A method for controlling an audio amplifier unit having an audio input, an amplifier, a volume regulation unit and an audio output. An audio signal is received via the audio input and is amplified by the amplifier, and an adjustment procedure modifies an operating curve of the volume regulation unit for the received audio signal. From a modified setting of the volume regulation unit, a modified amplification value is calculated according to a first volume operating curve. The amplifier's amplification is modified to match the modified amplification value, and a second volume operating curve is determined and assigned to the calculation of modified amplification values of the amplifier. The modified amplification value is substantially at the center of the second volume operating curve. Further, the volume regulation unit is adjusted mechanically or electrically to a predefined position.

A networked speaker system automatically adjusts certain audio speaker system settings based on whether the system is inside a building or has been moved outside as may be sensed by one or capacitors on a speaker. Also, techniques are described for adjusting speaker driver direction based on walls or other barriers in a room or based on the location of a listener.

Embodiments described herein provide for detecting presence of an object in proximity to a playback device and responsively performing one or more operations. In an example implementation, a playback device detects, via a proximity detector of the playback device, presence of an object in proximity to the playback device. In response to detecting the presence of the object, the playback device performs one or more operations.

Embodiments described herein provide for detecting presence of an object in proximity to a playback device and responsively performing one or more operations. In an example implementation, a playback device detects, via a proximity detector of the playback device, presence of an object in proximity to the playback device. In response to detecting the presence of the object, the playback device performs one or more operations.

The electronic communication system for a vehicle includes a processor, a memory, an audio output device, a power supply, and a controller. The electronic communication system for a vehicle is useful for storing and accessing sound files, which may include the brand name of an automobile, and emitting audible communications to the environment external to a vehicle.

The electronic communication system for a vehicle includes a processor, a memory, an audio output device, a power supply, and a controller. The electronic communication system for a vehicle is useful for storing and accessing sound files, which may include the brand name of an automobile, and emitting audible communications to the environment external to a vehicle.

An example first playback device includes programming to perform functions including: (1) storing an active volume state variable in memory, wherein the active volume state variable corresponds to a current playback volume; (2) storing a volume limit state variable in memory, wherein the volume limit state variable corresponds to a playback volume limit of the first playback device; (3) detecting a command to begin playback of media at a proposed playback volume different from the current playback volume; (4) based on comparing (i) the playback volume limit and (ii) the proposed playback volume, selecting a startup playback volume; (5) playing back media at the startup playback volume; and (6) causing at least a second playback

An example first playback device includes programming to perform functions including: (1) storing an active volume state variable in memory, wherein the active volume state variable corresponds to a current playback volume; (2) storing a volume limit state variable in memory, wherein the volume limit state variable corresponds to a playback volume limit of the first playback device; (3) detecting a command to begin playback of media at a proposed playback volume different from the current playback volume; (4) based on comparing (i) the playback volume limit and (ii) the proposed playback volume, selecting a startup playback volume; (5) playing back media at the startup playback volume; and (6) causing at least a second playback

In one embodiment, a satellite microphone assembly for use in teleconferencing or other audio based communications comprises a base housing a microphone and volume control electronics. The base is enclosed by a cylinder, rotatable about the base and having a top surface configured to be an actuatable button to toggle a mute/unmute status of the microphone. The cylinder has a sidewall configured to be engaged by a user such that the user can rotate the cylinder. An optical sensor is supported by the base, and is configured to detect a rotation of the cylinder and to output information about a direction and a degree of rotation of the cylinder to the volume control electronics, causing a rotation of the cylinder to affect the volume level of a speaker.

In one embodiment, a satellite microphone assembly for use in teleconferencing or other audio based communications comprises a base housing a microphone and volume control electronics. The base is enclosed by a cylinder, rotatable about the base and having a top surface configured to be an actuatable button to toggle a mute/unmute status of the microphone. The cylinder has a sidewall configured to be engaged by a user such that the user can rotate the cylinder. An optical sensor is supported by the base, and is configured to detect a rotation of the cylinder and to output information about a direction and a degree of rotation of the cylinder to the volume control electronics, causing a rotation of the cylinder to affect the volume level of a speaker.