ALSA backend
This test case tests that ALSA works as a sound backend and that various frontends can be used to communicate with it.
Setup
- This test case should be performed on a bare machine.
- The computer must be equipped with a sound device.
- Install a desktop version of Fedora 34 (or later).
- Log in as a common user.
- Make sure the
alsa-utils
package is installed. - Connect your speakers (headphoned) to your computer’s sound device.
- Keep an audio file at hand (wav).
How to test
List the sound devices known to ALSA.
$ aplay -l
or (for more details)
$ aplay -L
Identify the ones that represent the logical (
default
,pipewire
) or a physical device (sysdefault:CARD=USB
,sysdefault:CARD=PCH
)Play the audio file (wav) over the default device.
$ aplay -D sysdefault <audiofile>
Play the audio file (wav) over a selected ALSA device.
$ aplay -D hw:X <audiofile>
Play the audio file (wav) over the pipewire device.
$ aplay -D pipewire <audiofile>
Play the audio file (wav) over the physical device.
$ aplay -D sysdefault:CARD=USB <audiofile>
[1]Repeat the above step for all physical devices.
Run
alsamixer
and try setting the volume for a physical device use while playing some audio.
Expected results
aplay -L
lists physical and logical devices on the system.- Audio is playing through the default system device.
- Audio is playing through the selected physical device.
- Audio is playing through the default PipeWire device.
- Audio is playing through the selected physical device.
- Audio is playing through the selected physical device (of applicable).
- Volume levels can be adjusted for physical devices using
alsamixer
[2]