BetterTrumpet

Key Features

• •The Full Theme Engine offers seven color channels (slider, track, peak meter, background, text, accent glow) for complete aesthetic control. Users can save custom themes and enable dynamic album art mode, which pulls colors from the currently playing track. This feature allows the volume flyout to seamlessly match any desktop theme, enhancing visual integration and personalization.
• •Volume Profiles capture and restore the complete audio state, including per-app volumes, device selection, and mute settings. Profiles can be exported and imported as .btprofile files, enabling easy sharing or migration. This feature saves time by eliminating the need to manually reconfigure audio after switching between tasks or machines.
• •The Media Popup appears when hovering over the tray icon, displaying album art, a seek bar, and controls for shuffle and repeat. It provides instant access to media playback without interrupting current applications. Ideal for music and podcast enthusiasts who want quick, non-intrusive control.
• •The CLI exposes 19 commands via named pipe IPC for full scripting control. Users can manage volume, devices, profiles, updates, and settings import/export from the command line. This feature empowers power users and system administrators to automate audio adjustments, integrate with macros, or control audio remotely.
• •Undo/Redo provides full support for Ctrl+Z and Ctrl+Y on all volume changes. Accidentally muted a critical app? A quick undo restores the previous state. This feature eliminates the risk of permanent misconfiguration and encourages experimentation with different audio settings.
• •Quick Device Switch allows users to cycle through playback devices with a single keystroke. Switching between headphones, speakers, or other audio outputs is instantaneous. This feature is essential for users who frequently change listening hardware and need seamless transitions.
• •Eco Mode reduces CPU and GPU usage when running on battery, automatically activating upon unplugging. It maintains smooth audio control while conserving power, a valuable feature for laptop users. Configurable to ensure performance is balanced with battery life.

Use Cases

• •A gamer uses volume profiles to save audio settings for different games, ensuring consistent volume levels and device selection each time. With undo/redo, accidental changes during gameplay are instantly reversible.
• •A music enthusiast relies on the media popup to control playback without switching applications. Dynamic album art mode enhances the listening experience by integrating visuals into the desktop.
• •A system administrator scripts audio adjustments via the CLI, automating volume control across multiple machines or during scheduled tasks. Profiles can be imported to set standard configurations.
• •A designer customizes the theme engine to match their OS theme, creating a cohesive desktop environment. Saved themes allow quick switching between work and personal setups.
• •A multitasker uses the pin flyout to keep the volume panel always open, making adjustments without recalculating the interface. Quick device switch enables instant toggling between headphones and speakers.

Who is this for?

Windows power users, gamers, music enthusiasts, audio engineers, system administrators, and open-source enthusiasts who need advanced per-app volume control, customizable interface, and scripting abilities. Users of EarTrumpet seeking a more feature-rich alternative. Laptop users benefit from eco mode. Developers and contributors interested in audio tools on Windows 10 and 11.