winget install --id=xmn.BetterTrumpet -e BetterTrumpet is a refined fork of EarTrumpet, the beloved Windows volume mixer. Features include per-app volume control, a media popup with album art, 28+ built-in themes, volume profiles, undo/redo, CLI with 19 commands, crash reporting via Sentry, auto-updates with silent install, and a premium onboarding experience.
♬⋆.˚ ✩°｡⋆⸜ 🎺 ⸝⋆｡°✩ ˚.⋆♬
Windows volume control that actually feels good to use. A polished fork of EarTrumpet with better onboarding, themes, media controls, profiles, auto-updates, and a CLI that speaks JSON.
Install · Highlights · CLI · Build · License
BetterTrumpet keeps the part that mattered from EarTrumpet: fast per-app audio control. Then it adds the polish and automation that Windows should have had in the first place.
system tray -> BetterTrumpet -> per-app volume
├── themes
├── media popup
├── profiles
├── undo / redo
└── CLI / updates
| Method | Best for |
|---|---|
| GitHub Releases | The quickest install or the portable zip |
| Winget | People who prefer the Windows package manager |
| Chocolatey | Existing Chocolatey users |
| Build from source | Contributors and local testing |
Download the latest installer or portable build from GitHub Releases.
winget install --id xmn.BetterTrumpet
choco install bettertrumpet
Build the app as x86 Release.
git clone https://github.com/xammen/BetterTrumpet
nuget.exe restore EarTrumpet.vs15.sln
& "C:\Program Files\Microsoft Visual Studio\2022\Community\MSBuild\Current\Bin\MSBuild.exe" EarTrumpet\EarTrumpet.csproj /p:Configuration=Release /p:Platform=x86 /p:OutputPath=..\Build\Release /t:Rebuild /v:minimal
Ctrl+P to pin the flyout.Ctrl+Z / Ctrl+Y to undo and redo volume changes.| Area | What you get |
|---|---|
| Onboarding | 6-page setup flow for audio, appearance, privacy, ready, and tray pinning |
| Themes | 7 color channels, presets, custom themes, and dynamic album-art mode |
| Media popup | Hover player with cover art, seek, shuffle, repeat, and blur |
| Profiles | Save, restore, export, import, rename, and apply full audio setups |
| Control | Undo/redo for volume changes, plus a pin mode for the flyout |
| Automation | Pipe-based CLI with JSON output for scripts and hotkeys |
| Reliability | Auto-update prompts, crash reporting, and background health monitoring |
| Performance | Eco mode trims animations and peak meter FPS when you want it lighter |
| Tray icon | Animated state that reflects audio activity |
Three looks, same controls, same workflow.
<img src="assets/Windows.png" width="240" />
Windows
Clean, calm, and close to the system look.
<img src="assets/Spotify.png" width="240" />
Spotify
Brighter accents with a music-first feel.
<img src="assets/pixel.png" width="240" />
Pixel
Low-key, chunky, and a bit retro.
Pick the look that fits your setup, or switch when the mood changes.
BetterTrumpet exposes a pipe-based CLI. Commands return JSON, and the app must be running for remote commands to work.
BetterTrumpet.exe --list-devices
BetterTrumpet.exe --set-volume 75
BetterTrumpet.exe --set-volume +10 --app spotify
BetterTrumpet.exe --mute --device "Speakers"
BetterTrumpet.exe --set-default "Headphones"
BetterTrumpet.exe --set-device spotify.exe "Headphones"
BetterTrumpet.exe --apply-profile "Night Mode"
| Area | Commands |
|---|---|
| Devices | --list-devices, --list-apps, --get-volume, --set-volume, --mute, --unmute, --toggle-mute |
| Routing | --get-default, --set-default, --set-device |
| Profiles | --list-profiles, --apply-profile |
| Automation | --watch, --ping, --check-update, --export-settings, --import-settings |
| Help | --version, --help |
| Page | What it controls |
|---|---|
| Shortcuts | Flyout, mixer, settings, volume up/down, device switch |
| Mouse | Tray icon scroll behavior |
| Community | Telemetry and logarithmic volume |
| Legacy | Legacy icon and compatibility options |
| About | Version, diagnostics, export/import settings |
| Animations | Motion speed, peak meter FPS, eco mode |
| Colors | Theme engine, presets, custom themes |
| Media popup | Hover delay, blur radius, show only while playing |
| Volume profiles | Save, restore, rename, delete, export/import |
| Shortcut | Action |
|---|---|
Ctrl+Z | Undo last volume change |
Ctrl+Y | Redo last volume change |
Ctrl+P | Pin / unpin the flyout |
| configurable | Open flyout, mixer, settings, or switch device |
The onboarding wizard has 6 pages:
It also covers telemetry, update channels, and startup preferences during setup.
nuget.exe restore EarTrumpet.vs15.sln
& "C:\Program Files\Microsoft Visual Studio\2022\Community\MSBuild\Current\Bin\MSBuild.exe" EarTrumpet\EarTrumpet.csproj /p:Configuration=Release /p:Platform=x86 /p:OutputPath=..\Build\Release /t:Rebuild /v:minimal
powershell -ExecutionPolicy Bypass -File build-portable.ps1
& 'C:\Users\xammen\AppData\Local\Programs\Inno Setup 6\ISCC.exe' installer.iss
| OS | Status |
|---|---|
| Windows 10 (1803+) | Supported |
| Windows 11 | Supported |
| Area | Stack |
|---|---|
| Language | C# / WPF |
| Framework | .NET Framework 4.6.2 |
| Audio | Windows Core Audio |
| Media | Windows Media Session |
| Packaging | MSBuild + GitVersion + Inno Setup + portable zip |
| CLI | Named pipe IPC |
| Crash reporting | Sentry |
Based on EarTrumpet by David Golden, Rafael Rivera, and Dave Amenta.
♬⋆.˚ ✩°｡⋆⸜ 🎺 ⸝⋆｡°✩ ˚.⋆♬
made with volume ˚ʚ♡ɞ˚