PC volume issues affecting apps such as YT and Wuthering Waves to low levels at full volume setting
PC volume issues affecting apps such as YT and Wuthering Waves to low levels at full volume setting
Audio adjustments were completed last night. The computer was powered off overnight and turned back on. Listening to YouTube now reveals a very low sound level, around 5. Attempted playing Wuthering Waves for reference; its audio also sits at a similar low mark. Music files work fine and can be adjusted via system volume controls. However, other apps remain stuck near the minimum despite higher settings in the mixer. I installed Sonar Steelseries to manage individual output levels. Volume settings under system > sound show normal ranges, but the Sonar app doesn’t respond clearly. The issue seems tied to the audio level itself—possibly a distortion or processing problem. Additionally, a noticeable humming noise appears when starting Wuthering Waves, especially when switching from a ViewSonic monitor to an Asus gaming monitor. It may indicate electrical interference or power surges through the headphones. I recently replaced the power outlet with a surge protector rated at 2880 joules. This is the only modification made today after that change.
You have four distinct volume options when using YouTube on Windows, Linux, and Macs. The first is the taskbar volume control, YouTube also offers its own, a third setting appears in sound preferences, and the final one is linked to your speakers or headphones. All these controls function separately from one another.
I ended up removing Sonar Steelseries because it seemed to be the issue. It turned out the app automatically lowered its volume when you opened an audio box for control, even at full volume. I didn’t know what happened in the first 24 hours after launching or closing it, but it didn’t work as expected. I didn’t have time to investigate further, so I switched to Win Capture OBS, which is less streamlined but functioning properly. I checked system settings, taskbar, YouTube controls, and volume mixer—everything was up, yet I couldn’t understand why it changed the volume. Thanks for your reply!