VLC volume only to 200%?
Update: the previously suggested --volume argument no longer works.
In more recent versions of VLC, you may adjust volume manually via commandline parameter:
vlc.exe [file] --gain [value]
The value is documented in --help --advanced to be a float in range of [0.000000 .. 8.000000], but test show that higher, even much higher values are also accepted (tested up to few thousands).
The gain value is independent of volume value, eg. regardless of the gain value and effective volume, the in-application volume will show as 100% or any other preset value.
The argument is as of this moment not defined in the manual.
Example:
vlc.exe %HOMEDIR%\Desktop\movie.flv --gain 16
You can set maximum volume up to 300% in preferences.
Tools -> Preferences (Show settings = All) -> Interface -> Main interfaces -> Qt
Then at the very bottom of the right panel set the Maximum Volume option.
Save, exit and restart VLC.
The VideoLAN forum has a good quote:
If you put up the volume to 200%, vlc will not correctly amplify the sound but apparently cap some frequencies which leads to distortions. Maybe someone used a too small variable and a factor 2 leads to a overrun? Stuttering would not appear from something like that AFAIK.
Also look at the following VideoLAN Ticket #6198 - Audio over 150% with VLC 2.0 sounds bad and distorted. The commentaries provide some insight:
Report is about 150% on 2.0 sounding bad while 400% on previous version was good. (I know that 200% is the old 400%)
On videolan forum a user suggested that maybe vlc cap some frequencies which leads to distortions.
So in effect, raising the volume over a 100% will cap frequencies that go beyond a set decibel (dB) range, whilst the others are raised - causing a flattening of the sound.
By ramping up your volume, you are degrading your sound to the point distortion as your reach the extreme end. I would recommend buying a better pair of headphones or speakers.