Switch audio outputs without using the GUI dialog for PulseAudio

Question

I'm using Precise (development version), which means I'm very much expecting to see bugs. However, this time, it's fairly important that I find a workaround quickly – and it is a general question.

The problem: When I open Sound Settings from the audio menu or from Gnome Control Center, it simply closes with no question of bug reports. I am too drunk to look at stack traces, and I really want to listen to Nellie McKay – loudly. Now, I have a USB audio device that's connected to my speakers. It has no headphone output. I would like to change the output device to my internal audio source – which does have headphone output – so that I can listen to music without bothering the neighbors. For some reason or other, I can't open the audio dialog.

Since PulseAudio seems to be working properly, I need a CLI-way to change the audio device that's used for output for PulseAudio sources.

If someone can tell me how to do this, I'd be very happy. If I get the explanation before I'm evicted for public disturbance, I'll consider that a bonus. :)

Solution

You might find your solution here:

Audio output device, fast switch?

or here:

How to change pulseaudio sink with "pacmd set-default-sink" during playback?

Comments

[gesell]

The OP requested a non-gui solution. The linked Sound Switcher Indicator is a gui element