GiB (57.4%)
  ID-1: /dev/sda vendor: Western Digital model: WD3200BEKX-60B7WT0 size: 298.09 GiB
    speed: 3.0 Gb/s serial: <filter>
Partition:
  ID-1: / size: 95.56 GiB used: 23 GiB (24.1%) fs: ext4 dev: /dev/sda4
  ID-2: /boot/efi size: 49.2 MiB used: 1 KiB (0.0%) fs: vfat dev: /dev/sda1
  ID-3: /home size: 195.57 GiB used: 148.04 GiB (75.7%) fs: ext4 dev: /dev/sda2
Swap:
  Alert: No swap data was found.
USB:
  Hub-1: 1-0:1 info: Full speed or root hub ports: 3 rev: 2.0 speed: 480 Mb/s chip-ID: 1d6b:0002
  Hub-2: 1-1:2 info: Intel Integrated Rate Matching Hub ports: 6 rev: 2.0 speed: 480 Mb/s
    chip-ID: 8087:0024
  Device-1: 1-1.2:3 info: Alps UGNZH type: Bluetooth driver: btusb rev: 2.0 speed: 12 Mb/s
    chip-ID: 044e:301d
  Device-2: 1-1.6:4 info: Bison USB HD Webcam type: Video driver: uvcvideo rev: 2.0
    speed: 480 Mb/s chip-ID: 5986:0297
  Hub-3: 2-0:1 info: Hi-speed hub with single TT ports: 4 rev: 2.0 speed: 480 Mb/s
    chip-ID: 1d6b:0002
  Device-1: 2-2:2 info: KYE Systems (Mouse Systems) 2.4G Wireless Mouse type: Mouse
    driver: hid-generic,usbhid rev: 2.0 speed: 1.5 Mb/s chip-ID: 0458:00ea
  Hub-4: 3-0:1 info: Super-speed hub ports: 4 rev: 3.0 speed: 5 Gb/s chip-ID: 1d6b:0003
  Hub-5: 4-0:1 info: Full speed or root hub ports: 3 rev: 2.0 speed: 480 Mb/s chip-ID: 1d6b:0002
  Hub-6: 4-1:2 info: Intel Integrated Rate Matching Hub ports: 8 rev: 2.0 speed: 480 Mb/s
    chip-ID: 8087:0024
Sensors:
  System Temperatures: cpu: 46.0 C mobo: N/A
  Fan Speeds (RPM): N/A
Repos:
  Packages: 2708 pm: dpkg pkgs: 2661 pm: flatpak pkgs: 47
  No active apt repos in: /etc/apt/sources.list
  Active apt repos in: /etc/apt/sources.list.d/megasync.list
    1: deb [signed-by=/usr/share/keyrings/meganz-archive-keyring.gpg] https: //mega.nz/linux/repo/Debian_12/ ./
  Active apt repos in: /etc/apt/sources.list.d/official-package-repositories.list
    1: deb http: //ftp.jaist.ac.jp/pub/Linux/linuxmint/packages faye main upstream import backport
    2: deb https: //deb.debian.org/debian bookworm main contrib non-free non-free-firmware
    3: deb https: //deb.debian.org/debian bookworm-updates main contrib non-free non-free-firmware
    4: deb http: //security.debian.org/ bookworm-security main contrib non-free non-free-firmware
    5: deb https: //deb.debian.org/debian bookworm-backports main contrib non-free non-free-firmware
Info:
  Processes: 243 Uptime: 4h 35m Memory: 7.62 GiB used: 3.39 GiB (44.4%) Init: systemd v: 252
  target: graphical (5) default: graphical Compilers: gcc: 12.2.0 alt: 12 Client: Unknown
  python3.11 client inxi: 3.3.26

[nyuwa]

This is very embarrassing, but I actually found a solution in an old post of mine:

"Finally I found the command "alsactl init" somewhere nicely tugged away so nobody will notice.
Executing THIS command actually starts alsa and the speakers do work as expected.
However, I have to execute this command EVERY TIME I start the computer when I wish to have sound.
If there is a trick to have this run automatically (as it probably should), it would be really nice."

So, the only thing left to wish for is the automatic execution of this command.

Sorry for all the trouble
nyuwa

[SMG]

"Finally I found the command "alsactl init" somewhere nicely tugged away so nobody will notice.
Executing THIS command actually starts alsa and the speakers do work as expected.

alsactl init indicates that provides soundcard specific initialization. Maybe there is something special about your hardware that is requiring that.

This is old Why do I have to run alsactl init each time I boot my system? [closed], but maybe it will help you.

[nyuwa]

Thank you for the link.
After I "rediscovered" my old post, I searched specifically for that "alsactl init" command and found, that apparently many people have the same problem, but so far so solution has been found (I tried about all the things suggested all over the net, but without success).

The computer I am using is a rather popular model (Panasonic Let's Note).
I am hoping that someone somewhere may eventually find it in his/her heart to come up with a fix.

Keeping struggling with MANY things that theoretically should not cause problems.
Nyuwa

[htmlblackcat]

Hi, I'm new in the forum and try to solve my problem too.
I also have same problem. My PC is Panasonic CF-SX3.
When it was Windows 10, it had sound, but when I installed Linux mint, no sound comes out.
I guess driver issue, but can't find any solution.

Does anyone know how to fix this problem?

[SMG]

I also have same problem. My PC is Panasonic CF-SX3.

You do not have the same computer model as the person in this topic so please create a new topic for your issue and make sure to post your system information in the first post of the new topic.

To get system information, open the System Reports app and click the System Information tab on the left. Your computer's information should come up in the right pane. Then click the Copy button in the lower right and paste the results into your new topic so we can see how Linux Mint views your hardware.

[htmlblackcat]

Thanks SMG

nyuwa, the lady, use Panasonic Let's note CF-SX2 and I use Panasonic Let's note CF-SX3, I thought it is pretty similar issue and should not create another question.
I found the solution and it work now.

Sorry for bothering.

[SMG]

nyuwa, the lady, use Panasonic Let's note CF-SX2 and I use Panasonic Let's note CF-SX3, I thought it is pretty similar issue and should not create another question.
I found the solution and it work now.

What solution did you find?

[htmlblackcat]

nyuwa,

It seems like Let's not with any linux distribution has same problem which ALSA identified Speaker and head phone reversed.
Please try following.

1. open alsamixiser
$ alsamixer

2. it may first show HDMI settings, so hit F6 and change it to HDA Intel PCH.

3. <Headphon> may be MM, so select it and unmute it (press m) , then press up key to raise up sound.

4. If it fixed, but bring back to the mute when you reboot the PC, save setting and use Startup Application to call the config when PC is boot.

Please try it.
I hope you can hear the sound.

[Bertium]

Good evening
I noticed, that a lot of people seem to have trouble with sound.
I just made a fresh installation of LMDE6 and found, there is no sound.
Meaning there is no sound from the speakers. Earphones do work.

Browsing through this forum I tried just about every trick that has been mentioned here,
but so far nothing worked.
I bought a second hand old computer to experiment with. It came with Windows 10 and under that OS the speaker were working just fine.
I have had lots of trouble with sound in the past using different distros, different computers etc.
The advertisement and promotion (also displayed during the installation!) about linux you see always says, it is EASY and everything works "out of the box".
Unfortunately that is definitely not my experience.

Although I do not really "need" sound, it would still be nice to have it.
So, if there is a trick to it, I would be grateful for any possible hints.

Thank you
nyuwa

To show all(!) audio channels use alsamixer with the Audiocard number.
If there is more than one list the numbers.
Use following commands in he terminal (Dont use F-keys only arrows and esc..)

Code: Select all

alsamixer -D hw:0

Code: Select all

 cat /proc/asound/cards

[nyuwa]

Thank you
(sorry for the delay; I haven't been working on this for a while)

The command you showed me actually does activate sound, but ...
it "does not stick".
I have to run either your command or the said "alsactl init" EVERY TIME the computer starts.
With all due respect, having to activate some basic function of the OS not tied to any particular software MANUALLY
every time I start the computer seems rather backwards to me.

For your information, the two commands give me the following information.
It would be wonderful, if one of these things could be executed automatically at startup.

alsamixer -D hw:0
thomas@LMDE6:~$ cat /proc/asound/cards
0 [PCH ]: HDA-Intel - HDA Intel PCH
HDA Intel PCH at 0xf7f38000 irq 33


alsactl init
Found hardware: "HDA-Intel" "Realtek ALC269VC" "HDA:10ec0269,10f70200,00100202 HDA:80862806,80860101,00100000" "0x10f7" "0x8338"
Hardware is initialized using a generic method

Thank you.

[SMG]

The command you showed me actually does activate sound, but ...
it "does not stick".
I have to run either your command or the said "alsactl init" EVERY TIME the computer starts.
With all due respect, having to activate some basic function of the OS not tied to any particular software MANUALLY
every time I start the computer seems rather backwards to me.

Are you saying you tried #4 and it did not work?

4. If it fixed, but bring back to the mute when you reboot the PC, save setting and use Startup Application to call the config when PC is boot.

[nyuwa]

I am not sure, what you refer to with #4.

Well, the "alsamixer -D hw:0" command did work 1-2 times, but now it does not. (I tried to change the hw:0 to hw:85 -presuming it refers to the headphone volume; THAT volume was always 0, but turning it up, produced some sound from the speakers)

Yet, as I said, that procedure has to be repeated EVERY TIME the computer is restarted. Recently, the "alsamixer -D hw:0" command does not work any more.

So, when I want to have sound, I HAVE to run "alsactl init" in the terminal. Not only EVERY time the computer is started, but also, when I dare to switch between headphones and built-in speakers.
With all due respect, this rather stupid. All Linux distros I have tried so far (15-20) advertise during installation, that you can watch movies or listen to music ... the required software is (should) already (be) there.
Is there maybe a way to make the "alsactl init" run AUTOMATICALLY at startup?

I know the Linux community is allergic to keywords like "Windows" or "Mac", but I have another Panasonic Note, same specifications, running Windows 10. There are no problems with sound whatsoever. So, it can hardly be the hardware ...

Still hoping that there is a solution.
nyuwa

[SMG]

I know the Linux community is allergic to keywords like "Windows" or "Mac", but I have another Panasonic Note, same specifications, running Windows 10. There are no problems with sound whatsoever. So, it can hardly be the hardware ...

I know of no such allergies. I personally don't care what operating system you run. Run whatever you want to run.

However, I also know that a computer which is designed to run only Windows is likely to have optimizations which may cause issues when other operating systems are used. We see that time and time again. In fact, I've seen BIOS/UEFI updates which specifically mention they fix a problem on Ubuntu or Linux (with those very few manufacturers who are willing to support Linux-based distros) so there are changes which are operating specific.

I am not sure, what you refer to with #4.

I presume they meant you could have system configurations/scripts called to run at start-up. If you open the Start-up Applications app, you have the ability to add custom commands (click the + at the bottom of the window).

Well, the "alsamixer -D hw:0" command did work 1-2 times, but now it does not.

If it is no longer working, then adding a script would not help.

Is there maybe a way to make the "alsactl init" run AUTOMATICALLY at startup?

Did you try what was listed in the link I provided earlier?

This is old Why do I have to run alsactl init each time I boot my system? [closed], but maybe it will help you.

If that doesn't work, try creating a new Start-up Application by clicking the + and selecting "Custom command". Give it a name and put alsaclt init as the command.

[nyuwa]

Thank you!
The trick with the startup application seems to work.
I wonder why I did not came across something so simple that even I can handle it.

Personal note:
The thing about "Windows allergy" in the Linux community ... well, that is only my personal experience.
Actually I am trying for +10 years! already to get friendly with Linux. (I don't know, why I am still going) Trying probably +15 distros, used a number of experimental machines (since I messed up my (Windows) production machine when I tried Linux for the first time, I could not afford to use my main computers any more). Probably I spent a few thousand hours trying to make it work - with very little success. In countless user groups, mailing lists and foren I joined my questions usually seemed to be regarded as stupid and I have been told equally countless times, that someone as dumb and computer-illiterate as I am should not even be allowed near a computer.
I am guilty as charged: I am NOT a computer specialist and have no idea to execute all those commands usually required to do something in Linux - do not even understand the technical jargon used here and elsewhere. I DID manage, however, to find my way around Windows - and before that MSDOS - and Mac machines for about 35 years.
Precisely because I DO NOT know how to do things, I am asking for help.
If that is/was my mistake, please accept my apologies.

[SMG]

Thank you!
The trick with the startup application seems to work.

Good to hear. Linux Mint aims to be user-friendly so there are GUI tools like that available in it.

If your issue is resolved, please go to your first post in this topic, click the pencil icon, and add [SOLVED] to the beginning of the title and submit the revised post so others know you are no longer seeking help on this issue. If you want to give it some more time before marking it solved to make sure it is truly solved, that is okay too.

(animated gif courtesy of user BJZilberman)