Solved Speakers do not work on Thinkpad T430s (headphones do)

[borysj]

Hello, I'm running FreeBSD 13.2 on Thinkpad T430s, and I cannot get speakers to produce sound. Specifically, I am talking about YouTube run from within Chromium – but speakers are silent in other applications as well ( beep and music players).

Headphones do work if I first run
sysctl hw.snd.default_unit=1
but toggling through other units (0, 2, 3, 4) does not activate speakers.

These are the outputs of relevant diagnostic commands with headphones detached (however, the outputs do not change at all when I attach them):

doas dmesg | grep pcm
pcm0: <Realtek ALC269 (Analog)> at nid 20 and 24 on hdaa0
pcm1: <Realtek ALC269 (Analog)> at nid 21 and 18 on hdaa0
pcm2: <Intel Panther Point (HDMI/DP 8ch)> at nid 5 on hdaa1
pcm3: <Intel Panther Point (HDMI/DP 8ch)> at nid 6 on hdaa1
pcm4: <Intel Panther Point (HDMI/DP 8ch)> at nid 7 on hdaa1



cat /dev/sndstat
Installed devices:
pcm0: <Realtek ALC269 (Analog)> (play/rec) default
pcm1: <Realtek ALC269 (Analog)> (play/rec)
pcm2: <Intel Panther Point (HDMI/DP 8ch)> (play)
pcm3: <Intel Panther Point (HDMI/DP 8ch)> (play)
pcm4: <Intel Panther Point (HDMI/DP 8ch)> (play)
No devices installed from userspace.



mixer
Mixer vol is currently set to 40:40
Mixer pcm is currently set to 60:60
Mixer speaker is currently set to 74:74
Mixer mic is currently set to 67:67
Mixer mix is currently set to 74:74
Mixer rec is currently set to 37:37
Mixer igain is currently set to 0:0
Mixer ogain is currently set to 100:100
Recording source: mic


1. Could anyone be so kind and guide me how to troubleshoot it further? Actually, I have no guarantee that the speakers are working because this is a 10 years old notebook that I bought recently, and I never had an opportunity to test the hardware through Linux or Windows. But given how much configuration FreeBSD need sometimes, I'd rather not assume too quickly that the speakers are broken.
2. How can I make the system recognise that headphones are attached without doing sysctl hw.snd.default_unit=1 manually? Or if the speakers fail me in the end, where should I put sysctl hw.snd.default_unit=1 to be always run automatically at system startup? I cannot follow this advice (section 4), because greppping pcm from dmesg do not produce any information about headphones connection at all.
3. bsduck You have helped another user in this thread and I tried to follow your advice, but using the same values of as and seq in device hints do not work in my system (actually, even the headphones stop to work with these hints). And I am not smart enough to understand what sysctl dev.hdaa is telling me, but I attach the pretty long output of it in case you could spare a moment and take a look. Thank you in advance!

Spoiler: sysctl dev.hdaa

dev.hdaa.1.init_clear: 0
dev.hdaa.1.reconfig: 0
dev.hdaa.1.gpo_config:
dev.hdaa.1.gpo_state:
dev.hdaa.1.gpio_config:
dev.hdaa.1.gpio_state:
dev.hdaa.1.gpi_state:
dev.hdaa.1.config: forcestereo,ivref50,ivref80,ivref100,ivref,vref
dev.hdaa.1.nid8: vendor widget [DISABLED]
Widget cap: 0x00f00000

dev.hdaa.1.nid7_original: 0x18560030 as=3 seq=0 device=Digital-out conn=Jack ctype=Digital loc=0x18 color=Unknown misc=0
dev.hdaa.1.nid7_config: 0x18560030 as=3 seq=0 device=Digital-out conn=Jack ctype=Digital loc=0x18 color=Unknown misc=0
dev.hdaa.1.nid7: pin: Digital-out (Jack)
Widget cap: 0x0040778d PWR DIGITAL UNSOL 8CH
Association: 2 (0x0001)
Pin cap: 0x09000094 PDC OUT HDMI DP HBR
Pin config: 0x18560030 as=3 seq=0 device=Digital-out conn=Jack ctype=Digital loc=0x18 color=Unknown misc=0
Pin control: 0x00000040 OUT
Output amp: 0x80000000 mute=1 step=0 size=0 offset=0 (0/0dB)
Connections: 1
+ <- nid=4 [audio output]

dev.hdaa.1.nid6_original: 0x18560020 as=2 seq=0 device=Digital-out conn=Jack ctype=Digital loc=0x18 color=Unknown misc=0
dev.hdaa.1.nid6_config: 0x18560020 as=2 seq=0 device=Digital-out conn=Jack ctype=Digital loc=0x18 color=Unknown misc=0
dev.hdaa.1.nid6: pin: Digital-out (Jack)
Widget cap: 0x0040778d PWR DIGITAL UNSOL 8CH
Association: 1 (0x0001)
Pin cap: 0x09000094 PDC OUT HDMI DP HBR
Pin config: 0x18560020 as=2 seq=0 device=Digital-out conn=Jack ctype=Digital loc=0x18 color=Unknown misc=0
Pin control: 0x00000040 OUT
Output amp: 0x80000000 mute=1 step=0 size=0 offset=0 (0/0dB)
Connections: 1
+ <- nid=3 [audio output]

dev.hdaa.1.nid5_original: 0x18560010 as=1 seq=0 device=Digital-out conn=Jack ctype=Digital loc=0x18 color=Unknown misc=0
dev.hdaa.1.nid5_config: 0x18560010 as=1 seq=0 device=Digital-out conn=Jack ctype=Digital loc=0x18 color=Unknown misc=0
dev.hdaa.1.nid5: pin: Digital-out (Jack)
Widget cap: 0x0040778d PWR DIGITAL UNSOL 8CH
Association: 0 (0x0001)
Pin cap: 0x09000094 PDC OUT HDMI DP HBR
Pin config: 0x18560010 as=1 seq=0 device=Digital-out conn=Jack ctype=Digital loc=0x18 color=Unknown misc=0
Pin control: 0x00000040 OUT
Output amp: 0x80000000 mute=1 step=0 size=0 offset=0 (0/0dB)
Connections: 1
+ <- nid=2 [audio output]

dev.hdaa.1.nid4: audio output
Widget cap: 0x00006611 PWR DIGITAL 8CH
Association: 2 (0x0001)
OSS: pcm (pcm)
Stream cap: 0x00000005 AC3 PCM
PCM cap: 0x001e07f0 16 20 24 32 bits, 32 44 48 88 96 176 192 KHz

dev.hdaa.1.nid3: audio output
Widget cap: 0x00006611 PWR DIGITAL 8CH
Association: 1 (0x0001)
OSS: pcm (pcm)
Stream cap: 0x00000005 AC3 PCM
PCM cap: 0x001e07f0 16 20 24 32 bits, 32 44 48 88 96 176 192 KHz

dev.hdaa.1.nid2: audio output
Widget cap: 0x00006611 PWR DIGITAL 8CH
Association: 0 (0x0001)
OSS: pcm (pcm)
Stream cap: 0x00000005 AC3 PCM
PCM cap: 0x001e07f0 16 20 24 32 bits, 32 44 48 88 96 176 192 KHz

dev.hdaa.1.%parent: hdacc1
dev.hdaa.1.%pnpinfo: type=0x01 subsystem=0x80860101
dev.hdaa.1.%location: nid=1
dev.hdaa.1.%driver: hdaa
dev.hdaa.1.%desc: Intel Panther Point Audio Function Group
dev.hdaa.0.init_clear: 0
dev.hdaa.0.reconfig: 0
dev.hdaa.0.gpo_config:
dev.hdaa.0.gpo_state:
dev.hdaa.0.gpio_config: 0=keep 1=keep
dev.hdaa.0.gpio_state: 0=disabled 1=disabled
dev.hdaa.0.gpi_state:
dev.hdaa.0.config: forcestereo,ivref50,ivref80,ivref100,ivref,vref
dev.hdaa.0.nid35: audio mixer
Widget cap: 0x0020010b STEREO
Association: 2 (0x0001)
OSS: speaker, mic, mix
Input amp: 0x80000000 mute=1 step=0 size=0 offset=0 (0/0dB)
Connections: 6
+ <- nid=24 [pin: Mic (Black Jack)]
+ [DISABLED] <- nid=25 [pin: Mic (None)] [DISABLED]
+ [DISABLED] <- nid=26 [pin: Speaker (None)] [DISABLED]
+ [DISABLED] <- nid=27 [pin: Headphones (None)] [DISABLED]
+ <- nid=29 [beep widget]
+ <- nid=11 [audio mixer]

dev.hdaa.0.nid34: audio mixer
Widget cap: 0x0020010b STEREO
Association: 3 (0x0001)
OSS: speaker, monitor
Input amp: 0x80000000 mute=1 step=0 size=0 offset=0 (0/0dB)
Connections: 7
+ [DISABLED] <- nid=24 [pin: Mic (Black Jack)]
+ [DISABLED] <- nid=25 [pin: Mic (None)] [DISABLED]
+ [DISABLED] <- nid=26 [pin: Speaker (None)] [DISABLED]
+ [DISABLED] <- nid=27 [pin: Headphones (None)] [DISABLED]
+ <- nid=29 [beep widget]
+ [DISABLED] <- nid=11 [audio mixer]
+ <- nid=18 [pin: Mic (Fixed)]

dev.hdaa.0.nid33: vendor widget [DISABLED]
Widget cap: 0x00f00000

dev.hdaa.0.nid32: vendor widget [DISABLED]
Widget cap: 0x00f00040 PROC

dev.hdaa.0.nid31: vendor widget [DISABLED]
Widget cap: 0x00f00000

dev.hdaa.0.nid30_original: 0x411111f0 as=15 seq=0 device=Speaker conn=None ctype=1/8 loc=Rear color=Black misc=1
dev.hdaa.0.nid30_config: 0x411111f0 as=15 seq=0 device=Speaker conn=None ctype=1/8 loc=Rear color=Black misc=1
dev.hdaa.0.nid30: pin: Speaker (None) [DISABLED]
Widget cap: 0x00400781 PWR DIGITAL UNSOL STEREO
Pin cap: 0x00000014 PDC OUT
Pin config: 0x411111f0 as=15 seq=0 device=Speaker conn=None ctype=1/8 loc=Rear color=Black misc=1
Pin control: 0x00000040 OUT
Connections: 1
+ <- nid=6 [audio output] [DISABLED]

dev.hdaa.0.nid29_original: 0x40138205 as=0 seq=5 device=Speaker conn=None ctype=ATAPI loc=0x00 color=Purple misc=2
dev.hdaa.0.nid29_config: 0x40138205 as=0 seq=5 device=Speaker conn=None ctype=ATAPI loc=0x00 color=Purple misc=2
dev.hdaa.0.nid29: beep widget
Widget cap: 0x00700400 PWR
Association: -2 (0x0000)
OSS: speaker (speaker)
Pin cap: 0x00000020 IN
Pin config: 0x40138205 as=0 seq=5 device=Speaker conn=None ctype=ATAPI loc=0x00 color=Purple misc=2
Pin control: 0x00000020 IN

dev.hdaa.0.nid28: vendor widget [DISABLED]
Widget cap: 0x00f00000

dev.hdaa.0.nid27_original: 0x411111f0 as=15 seq=0 device=Speaker conn=None ctype=1/8 loc=Rear color=Black misc=1
dev.hdaa.0.nid27_config: 0x6121113f as=3 seq=15 device=Headphones conn=None ctype=1/8 loc=Ext-Rear color=Black misc=1
dev.hdaa.0.nid27: pin: Headphones (None) [DISABLED]
Widget cap: 0x0040058f PWR UNSOL STEREO
Pin cap: 0x00003734 PDC OUT IN VREF[ 50 80 100 GROUND HIZ ]
Pin config: 0x6121113f as=3 seq=15 device=Headphones conn=None ctype=1/8 loc=Ext-Rear color=Black misc=1
Pin control: 0x00000020 IN
Output amp: 0x80000000 mute=1 step=0 size=0 offset=0 (0/0dB)
Input amp: 0x00270300 mute=0 step=3 size=39 offset=0 (0/30dB)
Connections: 2
+ [DISABLED] <- nid=12 [audio mixer] (selected)
+ <- nid=13 [audio mixer]

dev.hdaa.0.nid26_original: 0x411111f0 as=15 seq=0 device=Speaker conn=None ctype=1/8 loc=Rear color=Black misc=1
dev.hdaa.0.nid26_config: 0x411111f0 as=15 seq=0 device=Speaker conn=None ctype=1/8 loc=Rear color=Black misc=1
dev.hdaa.0.nid26: pin: Speaker (None) [DISABLED]
Widget cap: 0x0040058f PWR UNSOL STEREO
Pin cap: 0x0000373c PDC HP OUT IN VREF[ 50 80 100 GROUND HIZ ]
Pin config: 0x411111f0 as=15 seq=0 device=Speaker conn=None ctype=1/8 loc=Rear color=Black misc=1
Pin control: 0x00000020 IN
Output amp: 0x80000000 mute=1 step=0 size=0 offset=0 (0/0dB)
Input amp: 0x00270300 mute=0 step=3 size=39 offset=0 (0/30dB)
Connections: 2
+ [DISABLED] <- nid=12 [audio mixer] (selected)
+ <- nid=13 [audio mixer]

dev.hdaa.0.nid25_original: 0x411111f0 as=15 seq=0 device=Speaker conn=None ctype=1/8 loc=Rear color=Black misc=1
dev.hdaa.0.nid25_config: 0x63a11140 as=4 seq=0 device=Mic conn=None ctype=1/8 loc=Ext-Left color=Black misc=1
dev.hdaa.0.nid25: pin: Mic (None) [DISABLED]
Widget cap: 0x0040058f PWR UNSOL STEREO
Pin cap: 0x00003734 PDC OUT IN VREF[ 50 80 100 GROUND HIZ ]
Pin config: 0x63a11140 as=4 seq=0 device=Mic conn=None ctype=1/8 loc=Ext-Left color=Black misc=1
Pin control: 0x00000020 IN
Output amp: 0x80000000 mute=1 step=0 size=0 offset=0 (0/0dB)
Input amp: 0x00270300 mute=0 step=3 size=39 offset=0 (0/30dB)
Connections: 2
+ [DISABLED] <- nid=12 [audio mixer] (selected)
+ <- nid=13 [audio mixer]

dev.hdaa.0.nid24_original: 0x03a11830 as=3 seq=0 device=Mic conn=Jack ctype=1/8 loc=Left color=Black misc=8
dev.hdaa.0.nid24_config: 0x03a11830 as=3 seq=0 device=Mic conn=Jack ctype=1/8 loc=Left color=Black misc=8
dev.hdaa.0.nid24: pin: Mic (Black Jack)
Widget cap: 0x0040058f PWR UNSOL STEREO
Association: 2 (0x0001)
OSS: mic (mic)
Pin cap: 0x00003734 PDC OUT IN VREF[ 50 80 100 GROUND HIZ ]
Pin config: 0x03a11830 as=3 seq=0 device=Mic conn=Jack ctype=1/8 loc=Left color=Black misc=8
Pin control: 0x00000025 IN VREFs
Output amp: 0x80000000 mute=1 step=0 size=0 offset=0 (0/0dB)
Input amp: 0x00270300 mute=0 step=3 size=39 offset=0 (0/30dB)
Connections: 2
+ [DISABLED] <- nid=12 [audio mixer] (selected)
+ [DISABLED] <- nid=13 [audio mixer]

dev.hdaa.0.nid23_original: 0x411111f0 as=15 seq=0 device=Speaker conn=None ctype=1/8 loc=Rear color=Black misc=1
dev.hdaa.0.nid23_config: 0x411111f0 as=15 seq=0 device=Speaker conn=None ctype=1/8 loc=Rear color=Black misc=1
dev.hdaa.0.nid23: pin: Speaker (None) [DISABLED]
Widget cap: 0x0040050c PWR
Pin cap: 0x00000010 OUT
Pin config: 0x411111f0 as=15 seq=0 device=Speaker conn=None ctype=1/8 loc=Rear color=Black misc=1
Pin control: 0x00000000
Output amp: 0x80000000 mute=1 step=0 size=0 offset=0 (0/0dB)
Connections: 1
+ [DISABLED] <- nid=15 [audio mixer] [DISABLED]

dev.hdaa.0.nid22: vendor widget [DISABLED]
Widget cap: 0x00f00000

dev.hdaa.0.nid21_original: 0x03211020 as=2 seq=0 device=Headphones conn=Jack ctype=1/8 loc=Left color=Black misc=0
dev.hdaa.0.nid21_config: 0x03211020 as=2 seq=0 device=Headphones conn=Jack ctype=1/8 loc=Left color=Black misc=0
dev.hdaa.0.nid21: pin: Headphones (Black Jack)
Widget cap: 0x0040058d PWR UNSOL STEREO
Association: 1 (0x0001)
Pin cap: 0x0001001c PDC HP OUT EAPD
Pin config: 0x03211020 as=2 seq=0 device=Headphones conn=Jack ctype=1/8 loc=Left color=Black misc=0
Pin control: 0x000000c0 HP OUT
EAPD: 0x00000002 EAPD
Output amp: 0x80000000 mute=1 step=0 size=0 offset=0 (0/0dB)
Connections: 2
+ [DISABLED] <- nid=12 [audio mixer]
+ <- nid=13 [audio mixer] (selected)

dev.hdaa.0.nid20_original: 0x90170110 as=1 seq=0 device=Speaker conn=Fixed ctype=Analog loc=Internal color=Unknown misc=1
dev.hdaa.0.nid20_config: 0x90170110 as=1 seq=0 device=Speaker conn=Fixed ctype=Analog loc=Internal color=Unknown misc=1
dev.hdaa.0.nid20: pin: Speaker (Fixed)
Widget cap: 0x0040058d PWR UNSOL STEREO
Association: 0 (0x0001)
Pin cap: 0x00010014 PDC OUT EAPD
Pin config: 0x90170110 as=1 seq=0 device=Speaker conn=Fixed ctype=Analog loc=Internal color=Unknown misc=1
Pin control: 0x00000040 OUT
EAPD: 0x00000002 EAPD
Output amp: 0x80000000 mute=1 step=0 size=0 offset=0 (0/0dB)
Connections: 2
+ <- nid=12 [audio mixer] (selected)
+ [DISABLED] <- nid=13 [audio mixer]

dev.hdaa.0.nid19: vendor widget [DISABLED]
Widget cap: 0x00f00000

dev.hdaa.0.nid18_original: 0x90a60140 as=4 seq=0 device=Mic conn=Fixed ctype=Digital loc=Internal color=Unknown misc=1
dev.hdaa.0.nid18_config: 0x90a60140 as=4 seq=0 device=Mic conn=Fixed ctype=Digital loc=Internal color=Unknown misc=1
dev.hdaa.0.nid18: pin: Mic (Fixed)
Widget cap: 0x0040040b PWR STEREO
Association: 3 (0x0001)
OSS: monitor (monitor)
Pin cap: 0x00000020 IN
Pin config: 0x90a60140 as=4 seq=0 device=Mic conn=Fixed ctype=Digital loc=Internal color=Unknown misc=1
Pin control: 0x00000020 IN
Input amp: 0x00270300 mute=0 step=3 size=39 offset=0 (0/30dB)

dev.hdaa.0.nid17: vendor widget [DISABLED]
Widget cap: 0x00f00000

dev.hdaa.0.nid16: vendor widget [DISABLED]
Widget cap: 0x00f00000

dev.hdaa.0.nid15: audio mixer [DISABLED]
Widget cap: 0x0020010a
Input amp: 0x80000000 mute=1 step=0 size=0 offset=0 (0/0dB)
Connections: 2
+ [DISABLED] <- nid=2 [audio output]
+ [DISABLED] <- nid=11 [audio mixer]

dev.hdaa.0.nid14: vendor widget [DISABLED]
Widget cap: 0x00f00000

dev.hdaa.0.nid13: audio mixer
Widget cap: 0x0020010b STEREO
Association: 1 (0x0001)
OSS: pcm, mix
Input amp: 0x80000000 mute=1 step=0 size=0 offset=0 (0/0dB)
Connections: 2
+ <- nid=3 [audio output]
+ <- nid=11 [audio mixer]

dev.hdaa.0.nid12: audio mixer
Widget cap: 0x0020010b STEREO
Association: 0 (0x0001)
OSS: pcm, mix
Input amp: 0x80000000 mute=1 step=0 size=0 offset=0 (0/0dB)
Connections: 2
+ <- nid=2 [audio output]
+ <- nid=11 [audio mixer]

dev.hdaa.0.nid11: audio mixer
Widget cap: 0x0020010b STEREO
Association: 2 (0x0001)
OSS: mix (mix)
Input amp: 0x80051f17 mute=1 step=31 size=5 offset=23 (-34/12dB)
Connections: 5
+ <- nid=24 [pin: Mic (Black Jack)]
+ [DISABLED] <- nid=25 [pin: Mic (None)] [DISABLED]
+ [DISABLED] <- nid=26 [pin: Speaker (None)] [DISABLED]
+ [DISABLED] <- nid=27 [pin: Headphones (None)] [DISABLED]
+ <- nid=29 [beep widget]

dev.hdaa.0.nid10: vendor widget [DISABLED]
Widget cap: 0x00f00000

dev.hdaa.0.nid9: audio input
Widget cap: 0x0010051b PWR STEREO
Association: 3 (0x0001)
Stream cap: 0x00000001 PCM
PCM cap: 0x000e0560 16 20 24 bits, 44 48 96 192 KHz
Input amp: 0x80023f17 mute=1 step=63 size=2 offset=23 (-17/30dB)
Connections: 1
+ <- nid=34 [audio mixer]

dev.hdaa.0.nid8: audio input
Widget cap: 0x0010051b PWR STEREO
Association: 2 (0x0001)
Stream cap: 0x00000001 PCM
PCM cap: 0x000e0560 16 20 24 bits, 44 48 96 192 KHz
Input amp: 0x80023f17 mute=1 step=63 size=2 offset=23 (-17/30dB)
Connections: 1
+ <- nid=35 [audio mixer]

dev.hdaa.0.nid7: vendor widget [DISABLED]
Widget cap: 0x00f00000

dev.hdaa.0.nid6: audio output [DISABLED]
Widget cap: 0x00000611 PWR DIGITAL STEREO
Stream cap: 0x00000001 PCM
PCM cap: 0x000e05f0 16 20 24 bits, 32 44 48 88 96 192 KHz

dev.hdaa.0.nid5: vendor widget [DISABLED]
Widget cap: 0x00f00000

dev.hdaa.0.nid4: vendor widget [DISABLED]
Widget cap: 0x00f00000

dev.hdaa.0.nid3: audio output
Widget cap: 0x0000041d PWR STEREO
Association: 1 (0x0001)
OSS: pcm (pcm)
Stream cap: 0x00000001 PCM
PCM cap: 0x000e0560 16 20 24 bits, 44 48 96 192 KHz
Output amp: 0x00025757 mute=0 step=87 size=2 offset=87 (-65/0dB)

dev.hdaa.0.nid2: audio output
Widget cap: 0x0000041d PWR STEREO
Association: 0 (0x0001)
OSS: pcm (pcm)
Stream cap: 0x00000001 PCM
PCM cap: 0x000e0560 16 20 24 bits, 44 48 96 192 KHz
Output amp: 0x00025757 mute=0 step=87 size=2 offset=87 (-65/0dB)

dev.hdaa.0.%parent: hdacc0
dev.hdaa.0.%pnpinfo: type=0x01 subsystem=0x17aa21fb
dev.hdaa.0.%location: nid=1
dev.hdaa.0.%driver: hdaa
dev.hdaa.0.%desc: Realtek ALC269 Audio Function Group
dev.hdaa.%parent:

 

[taiwan740]

Definitely a Lenovo T430s? ?Mine doesn't have HDMI outputs, are you using it with a dock? Where are you plugging your headphones into? The 3.5mm jack on the left-hand side of the laptop itself, next to the blue USB port?

Stick hw.snd.default_unit=1 into /etc/sysctl.conf for now to keep headphones.

You could try sticking dev.hdaa.1.gpio_config="0=set 1=set" in the same file and see what that does.

Then to action changes:-
service sysctl restart
service sndiod restart

 

[bsdcode]

Before troubleshooting soundproblems in programs like www/chromium, we should first test if your machine can output sound through the speakers in general. The pcm0 sound device corresponds to your speakers. Make sure your speakers are not muted (mixer -f /dev/mixer0). Then produce noise: cat /dev/random > /dev/dsp0. You should hear it through your speakers.

Put hint.hdaa.0.nid21.config="as=1 seq=15" into /boot/device.hints for sound to switch automatically to your headphones when plugged in. If you do this, you should stick hw.snd.default_unit=0 into /etc/sysctl.conf, because speakers and headphones are then combined into unit 0.

 

[borysj]

Thank you! It is very embarassing to admit, but it was a case of muted speakers all along. To my defense, I did crank up mixer several times, but apparently my mistake was that I never increase both vol and pcm. Now I see (hear...) that they keep down each other hard, so that even when both are at 60 the sound from the speakers is very low.

On the other hand, your steps solution for switching to headphones automatically works like a charm; thanks. So thank you, taiwan740, for information where to put hw.snd.default_unit=1, but I won't be needing it.

To answer your other questions: Yes, it is definitely T430s and no, I do not have HDMI. This model, as you may know, has MiniDisplayPort. I got mine with MDP-HDMI converter, but I haven't tested it yet. This is my tinkering-at-home-laptop and I am not going to connect it to any screen on a regular basis. Yes, there is 3,5mm on the left side next to the USB port. This is the jack I'm using. Frankly, I am old school, and I have always used 3,5-headphones. Never trusted USB-C for hearing music, and I accept Bluetooth solely for ear-ins. Ear-ons should have a cable!

 

[bsdcode]

It is very embarassing to admit, but it was a case of muted speakers all along.

No reason to be embarassed, some of us were in the exact same situation as you at one point. Muted speakers can be vicious...

I'm glad it works for you now.

 

[taiwan740]

Yes, there is 3,5mm on the left side next to the USB port. This is the jack I'm using. Frankly, I am old school, and I have always used 3,5-headphones.

Likewise.

I've found the sound quality on that particular card to be not too great. I used a T430s for about five years at my previous job using Windows 10. There was a very noticeable difference when you listened to music on that versus on an iPhone, for example. Nonetheless, audio is audio, and glad it is working.