[Alsa-user] Volume control quality?????

[Chris B. <ch...@po...>]

If I reduce the volume of my system using the alsamixer is this done in 
the digital domain? If so does this mean that if the volume is reduced 
less bits are used for the music and so the quality is reduced? i.e. 
16bit at half volume has only 15bit accuracy for the sound?

If this is true does alsamixer user all 24bits of the Audigy2 or other 
24bit soundcards, since this would make the problem insignificant?

Also does anyone know of a way to control the alsa master volume from 
the keyboard without replying on for example Xine of Mythtv running?

Thanks,

Chris