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lkaten
Avid Contributor I
October 7, 2017
Answered

Strange Volume Effect with Echo Dot and Sonos

  • October 7, 2017
  • 26 replies
  • 4951 views
I have an Echo Dot connected to a Connect via analog in...and the Connect connected from analog out to my speakers via a Sonance amplifier. I'm finding that, since starting the Sonos skill, when I talk to Alexa, her volume out of my Sonos/speaker setup is at such a low volume that it is barely audible. This lasts for about 10-15 seconds, and then volume goes up to normal. I have the volume control on the Dot set a maximum and the Sonos volume set at a normal listening level. Before setting up the Sonos skill, the volume was always fine...right where I set it. Interestingly, if I immediately invoke "Alexa" after she starts speaking (like if I ask for the weather), when I can barely hear her, and tell her to turn up the volume, her output immediately goes to the normal audible volume. Also, once the Sonos music starts, volume is normal, based on my volume setting in the Sonos app. However, if I again invoke "Alexa", her volume is low again.
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    Best answer by jgatie
    That is because of the "ducking" feature which lowers the Sonos volume so Alexa can hear. I'm sure Sonos never figured people would continue to use the line-in function after the Alexa implementation was in place (and why would they?).

    26 replies

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    Sachin
    Lyricist II
    October 11, 2017
    That is because of the "ducking" feature which lowers the Sonos volume so Alexa can hear. I'm sure Sonos never figured people would continue to use the line-in function after the Alexa implementation was in place (and why would they?).

    One reason why people (including me) continue to use the line-in function, is to have a working solution for working with streaming sources that are not yet supported by the Alexa/Sonos integration (in my case - the primary reason is Spotify)

    Spotify works via Sonos/Alexa integration. "Alexa, play Wheels on the bus from Spotify in master bedroom". (Master bedroom is a room on Sonos). Make sure Spotify skill is enabled on Alexa.
    roboco
    Contributor I
    October 11, 2017
    Big thanks to @jgatie for explanation on this issue. Now that I know why my Play:5 is behaving this way I can live with it. I will deactivate the skill since it is easier (in my case) with the line-in solution than commanding the skill (you additionally have to name the room etc.)
    BristolBaz
    Lyricist I
    October 12, 2017
    is there anyway to disable this 'ducking' on individual or all speakers? If somebody talks to Alexa upstairs, the speakers downstairs 'duck' - it's quite annoying!
      roboco
      Contributor I
      October 12, 2017
      @jgatie will know better but I guess not.
      Airgetlam
      Airgetlam
      October 12, 2017
      Not currently, no, but there's a better than average chance they're working on something in conjunction with Amazon, I'd bet.
      Bruce
      shoreFan
      Lyricist I
      October 17, 2017
      Have 3 Echo Dots connected to 3 Play 5s via line input cable and have same volume problem. Music volume is fine but ask Alexa for the weather and you can barely hear the response.
        mwiseman
        Enthusiast II
        October 17, 2017
        Have 3 Echo Dots connected to 3 Play 5s via line input cable and have same volume problem. Music volume is fine but ask Alexa for the weather and you can barely hear the response.

        The only way to fix this for now is to disable the Sonos skill on Alexa.
          sally147
          Lyricist I
          October 19, 2017
          Hi. I've just ordered a Dot. How do I connect it to my Sonos 5? Do I need a cable or jack? Thank you!
          jgatie
          jgatie
          October 19, 2017
          Hi. I've just ordered a Dot. How do I connect it to my Sonos 5? Do I need a cable or jack? Thank you!

          The Dot is now able to control the Play:5 wirelessly. See this link:

          https://en.community.sonos.com/announcements-228985/alexa-now-playing-on-sonos-6791301
            sally147
            Lyricist I
            October 19, 2017
            Hi. I've just ordered a Dot. How do I connect it to my Sonos 5? Do I need a cable or jack? Thank you!

            The Dot is now able to control the Play:5 wirelessly. See this link:

            https://en.community.sonos.com/announcements-228985/alexa-now-playing-on-sonos-6791301

            Wonderful, thank you! 🆒
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