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AutoVol.rar

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+version https://git-lfs.github.com/spec/v1
+oid sha256:9cedf588ddbbea8ffa41bff4fc51568cc722afc1072fc32f0cdf2ccb56858ce1
+size 28938348

autovol_tray.py

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+#!/usr/bin/env python3
+# -*- coding: utf-8 -*-
+
+"""
+AutoVol (Tray) — zero-config, self-healing auto volume learner.
+
+What it tries to do:
+- Watch "how loud the system audio is" (best effort: real loopback audio; fallback: peak meter).
+- Learn when you turn volume down (stores the loudness level at that moment).
+- Next time it detects you're above your learned loudness threshold, it gently ducks volume.
+
+v0.10.11 fixes vs v0.10.10 (quality-of-life + fewer “sampler thrash” loops):
+- BETTER: Smarter audio-device picking (especially avoids HDMI/Display endpoints when possible).
+  * soundcard loopback no longer blindly prefers a “bad” default speaker (HDMI/display/etc).
+  * sounddevice WASAPI output selection uses a score-based pick, not just default output.
+- BETTER: Sampler selection preflight now requires actual sample flow (recent window n>0),
+  not just “stream opened”. This prevents picking a sampler that’s dead-on-arrival.
+- BETTER: Adds per-sampler exponential backoff when a sampler repeatedly fails preflight,
+  so the system doesn’t rotate through the same broken sources every ~15s forever.
+- BETTER: Pycaw “degraded” threshold relaxed so it keeps trying longer on flaky COM systems
+  instead of force-switching too aggressively.
+- KEEP: Prior COM-finalizer safety and WinVolSTA thread join behavior.
+
+Run:
+  python autovol_tray.py
+
+Data dir (Windows):
+  %LOCALAPPDATA%\\AutoVol
+"""
+
+from __future__ import annotations
+
+import os
+import sys
+import math
+import time
+import json
+import platform
+import threading
+import argparse
+import queue
+import subprocess
+import traceback
+import logging
+import gc
+from logging.handlers import RotatingFileHandler
+from typing import Deque, Dict, List, Optional, Tuple, Callable, Any
+from collections import deque
+from dataclasses import dataclass
+
+__version__ = "0.10.11"
+_WIN = platform.system().lower().startswith("win")
+
+DEFAULT_SR = 48000
+DEFAULT_FRAME_S = 0.20
+DEFAULT_FRAMES = int(round(DEFAULT_SR * DEFAULT_FRAME_S))
+
+# ------------------ dependency bootstrap ------------------
+
+_NO_AUTOINSTALL = ("--no-autoinstall" in sys.argv)
+
+
+def _pip_install(pkgs: List[str]) -> bool:
+    """Best-effort dependency install.
+
+    If you're NOT in a venv, install into per-user site-packages (avoids admin/permission issues).
+    If you're in a venv, install into the venv as normal.
+    """
+    try:
+        in_venv = (getattr(sys, "base_prefix", sys.prefix) != sys.prefix) or bool(os.environ.get("VIRTUAL_ENV"))
+        cmd = [sys.executable, "-m", "pip", "install", "--upgrade"]
+        if not in_venv:
+            cmd.append("--user")
+        cmd += pkgs
+        p = subprocess.run(cmd, stdout=subprocess.PIPE, stderr=subprocess.STDOUT, text=True)
+        if p.returncode != 0:
+            logging.info("[deps] pip failed (%s):\n%s", p.returncode, p.stdout[-3000:])
+        return (p.returncode == 0)
+    except Exception:
+        return False
+
+
+def _ensure_deps(auto_install: bool = True) -> None:
+    need: List[str] = []
+
+    try:
+        import numpy  # noqa: F401
+    except Exception:
+        need.append("numpy")
+
+    try:
+        import PIL  # noqa: F401
+    except Exception:
+        need.append("Pillow")
+
+    try:
+        import pystray  # noqa: F401
+    except Exception:
+        need.append("pystray")
+
+    if _WIN:
+        try:
+            import comtypes  # noqa: F401
+        except Exception:
+            need.append("comtypes")
+        try:
+            import pycaw  # noqa: F401
+        except Exception:
+            need.append("pycaw")
+        try:
+            import win32api  # type: ignore  # noqa: F401
+        except Exception:
+            need.append("pywin32")
+
+    try:
+        import sounddevice  # noqa: F401
+    except Exception:
+        need.append("sounddevice")
+
+    # Optional fallback
+    try:
+        import soundcard  # noqa: F401
+    except Exception:
+        if auto_install:
+            need.append("soundcard")
+
+    # Optional VAD (do not force install)
+    try:
+        import webrtcvad  # noqa: F401
+    except Exception:
+        pass
+
+    if need and auto_install:
+        _pip_install(need)
+
+
+# Install before importing heavy deps (best effort).
+try:
+    _ensure_deps(auto_install=(not _NO_AUTOINSTALL))
+except Exception:
+    pass
+
+# Third-party deps
+import numpy as np
+
+try:
+    import sounddevice as sd
+except Exception:
+    sd = None
+
+try:
+    import soundcard as sc
+except Exception:
+    sc = None
+
+try:
+    import webrtcvad  # type: ignore
+    _HAVE_WEBRTCVAD = True
+except Exception:
+    webrtcvad = None
+    _HAVE_WEBRTCVAD = False
+
+import pystray
+from pystray import MenuItem as Item, Menu
+from PIL import Image, ImageDraw
+
+
+# ------------------ logging ------------------
+
+def _default_data_dir() -> str:
+    if _WIN and "LOCALAPPDATA" in os.environ:
+        return os.path.join(os.environ["LOCALAPPDATA"], "AutoVol")
+    return os.path.abspath(".")
+
+
+def setup_logging(data_dir: str) -> str:
+    os.makedirs(data_dir, exist_ok=True)
+    log_path = os.path.join(data_dir, "autovol.log")
+
+    logger = logging.getLogger()
+    logger.setLevel(logging.INFO)
+
+    fmt = logging.Formatter("%(asctime)s %(levelname)s %(threadName)s %(message)s")
+    fh = RotatingFileHandler(log_path, maxBytes=512_000, backupCount=2, encoding="utf-8")
+    fh.setFormatter(fmt)
+    sh = logging.StreamHandler(sys.stdout)
+    sh.setFormatter(fmt)
+
+    logger.handlers = []
+    logger.addHandler(fh)
+    logger.addHandler(sh)
+
+    logging.info("AutoVol starting v%s (win=%s) data_dir=%s", __version__, _WIN, data_dir)
+    logging.info("Args: %s", " ".join(sys.argv))
+    if _NO_AUTOINSTALL:
+        logging.info("Auto-install deps: DISABLED (--no-autoinstall)")
+    return log_path
+
+
+# ------------------ utils ------------------
+
+_BAD_AUDIO_TOKENS = [
+    "hdmi", "display", "nvidia", "amd", "intel", "dp audio", "display audio", "vf", "virtual",
+    "monitor", "sonic", "nahimic", "remote", "wireless display",
+]
+
+_GOOD_AUDIO_TOKENS = [
+    "realtek", "speakers", "speaker", "headphones", "headphone", "usb", "dac", "analog", "line out",
+]
+
+
+def clamp(x: float, lo: float, hi: float) -> float:
+    return max(lo, min(hi, x))
+
+
+def db_to_lin(db: float) -> float:
+    return 10.0 ** (db / 20.0)
+
+
+def rms_dbfs(x: np.ndarray, eps: float = 1e-12) -> float:
+    if x is None or getattr(x, "size", 0) == 0:
+        return -100.0
+    if x.ndim == 2 and x.shape[1] > 1:
+        x = x.mean(axis=1)
+    rms = float(np.sqrt(np.mean(np.square(x), dtype=np.float64)))
+    if not np.isfinite(rms) or rms <= eps:
+        return -100.0
+    db = 20.0 * math.log10(max(eps, rms))
+    return float(max(min(db, 0.0), -100.0))
+
+
+def safe_tooltip(s: str, max_len: int = 120) -> str:
+    """
+    Windows NOTIFYICONDATAW tooltip limit is 128 WCHAR incl null.
+    Keep it comfortably below to avoid pystray ValueError.
+    """
+    s = s.replace("\n", " ").strip()
+    if len(s) <= max_len:
+        return s
+    return s[: max_len - 1] + "…"
+
+
+def name_score_audio_device(name: str) -> int:
+    """
+    Heuristic: prefer likely-real speaker endpoints, avoid HDMI/display/virtual endpoints.
+    """
+    n = (name or "").lower()
+    score = 0
+    for t in _GOOD_AUDIO_TOKENS:
+        if t in n:
+            score += 12
+    for t in _BAD_AUDIO_TOKENS:
+        if t in n:
+            score -= 18
+    if "realtek" in n:
+        score += 25
+    if "speaker" in n:
+        score += 10
+    if "headphone" in n:
+        score += 8
+    if "usb" in n:
+        score += 6
+    return score
+
+
+def looks_bad_default_endpoint(name: str) -> bool:
+    n = (name or "").lower()
+    if any(t in n for t in _BAD_AUDIO_TOKENS):
+        return True
+    # Very low score is suspicious as "default"
+    return name_score_audio_device(name) < -5
+
+
+@dataclass
+class Stats:
+    p50: float
+    p70: float
+    p85: float
+    p95: float
+    n: int
+
+
+class PercentileWindow:
+    def __init__(self, frame_s: float, history_s: float):
+        self.frame_s = float(frame_s)
+        self.buf: Deque[Tuple[float, float]] = deque(maxlen=int(history_s / frame_s) + 16)
+        self.lock = threading.Lock()
+
+    def push(self, ts: float, db: float) -> None:
+        with self.lock:
+            self.buf.append((ts, db))
+
+    def stats(self, window_s: float) -> Stats:
+        cutoff = time.time() - float(window_s)
+        with self.lock:
+            vals = [db for (ts, db) in self.buf if ts >= cutoff]
+        if not vals:
+            return Stats(-100.0, -100.0, -100.0, -100.0, 0)
+        vals.sort()
+
+        def pct(p: float) -> float:
+            k = int(round((len(vals) - 1) * clamp(p, 0.0, 1.0)))
+            return float(vals[k])
+
+        return Stats(p50=pct(0.50), p70=pct(0.70), p85=pct(0.85), p95=pct(0.95), n=len(vals))
+
+
+# ------------------ samplers ------------------
+
+class SamplerBase:
+    """
+    Samplers should be "alive" even during silence.
+    Health is: are samples arriving (n>0), not whether audio is loud.
+    """
+    def chosen_name(self) -> Optional[str]:
+        return None
+
+    def start(self) -> None:
+        pass
+
+    def stop(self) -> None:
+        pass
+
+    def get_last_block(self) -> Optional[np.ndarray]:
+        return None
+
+    def samples_recent(self, window_s: float = 1.5) -> bool:
+        try:
+            win = getattr(self, "win", None)
+            if win is None:
+                return False
+            st = win.stats(window_s)
+            return st.n > 0
+        except Exception:
+            return False
+
+    def sampler_key(self) -> str:
+        return self.__class__.__name__
+
+
+class LoopbackSampler_SD(SamplerBase):
+    """
+    sounddevice WASAPI loopback.
+
+    Key detail: some PortAudio/WASAPI builds on Windows do NOT support the blocking API
+    (you'll see: "Blocking API not supported yet"). To self-heal across machines, we run
+    the stream in CALLBACK mode and never call stream.read().
+
+    Strategy:
+    - Prefer explicit "(loopback)" INPUT devices when present.
+    - Otherwise, try output devices with WasapiSettings(loopback=True).
+    - Score devices to avoid HDMI/display endpoints when possible.
+    """
+
+    def __init__(self, sr=DEFAULT_SR, frame_s=DEFAULT_FRAME_S, history_s=150.0):
+        self.sr = int(sr)
+        self.frame_s = float(frame_s)
+        self.frames = int(round(self.frame_s * self.sr))
+        self.win = PercentileWindow(frame_s, history_s)
+
+        self.ok = False
+        self._stop = threading.Event()
+        self._th: Optional[threading.Thread] = None
+        self._last_block: Optional[np.ndarray] = None
+        self._lb_lock = threading.Lock()
+
+        self._chosen: Optional[str] = None
+        self._dev_index: Optional[int] = None
+        self._extra = None
+
+    def chosen_name(self) -> Optional[str]:
+        return self._chosen if self.ok else None
+
+    def get_last_block(self) -> Optional[np.ndarray]:
+        with self._lb_lock:
+            return None if self._last_block is None else self._last_block.copy()
+
+    def _wasapi_idx(self) -> Optional[int]:
+        if sd is None:
+            return None
+        try:
+            hostapis = sd.query_hostapis()
+            for i, h in enumerate(hostapis):
+                if "wasapi" in str(h.get("name", "")).lower():
+                    return i
+        except Exception:
+            return None
+        return None
+
+    def _pick_loopback_input_device(self) -> Optional[int]:
+        """
+        Many systems expose loopback capture as a dedicated *input* device with "(loopback)" in name.
+        If present, prefer it.
+        """
+        if sd is None or not _WIN:
+            return None
+        wasapi_idx = self._wasapi_idx()
+        if wasapi_idx is None:
+            return None
+        try:
+            devs = sd.query_devices()
+        except Exception:
+            return None
+
+        out_name = ""
+        try:
+            out_idx = int(sd.default.device[1])
+            out_name = str(sd.query_devices(out_idx).get("name", "")).lower()
+        except Exception:
+            out_name = ""
+
+        loopbacks: List[int] = []
+        for i, d in enumerate(devs):
+            try:
+                if int(d.get("hostapi", -1)) != wasapi_idx:
+                    continue
+                if int(d.get("max_input_channels", 0)) <= 0:
+                    continue
+                name = str(d.get("name", "")).lower()
+                if "loopback" in name or "(loopback)" in name:
+                    loopbacks.append(i)
+            except Exception:
+                continue
+        if not loopbacks:
+            return None
+
+        # Prefer loopback device that matches the default output device name
+        if out_name:
+            out_stem = out_name.split("(")[0].strip()
+            if out_stem:
+                for i in loopbacks:
+                    try:
+                        name = str(devs[i].get("name", "")).lower()
+                        if out_stem in name:
+                            return i
+                    except Exception:
+                        continue
+
+        # Otherwise choose best score (avoid HDMI loopback variants when multiple exist)
+        best = None
+        best_score = -10_000
+        for i in loopbacks:
+            try:
+                nm = str(devs[i].get("name", ""))
+                scv = name_score_audio_device(nm)
+                if scv > best_score:
+                    best_score = scv
+                    best = i
+            except Exception:
+                continue
+        return best if best is not None else loopbacks[0]
+
+    def _pick_output_device(self) -> Optional[int]:
+        if sd is None or not _WIN:
+            return None
+        wasapi_idx = self._wasapi_idx()
+        if wasapi_idx is None:
+            return None
+        try:
+            devs = sd.query_devices()
+        except Exception:
+            return None
+
+        outs: List[int] = []
+        for i, d in enumerate(devs):
+            try:
+                if int(d.get("hostapi", -1)) == wasapi_idx and int(d.get("max_output_channels", 0)) > 0:
+                    outs.append(i)
+            except Exception:
+                continue
+        if not outs:
+            return None
+
+        # Prefer default output unless it looks like HDMI/display; then pick best-scored output.
+        try:
+            out_def = int(sd.default.device[1])
+            if out_def in outs:
+                def_name = str(devs[out_def].get("name", ""))
+                if not looks_bad_default_endpoint(def_name):
+                    return out_def
+        except Exception:
+            pass
+
+        best = None
+        best_score = -10_000
+        for i in outs:
+            try:
+                nm = str(devs[i].get("name", ""))
+                scv = name_score_audio_device(nm)
+                if scv > best_score:
+                    best_score = scv
+                    best = i
+            except Exception:
+                continue
+        return best if best is not None else outs[0]
+
+    def start(self) -> None:
+        if self._th or sd is None or not _WIN:
+            return
+
+        dev = self._pick_loopback_input_device()
+        using_loopback_input = True
+        if dev is None:
+            dev = self._pick_output_device()
+            using_loopback_input = False
+        if dev is None:
+            logging.info("[SD Loopback] no WASAPI device found.")
+            return
+
+        self._dev_index = dev
+        try:
+            devinfo = sd.query_devices(dev)
+            devname = str(devinfo.get("name", "?"))
+            max_in = int(devinfo.get("max_input_channels", 0) or 0)
+            max_out = int(devinfo.get("max_output_channels", 0) or 0)
+            dev_sr = float(devinfo.get("default_samplerate", self.sr) or self.sr)
+        except Exception:
+            devname, max_in, max_out, dev_sr = f"dev#{dev}", 0, 2, float(self.sr)
+
+        extra = None
+        try:
+            extra = sd.WasapiSettings(loopback=True)
+        except Exception:
+            extra = None
+        self._extra = extra
+
+        if using_loopback_input:
+            self._chosen = f"sd/wasapi loopback-in: {devname}"
+            ch_max = max(1, max_in)
+        else:
+            self._chosen = f"sd/wasapi loopback: {devname}"
+            ch_max = max(1, max_out)
+
+        sr_candidates: List[int] = []
+        for s in [self.sr, int(dev_sr), 48000, 44100]:
+            if s > 8000 and s not in sr_candidates:
+                sr_candidates.append(int(s))
+
+        ch_candidates: List[int] = []
+        for c in [2, 1]:
+            if c <= ch_max:
+                ch_candidates.append(c)
+        if not ch_candidates:
+            ch_candidates = [1]
+
+        def cb(indata, frames, time_info, status):  # noqa: ANN001
+            try:
+                block = np.asarray(indata, dtype=np.float32)
+                self.win.push(time.time(), rms_dbfs(block))
+                with self._lb_lock:
+                    self._last_block = block.copy()
+            except Exception:
+                pass
+
+        def run():
+            try:
+                last_err = None
+                stream = None
+
+                for sr_try in sr_candidates:
+                    for ch_try in ch_candidates:
+                        try:
+                            frames = int(round(self.frame_s * sr_try))
+                            stream = sd.InputStream(
+                                samplerate=sr_try,
+                                channels=ch_try,
+                                dtype="float32",
+                                blocksize=frames,
+                                device=self._dev_index,
+                                extra_settings=self._extra if _WIN else None,
+                                callback=cb,
+                            )
+                            self.sr = int(sr_try)
+                            self.frames = int(frames)
+                            self.ok = True
+                            logging.info("[SD Loopback] opened sr=%s ch=%s (%s)", sr_try, ch_try, self._chosen)
+                            break
+                        except Exception as e:
+                            last_err = e
+                            stream = None
+                    if stream is not None:
+                        break
+
+                if stream is None:
+                    logging.info("[SD Loopback] init error: %r", last_err)
+                    self.ok = False
+                    return
+
+                with stream:
+                    while not self._stop.is_set():
+                        time.sleep(0.25)
+            except Exception as e:
+                logging.info("[SD Loopback] thread error: %r", e)
+                self.ok = False
+
+        self._th = threading.Thread(target=run, name="SDLoopback", daemon=True)
+        self._th.start()
+
+    def stop(self) -> None:
+        self._stop.set()
+        if self._th:
+            self._th.join(timeout=1.5)
+
+
+class StereoMixSampler_SD(SamplerBase):
+    """
+    Capture from an *input* device that looks like "Stereo Mix"/"What U Hear".
+
+    Use CALLBACK mode so we don't depend on PortAudio's blocking API support.
+    """
+
+    def __init__(self, sr=DEFAULT_SR, frame_s=DEFAULT_FRAME_S, history_s=150.0):
+        self.sr = int(sr)
+        self.frame_s = float(frame_s)
+        self.frames = int(round(self.frame_s * self.sr))
+        self.win = PercentileWindow(frame_s, history_s)
+
+        self.ok = False
+        self._stop = threading.Event()
+        self._th: Optional[threading.Thread] = None
+        self._last_block: Optional[np.ndarray] = None
+        self._lb_lock = threading.Lock()
+
+        self._chosen: Optional[str] = None
+        self._dev_index: Optional[int] = None
+
+    def chosen_name(self) -> Optional[str]:
+        return self._chosen if self.ok else None
+
+    def get_last_block(self) -> Optional[np.ndarray]:
+        with self._lb_lock:
+            return None if self._last_block is None else self._last_block.copy()
+
+    def _pick_device(self) -> Optional[int]:
+        if sd is None:
+            return None
+        try:
+            devs = sd.query_devices()
+        except Exception:
+            return None
+
+        needles = ["stereo mix", "what u hear", "what you hear"]
+        hits: List[int] = []
+        for i, d in enumerate(devs):
+            try:
+                name = str(d.get("name", "")).lower()
+                max_in = int(d.get("max_input_channels", 0))
+                if max_in <= 0:
+                    continue
+                if any(n in name for n in needles):
+                    hits.append(i)
+            except Exception:
+                continue
+
+        if not hits:
+            return None
+
+        # Prefer higher score names (realtek tends to be correct)
+        best = None
+        best_score = -10_000
+        for i in hits:
+            try:
+                nm = str(devs[i].get("name", ""))
+                scv = name_score_audio_device(nm)
+                if scv > best_score:
+                    best_score = scv
+                    best = i
+            except Exception:
+                continue
+        return best if best is not None else hits[0]
+
+    def start(self) -> None:
+        if self._th or sd is None:
+            return
+        dev = self._pick_device()
+        if dev is None:
+            return
+        self._dev_index = dev
+
+        try:
+            devinfo = sd.query_devices(dev)
+            devname = str(devinfo.get("name", "?"))
+            max_in = int(devinfo.get("max_input_channels", 1) or 1)
+            dev_sr = float(devinfo.get("default_samplerate", self.sr) or self.sr)
+        except Exception:
+            devname, max_in, dev_sr = f"dev#{dev}", 1, float(self.sr)
+
+        self._chosen = f"sd/input: {devname}"
+
+        sr_candidates: List[int] = []
+        for s in [self.sr, int(dev_sr), 48000, 44100]:
+            if s > 8000 and s not in sr_candidates:
+                sr_candidates.append(int(s))
+
+        ch_candidates = [c for c in [2, 1] if c <= max_in] or [1]
+
+        def cb(indata, frames, time_info, status):  # noqa: ANN001
+            try:
+                block = np.asarray(indata, dtype=np.float32)
+                self.win.push(time.time(), rms_dbfs(block))
+                with self._lb_lock:
+                    self._last_block = block.copy()
+            except Exception:
+                pass
+
+        def run():
+            last_err = None
+            stream = None
+
+            for sr_try in sr_candidates:
+                for ch_try in ch_candidates:
+                    try:
+                        frames = int(round(self.frame_s * sr_try))
+                        stream = sd.InputStream(
+                            samplerate=sr_try,
+                            channels=ch_try,
+                            dtype="float32",
+                            blocksize=frames,
+                            device=self._dev_index,
+                            callback=cb,
+                        )
+                        self.sr = int(sr_try)
+                        self.frames = int(frames)
+                        self.ok = True
+                        logging.info("[StereoMix] opened sr=%s ch=%s (%s)", sr_try, ch_try, self._chosen)
+                        break
+                    except Exception as e:
+                        last_err = e
+                        stream = None
+                if stream is not None:
+                    break
+
+            if stream is None:
+                logging.info("[StereoMix] init error: %r", last_err)
+                self.ok = False
+                return
+
+            try:
+                with stream:
+                    while not self._stop.is_set():
+                        time.sleep(0.25)
+            except Exception as e:
+                logging.info("[StereoMix] thread error: %r", e)
+                self.ok = False
+
+        self._th = threading.Thread(target=run, name="StereoMix", daemon=True)
+        self._th.start()
+
+    def stop(self) -> None:
+        self._stop.set()
+        if self._th:
+            self._th.join(timeout=1.5)
+
+
+class LoopbackSampler_SC(SamplerBase):
+    """python-soundcard loopback (can pick the "wrong" speaker on multi-output systems)."""
+
+    def __init__(self, sr: int = DEFAULT_SR, frame_s: float = DEFAULT_FRAME_S, history_s: float = 150.0, dev_name: Optional[str] = None):
+        self.ok = False
+        self.sr = int(sr)
+        self.frame_s = float(frame_s)
+        self.frames = int(round(self.frame_s * self.sr))
+        self.win = PercentileWindow(self.frame_s, history_s)
+        self.stop_evt = threading.Event()
+        self.th: Optional[threading.Thread] = None
+        self._last_block: Optional[np.ndarray] = None
+        self._lb_lock = threading.Lock()
+        self._chosen_name: Optional[str] = None
+        self._dev_name = dev_name
+
+    def chosen_name(self) -> Optional[str]:
+        return self._chosen_name if self.ok else None
+
+    def get_last_block(self) -> Optional[np.ndarray]:
+        with self._lb_lock:
+            return None if self._last_block is None else self._last_block.copy()
+
+    def _speaker_score(self, name: str) -> int:
+        return name_score_audio_device(name)
+
+    def _pick_recorder(self):
+        """
+        python-soundcard loopback.
+
+        Change vs older versions:
+        - We do NOT always prioritize sc.default_speaker() if it looks like HDMI/display/etc.
+          Instead we score endpoints and choose the best likely-real speaker.
+        """
+        if sc is None:
+            return None
+
+        speakers: List[Any] = []
+        try:
+            speakers = list(sc.all_speakers())
+        except Exception:
+            speakers = []
+
+        # If dev_name supplied, try it first.
+        if self._dev_name:
+            for spk in speakers:
+                try:
+                    if str(getattr(spk, "name", "")) == str(self._dev_name):
+                        try:
+                            mic = sc.get_microphone(id=str(spk.name), include_loopback=True)
+                            self._chosen_name = f"soundcard loopback: {mic.name}"
+                            for ch in (2, 1):
+                                try:
+                                    rec = mic.recorder(samplerate=self.sr, channels=ch)
+                                    return rec
+                                except Exception:
+                                    continue
+                        except Exception:
+                            pass
+                except Exception:
+                    continue
+
+        default_first: List[Any] = []
+        try:
+            d = sc.default_speaker()
+            dname = str(getattr(d, "name", ""))
+            if not looks_bad_default_endpoint(dname):
+                default_first = [d]
+                speakers = [s for s in speakers if getattr(s, "name", None) != getattr(d, "name", None)]
+            else:
+                # Bad default endpoint: do NOT force it to the front.
+                default_first = []
+        except Exception:
+            default_first = []
+
+        speakers_sorted = sorted(
+            speakers,
+            key=lambda s: self._speaker_score(getattr(s, "name", "")),
+            reverse=True,
+        )
+
+        candidates = (default_first + speakers_sorted)[:14]
+
+        for spk in candidates:
+            try:
+                mic = sc.get_microphone(id=str(spk.name), include_loopback=True)
+                self._chosen_name = f"soundcard loopback: {mic.name}"
+                for ch in (2, 1):
+                    try:
+                        rec = mic.recorder(samplerate=self.sr, channels=ch)
+                        return rec
+                    except Exception:
+                        continue
+            except Exception:
+                continue
+
+        return None
+
+    def start(self) -> None:
+        if self.th or sc is None:
+            return
+        rec = self._pick_recorder()
+        if rec is None:
+            return
+
+        def run():
+            try:
+                with rec:
+                    while not self.stop_evt.is_set():
+                        try:
+                            block = rec.record(self.frames)
+                            block = np.asarray(block, dtype=np.float32)
+                            self.win.push(time.time(), rms_dbfs(block))
+                            with self._lb_lock:
+                                self._last_block = block.copy()
+                        except Exception:
+                            time.sleep(0.05)
+            except Exception:
+                pass
+
+        self.th = threading.Thread(target=run, name="SCLoopback", daemon=True)
+        self.th.start()
+        self.ok = True
+        logging.info("[soundcard loopback] running: %s", self._chosen_name)
+
+    def stop(self) -> None:
+        self.stop_evt.set()
+        if self.th:
+            self.th.join(timeout=1.5)
+
+
+class PycawPeakSampler(SamplerBase):
+    """
+    Reliable-ish fallback: system output peak meter via Pycaw.
+
+    Notes:
+    - This sampler does NOT provide raw audio blocks (so VAD is disabled).
+    - Some systems throw intermittent COM errors on GetPeakValue(). We keep emitting samples
+      (using last known value) and aggressively re-acquire the meter to self-heal.
+
+    v0.10.11: relaxed "degraded" threshold so we don't force-switch too aggressively.
+    """
+
+    def __init__(self, frame_s=DEFAULT_FRAME_S, history_s=150.0):
+        self.frame_s = float(frame_s)
+        self.win = PercentileWindow(frame_s, history_s)
+        self._stop = threading.Event()
+        self._th: Optional[threading.Thread] = None
+        self._ok = False
+
+        self._mu = threading.Lock()
+        self._succ = 0
+        self._fail = 0
+        self._fail_streak = 0
+        self._last_ok_ts = 0.0
+
+    def chosen_name(self) -> Optional[str]:
+        return "pycaw peak meter" if self._ok else None
+
+    def is_degraded(self) -> bool:
+        with self._mu:
+            if not self._ok:
+                return True
+            now = time.time()
+            # v0.10.11: be less trigger-happy.
+            # Only declare degraded if we haven't had a successful read in a long time AND fail streak is huge.
+            if (now - self._last_ok_ts) > 60.0 and self._fail_streak >= 500:
+                return True
+            return False
+
+    def start(self) -> None:
+        if self._th or not _WIN:
+            return
+
+        def run():
+            meter = None
+            last_db = -100.0
+
+            def acquire():
+                nonlocal meter
+                try:
+                    import ctypes
+                    from ctypes import POINTER
+                    from pycaw.pycaw import AudioUtilities, IAudioMeterInformation
+                    from comtypes import CLSCTX_ALL
+
+                    dev = AudioUtilities.GetSpeakers()
+                    iface = dev.Activate(IAudioMeterInformation._iid_, CLSCTX_ALL, None)
+                    meter = ctypes.cast(iface, POINTER(IAudioMeterInformation))
+                    return True
+                except Exception as e:
+                    logging.info("[PycawMeter] acquire failed: %r", e)
+                    meter = None
+                    return False
+
+            CoUninitialize = None
+            try:
+                try:
+                    from comtypes import CoInitializeEx, CoUninitialize as _CoUninitialize, COINIT_MULTITHREADED
+                    CoUninitialize = _CoUninitialize
+                    CoInitializeEx(COINIT_MULTITHREADED)
+                except Exception:
+                    from comtypes import CoInitialize, CoUninitialize as _CoUninitialize
+                    CoUninitialize = _CoUninitialize
+                    CoInitialize()
+
+                try:
+                    ok = acquire()
+                    self._ok = bool(ok)
+                    if self._ok:
+                        logging.info("[PycawMeter] running.")
+
+                    last_log = 0.0
+                    while not self._stop.is_set():
+                        db = last_db
+                        try:
+                            if meter is None:
+                                acquire()
+
+                            if meter is not None:
+                                import ctypes
+                                from ctypes import byref, c_float
+
+                                v = c_float()
+                                meter.GetPeakValue(byref(v))
+                                peak = float(v.value)
+                                if peak <= 0.0 or not math.isfinite(peak):
+                                    db = -100.0
+                                else:
+                                    db = 20.0 * math.log10(max(1e-9, peak))
+                                last_db = db
+
+                                with self._mu:
+                                    self._succ += 1
+                                    self._fail_streak = 0
+                                    self._last_ok_ts = time.time()
+                            else:
+                                raise RuntimeError("meter not acquired")
+                        except Exception:
+                            with self._mu:
+                                self._fail += 1
+                                self._fail_streak += 1
+                                fs = self._fail_streak
+
+                            if fs in (1, 10, 25, 50, 100, 200) or (time.time() - last_log) > 15.0:
+                                last_log = time.time()
+                                logging.info("[PycawMeter] read error (x%s) — continuing.", fs)
+
+                            # keep trying to reacquire periodically, but don't force-switch early
+                            if fs in (3, 10, 25, 50, 100, 200, 350) or (time.time() - self._last_ok_ts) > 10.0:
+                                acquire()
+
+                        # ALWAYS push a sample (even last known) so the controller sees "alive"
+                        self.win.push(time.time(), db)
+                        time.sleep(self.frame_s)
+                finally:
+                    # IMPORTANT: drop COM interface refs BEFORE CoUninitialize
+                    try:
+                        meter = None
+                        gc.collect()
+                    except Exception:
+                        pass
+                    try:
+                        if CoUninitialize is not None:
+                            CoUninitialize()
+                    except Exception:
+                        pass
+            except Exception as e:
+                logging.info("[PycawMeter] init error: %r", e)
+
+        self._th = threading.Thread(target=run, name="PycawMeter", daemon=True)
+        self._th.start()
+
+    def stop(self) -> None:
+        self._stop.set()
+        if self._th:
+            self._th.join(timeout=2.5)
+
+
+class MeterSampler(SamplerBase):
+    """
+    Last-resort COM meter via CreateObject("MMDeviceEnumerator") and IAudioMeterInformation.
+    """
+
+    def __init__(self, frame_s=DEFAULT_FRAME_S, history_s=150.0):
+        self.frame_s = float(frame_s)
+        self.win = PercentileWindow(frame_s, history_s)
+        self._ok = False
+        self._stop = threading.Event()
+        self._th: Optional[threading.Thread] = None
+
+        self._mu = threading.Lock()
+        self._fail_streak = 0
+        self._last_ok_ts = 0.0
+
+    def chosen_name(self) -> Optional[str]:
+        return "endpoint peak meter" if self._ok else None
+
+    def is_degraded(self) -> bool:
+        with self._mu:
+            if not self._ok:
+                return True
+            # slightly relaxed vs old: require longer time with no ok and a big fail streak
+            if (time.time() - self._last_ok_ts) > 60.0 and self._fail_streak >= 500:
+                return True
+            return False
+
+    def start(self) -> None:
+        if self._th or not _WIN:
+            return
+
+        def run():
+            meter = None
+            last_db = -100.0
+
+            def acquire():
+                nonlocal meter
+                try:
+                    import ctypes
+                    from ctypes import POINTER, byref, c_float, c_int, c_void_p, c_ulong
+                    from comtypes import (
+                        IUnknown, GUID, HRESULT, COMMETHOD,
+                        CLSCTX_ALL,
+                    )
+                    from comtypes.client import CreateObject
+
+                    eRender = 0
+                    eMultimedia = 1
+
+                    class IMMDevice(IUnknown):
+                        _iid_ = GUID('{D666063F-1587-4E43-81F1-B948E807363F}')
+                        _methods_ = [
+                            COMMETHOD([], HRESULT, 'Activate',
+                                      (['in'], GUID, 'iid'),
+                                      (['in'], c_ulong, 'dwClsCtx'),
+                                      (['in'], c_void_p, 'pActivationParams'),
+                                      (['out'], POINTER(c_void_p), 'ppInterface')),
+                        ]
+
+                    class IMMDeviceEnumerator(IUnknown):
+                        _iid_ = GUID('{A95664D2-9614-4F35-A746-DE8DB63617E6}')
+                        _methods_ = [
+                            COMMETHOD([], HRESULT, 'GetDefaultAudioEndpoint',
+                                      (['in'], c_int, 'dataFlow'),
+                                      (['in'], c_int, 'role'),
+                                      (['out'], POINTER(POINTER(IMMDevice)), 'ppDevice')),
+                        ]
+
+                    class IAudioMeterInformation(IUnknown):
+                        _iid_ = GUID('{C02216F6-8C67-4B5B-9D00-D008E73E0064}')
+                        _methods_ = [
+                            COMMETHOD([], HRESULT, 'GetPeakValue',
+                                      (['out'], POINTER(c_float), 'pfPeak')),
+                        ]
+
+                    enum = CreateObject("MMDeviceEnumerator", interface=IMMDeviceEnumerator)
+                    dev = POINTER(IMMDevice)()
+                    hr = enum.GetDefaultAudioEndpoint(eRender, eMultimedia, byref(dev))
+                    if hr:
+                        raise OSError(f"GetDefaultAudioEndpoint failed hr=0x{hr:08X}")
+                    ptr = c_void_p()
+                    hr = dev.Activate(IAudioMeterInformation._iid_, CLSCTX_ALL, None, byref(ptr))
+                    if hr:
+                        raise OSError(f"Activate(IAudioMeterInformation) failed hr=0x{hr:08X}")
+
+                    meter = ctypes.cast(ptr, POINTER(IAudioMeterInformation))
+                    return True
+                except Exception as e:
+                    logging.info("[Meter] acquire failed: %r", e)
+                    meter = None
+                    return False
+
+            CoUninitialize = None
+            try:
+                try:
+                    from comtypes import CoInitializeEx, CoUninitialize as _CoUninitialize, COINIT_MULTITHREADED
+                    CoUninitialize = _CoUninitialize
+                    CoInitializeEx(COINIT_MULTITHREADED)
+                except Exception:
+                    from comtypes import CoInitialize, CoUninitialize as _CoUninitialize
+                    CoUninitialize = _CoUninitialize
+                    CoInitialize()
+
+                try:
+                    ok = acquire()
+                    self._ok = bool(ok)
+                    if self._ok:
+                        logging.info("[Meter] running (COM peak).")
+
+                    last_log = 0.0
+                    while not self._stop.is_set():
+                        db = last_db
+                        try:
+                            if meter is None:
+                                acquire()
+
+                            if meter is not None:
+                                from ctypes import byref, c_float
+                                v = c_float()
+                                meter.GetPeakValue(byref(v))
+                                peak = float(v.value)
+                                if peak <= 0.0 or not math.isfinite(peak):
+                                    db = -100.0
+                                else:
+                                    db = 20.0 * math.log10(max(1e-9, peak))
+                                last_db = db
+
+                                with self._mu:
+                                    self._fail_streak = 0
+                                    self._last_ok_ts = time.time()
+                            else:
+                                raise RuntimeError("meter not acquired")
+                        except Exception:
+                            with self._mu:
+                                self._fail_streak += 1
+                                fs = self._fail_streak
+
+                            if fs in (1, 10, 25, 50, 100, 200) or (time.time() - last_log) > 15.0:
+                                last_log = time.time()
+                                logging.info("[Meter] read error (x%s) — continuing.", fs)
+
+                            if fs in (3, 10, 25, 50, 100, 200, 350):
+                                acquire()
+
+                        self.win.push(time.time(), db)
+                        time.sleep(self.frame_s)
+                finally:
+                    # IMPORTANT: drop COM interface refs BEFORE CoUninitialize
+                    try:
+                        meter = None
+                        gc.collect()
+                    except Exception:
+                        pass
+                    try:
+                        if CoUninitialize is not None:
+                            CoUninitialize()
+                    except Exception:
+                        pass
+            except Exception as e:
+                logging.info("[Meter] init error: %r", e)
+
+        self._th = threading.Thread(target=run, name="MeterCOM", daemon=True)
+        self._th.start()
+
+    def stop(self) -> None:
+        self._stop.set()
+        if self._th:
+            self._th.join(timeout=2.5)
+
+
+# ------------------ volume backends ------------------
+
+class VolBackend:
+    def get(self) -> float:
+        raise NotImplementedError
+
+    def set(self, s: float) -> None:
+        raise NotImplementedError
+
+
+class WinVolSTA(VolBackend):
+    """System master volume via pycaw on a dedicated COM thread."""
+
+    def __init__(self):
+        self._q: queue.Queue = queue.Queue()
+        self._ready = threading.Event()
+        self._stop = threading.Event()
+        self._th = threading.Thread(target=self._run, name="WinVolCOM", daemon=True)
+        self._th.start()
+        if not self._ready.wait(timeout=2.5):
+            raise RuntimeError("WinVolSTA COM init timed out")
+
+    def _run(self):
+        dev = None
+        iface = None
+        ep = None
+        CoUninitialize = None
+        try:
+            from comtypes import CoInitialize, CoUninitialize as _CoUninitialize, CLSCTX_ALL  # type: ignore
+            from ctypes import POINTER, cast
+            from pycaw.pycaw import AudioUtilities, IAudioEndpointVolume  # type: ignore
+
+            CoUninitialize = _CoUninitialize
+
+            CoInitialize()
+            try:
+                dev = AudioUtilities.GetSpeakers()
+                iface = dev.Activate(IAudioEndpointVolume._iid_, CLSCTX_ALL, None)
+                ep = cast(iface, POINTER(IAudioEndpointVolume))
+                self._ready.set()
+
+                while not self._stop.is_set():
+                    try:
+                        op, val, ack = self._q.get(timeout=0.1)
+                    except queue.Empty:
+                        continue
+                    try:
+                        if op == "get":
+                            ack.set_result(float(ep.GetMasterVolumeLevelScalar()))
+                        elif op == "set":
+                            ep.SetMasterVolumeLevelScalar(clamp(float(val), 0.0, 1.0), None)
+                            ack.set_result(True)
+                        elif op == "quit":
+                            ack.set_result(True)
+                            break
+                    except Exception as e:
+                        ack.set_exception(e)
+            finally:
+                # IMPORTANT: drop COM interface refs BEFORE CoUninitialize
+                try:
+                    ep = None
+                    iface = None
+                    dev = None
+                    gc.collect()
+                except Exception:
+                    pass
+                try:
+                    if CoUninitialize is not None:
+                        CoUninitialize()
+                except Exception:
+                    pass
+        except Exception as e:
+            self._ready.set()
+            try:
+                while True:
+                    op, val, ack = self._q.get_nowait()
+                    ack.set_exception(e)
+            except queue.Empty:
+                pass
+
+    class _Ack:
+        def __init__(self):
+            self._ev = threading.Event()
+            self._res = None
+            self._exc: Optional[BaseException] = None
+
+        def set_result(self, r):
+            self._res = r
+            self._ev.set()
+
+        def set_exception(self, e: BaseException):
+            self._exc = e
+            self._ev.set()
+
+        def wait(self, timeout=None):
+            ok = self._ev.wait(timeout)
+            if not ok:
+                raise TimeoutError("WinVolSTA RPC timed out")
+            if self._exc:
+                raise self._exc
+            return self._res
+
+    def _rpc(self, op: str, val=None, timeout=2.0):
+        ack = WinVolSTA._Ack()
+        self._q.put((op, val, ack))
+        return ack.wait(timeout=timeout)
+
+    def get(self) -> float:
+        try:
+            return float(self._rpc("get"))
+        except Exception:
+            return 0.5
+
+    def set(self, s: float) -> None:
+        try:
+            self._rpc("set", s)
+        except Exception:
+            pass
+
+    def close(self):
+        try:
+            self._rpc("quit", timeout=1.5)
+        except Exception:
+            pass
+        self._stop.set()
+        try:
+            if self._th and self._th.is_alive():
+                self._th.join(timeout=2.5)
+        except Exception:
+            pass
+
+
+class DryVol(VolBackend):
+    def __init__(self):
+        self._s = 0.4
+
+    def get(self) -> float:
+        return self._s
+
+    def set(self, s: float) -> None:
+        self._s = clamp(float(s), 0.0, 1.0)
+
+
+def choose_backend(force_dry: bool = False) -> VolBackend:
+    if not _WIN or force_dry:
+        logging.info("[Vol] Using DryVol (no system changes).")
+        return DryVol()
+    try:
+        bk = WinVolSTA()
+        logging.info("[Vol] Using WinVolSTA (COM thread).")
+        return bk
+    except Exception as e:
+        logging.info("[Vol] Falling back to DryVol: %r", e)
+        return DryVol()
+
+
+# ------------------ learner ------------------
+
+class Learner:
+    def __init__(self, path: str, min_events=6, q=0.70):
+        self.path = path
+        self.min_events = int(min_events)
+        self.q = float(q)
+        self.global_downs: Deque[float] = deque(maxlen=600)
+        self.hour_downs: Dict[int, Deque[float]] = {h: deque(maxlen=300) for h in range(24)}
+        self._mu = threading.Lock()
+        self.load()
+
+    def load(self):
+        if not os.path.exists(self.path):
+            return
+        try:
+            with open(self.path, "r", encoding="utf-8") as f:
+                data = json.load(f)
+        except Exception as e:
+            logging.info("[Learner] load error: %r", e)
+            return
+
+        with self._mu:
+            self.global_downs.clear()
+            for h in range(24):
+                self.hour_downs[h].clear()
+
+            g_src = data.get("global_downs", [])
+            if isinstance(g_src, list):
+                for x in g_src[-600:]:
+                    try:
+                        self.global_downs.append(float(x))
+                    except Exception:
+                        pass
+
+            h_src = data.get("hour_downs", {})
+            if isinstance(h_src, dict):
+                for k, arr in h_src.items():
+                    try:
+                        h = int(k)
+                        if 0 <= h <= 23 and isinstance(arr, list):
+                            for x in arr[-300:]:
+                                try:
+                                    self.hour_downs[h].append(float(x))
+                                except Exception:
+                                    pass
+                    except Exception:
+                        continue
+
+    def save(self):
+        try:
+            with self._mu:
+                out = {
+                    "global_downs": list(self.global_downs),
+                    "hour_downs": {str(h): list(self.hour_downs[h]) for h in range(24)},
+                }
+            tmp = self.path + ".tmp"
+            with open(tmp, "w", encoding="utf-8") as f:
+                json.dump(out, f)
+            os.replace(tmp, self.path)
+        except Exception as e:
+            logging.info("[Learner] save error: %r", e)
+
+    @staticmethod
+    def _percentile(vals: List[float], q: float) -> float:
+        if not vals:
+            return -100.0
+        s = sorted(vals)
+        k = int(round((len(s) - 1) * clamp(q, 0.0, 1.0)))
+        return float(s[k])
+
+    def record_down(self, db_at: float, hour: int):
+        with self._mu:
+            self.global_downs.append(float(db_at))
+            if 0 <= hour <= 23:
+                self.hour_downs[hour].append(float(db_at))
+
+    def threshold(self, hour: int) -> Optional[float]:
+        with self._mu:
+            per = self.hour_downs.get(hour, deque())
+            g = self.global_downs
+
+            if len(per) >= self.min_events:
+                q_use = 0.75 if len(per) > 20 else self.q
+                return self._percentile(list(per), q_use)
+
+            if len(g) >= self.min_events:
+                q_use = 0.75 if len(g) > 20 else self.q
+                return self._percentile(list(g), q_use)
+
+        return None
+
+    def counts(self) -> Tuple[int, Dict[int, int]]:
+        with self._mu:
+            return len(self.global_downs), {h: len(self.hour_downs[h]) for h in range(24)}
+
+    def reset(self):
+        with self._mu:
+            self.global_downs.clear()
+            for h in range(24):
+                self.hour_downs[h].clear()
+        self.save()
+
+
+# ------------------ speech gate ------------------
+
+class SpeechGate:
+    def __init__(self, fs_capture: int, frame_ms: int = 20, aggressiveness: int = 2, ema_alpha: float = 0.35):
+        self.fs_cap = int(fs_capture)
+        self.frame_ms = int(frame_ms)
+        self._ema = 0.0
+        self._alpha = float(clamp(ema_alpha, 0.0, 1.0))
+        self._have_vad = _HAVE_WEBRTCVAD
+        if self._have_vad:
+            self.vad = webrtcvad.Vad(int(clamp(aggressiveness, 0, 3)))
+
+    def _to_16k_pcm16(self, x: np.ndarray) -> Tuple[bytes, int]:
+        if x.ndim > 1:
+            x = x.mean(axis=1)
+        fs16 = 16000
+        if self.fs_cap == 48000:
+            x = x[::3]
+        else:
+            idx = np.linspace(0, len(x) - 1, int(len(x) * fs16 / self.fs_cap))
+            x = np.interp(idx, np.arange(len(x)), x).astype(np.float32)
+        x = np.clip(x, -1.0, 1.0)
+        return (x * 32767.0).astype(np.int16).tobytes(), fs16
+
+    def _heuristic_prob(self, block: np.ndarray) -> float:
+        if block.ndim > 1:
+            x = block.mean(axis=1).astype(np.float32, copy=False)
+        else:
+            x = block.astype(np.float32, copy=False)
+
+        e_db = 20.0 * math.log10(max(1e-9, float(np.sqrt(np.mean(x * x)))))
+        if e_db <= -55.0 or len(x) < 512:
+            return 0.0
+
+        zc = float(np.mean((x[1:] * x[:-1]) < 0.0))
+        X = np.fft.rfft(x * np.hanning(len(x)))
+        mag = np.abs(X) + 1e-9
+        freqs = np.fft.rfftfreq(len(x), 1.0 / self.fs_cap)
+        hf = float(mag[freqs >= 2000].sum() / mag.sum())
+        return 1.0 if (0.03 <= zc <= 0.25) and (0.05 <= hf <= 0.60) else 0.0
+
+    def prob(self, block: Optional[np.ndarray]) -> float:
+        if block is None or getattr(block, "size", 0) == 0:
+            self._ema = (1.0 - self._alpha) * self._ema
+            return self._ema
+
+        if self._have_vad:
+            try:
+                pcm16, fs16 = self._to_16k_pcm16(block)
+                frame_len = int((self.frame_ms / 1000.0) * fs16)
+                hits = 0
+                total = 0
+                step = frame_len * 2
+                for i in range(0, len(pcm16), step):
+                    frame = pcm16[i: i + step]
+                    if len(frame) < step:
+                        break
+                    total += 1
+                    if self.vad.is_speech(frame, fs16):
+                        hits += 1
+                raw = (hits / total) if total else 0.0
+            except Exception:
+                raw = 0.0
+        else:
+            raw = self._heuristic_prob(block)
+
+        self._ema = self._alpha * raw + (1.0 - self._alpha) * self._ema
+        return self._ema
+
+
+# ------------------ volume poller ------------------
+
+class VolumePoller:
+    def __init__(self, bk, poll_s=0.05, min_step=0.005):
+        self.bk = bk
+        self.poll_s = float(poll_s)
+        self.min_step = float(min_step)
+        self._stop = threading.Event()
+        self._thr: Optional[threading.Thread] = None
+        self._prev = self.bk.get()
+        self._callbacks: List[Callable[[float, float, float], None]] = []
+
+    def on_change(self, fn: Callable[[float, float, float], None]):
+        self._callbacks.append(fn)
+
+    def start(self):
+        if self._thr:
+            return
+
+        def run():
+            while not self._stop.is_set():
+                time.sleep(self.poll_s)
+                try:
+                    cur = self.bk.get()
+                except Exception:
+                    continue
+                prev = self._prev
+                if abs(cur - prev) >= self.min_step:
+                    ts = time.time()
+                    for fn in self._callbacks:
+                        try:
+                            fn(ts, prev, cur)
+                        except Exception:
+                            pass
+                    self._prev = cur
+
+        self._thr = threading.Thread(target=run, name="VolPoll", daemon=True)
+        self._thr.start()
+
+    def stop(self):
+        self._stop.set()
+        if self._thr:
+            self._thr.join(timeout=1.5)
+
+
+# ------------------ controller ------------------
+
+class AutoVolController:
+    def __init__(self, model_path: str, events_path: str, force_dryvol: bool = False):
+        self.model_path = model_path
+        self.events_path = events_path
+
+        self.FRAME_S = DEFAULT_FRAME_S
+        self.BASELINE_WIN_S = 45.0
+        self.SHORT_WIN_S = 1.0
+
+        self.OVER_MARGIN_DB = 1.2
+        self.ATTACK_DB_MAX = 1.6
+        self.RELEASE_DB_MAX = 0.45
+        self.MIN_VOL = 0.03
+
+        self.SPEECH_UP_DB = 2.0
+        self.NOSPEECH_DOWN_DB = -2.0
+
+        self.IGNORE_OWN_SET_S = 0.8
+        self.USER_DOWN_COOLDOWN_S = 1.2
+        self.SET_COOLDOWN_S = 1.6
+        self.STARTUP_OBS_S = 6.0
+
+        self.NO_SAMPLE_GRACE_S = 8.0
+        self.SWITCH_COOLDOWN_S = 15.0
+
+        # v0.10.11: selection preflight and backoff (reduces infinite sampler cycling)
+        self.SAMPLER_PREFLIGHT_S = 4.5
+        self.SAMPLER_BACKOFF_BASE_S = 25.0
+        self.SAMPLER_BACKOFF_MAX_S = 15 * 60.0
+
+        self._stop = threading.Event()
+        self._paused = threading.Event()
+        self._observe = threading.Event()  # observe-only mode (no volume changes)
+        self._thread: Optional[threading.Thread] = None
+        self._last_set_ts = 0.0
+        self._last_user_down_ts = 0.0
+        self._startup_ts = time.time()
+
+        self.observe_only = False
+
+        self._last_th: Optional[float] = None
+        self._last_p85 = -100.0
+        self._last_p95 = -100.0
+        self._speech = 0.0
+        self._flash_duck_until = 0.0
+
+        self._signal_state = "INIT"
+        self._last_sample_ts = time.time()
+        self._last_switch_ts = 0.0
+
+        self.bk = choose_backend(force_dry=force_dryvol)
+        self.learner = Learner(path=self.model_path)
+        self._downs_total = self.learner.counts()[0]
+
+        try:
+            self.events = open(self.events_path, "a", encoding="utf-8")
+        except Exception as e:
+            logging.info("[AutoVol] cannot open events file: %r", e)
+            self.events = None
+
+        self.resting = self.bk.get()
+        self.current = self.resting
+
+        self.poll = VolumePoller(self.bk, poll_s=0.05, min_step=0.005)
+        self.poll.on_change(self._on_user_change)
+
+        self.vad = SpeechGate(fs_capture=48000, frame_ms=20, aggressiveness=2, ema_alpha=0.35)
+
+        self._samplers: List[SamplerBase] = [
+            LoopbackSampler_SD(sr=48000, frame_s=self.FRAME_S, history_s=150.0),
+            LoopbackSampler_SC(sr=48000, frame_s=self.FRAME_S, history_s=150.0),
+            PycawPeakSampler(frame_s=self.FRAME_S, history_s=150.0),
+            StereoMixSampler_SD(sr=48000, frame_s=self.FRAME_S, history_s=150.0),
+            MeterSampler(frame_s=self.FRAME_S, history_s=150.0),
+        ]
+
+        self.sampler: Optional[SamplerBase] = None
+        self._sampler_idx = -1
+
+        # v0.10.11: per-sampler backoff
+        self._sampler_fail: Dict[str, Dict[str, float]] = {}
+
+        self._switch_sampler(reason="startup")
+
+        bk_name = "WinVolSTA" if isinstance(self.bk, WinVolSTA) else "DryVol"
+        src = self.sampler.chosen_name() if self.sampler else "none"
+        logging.info("[AutoVol] backend=%s sampler=%s model=%s events=%s", bk_name, src, self.model_path, self.events_path)
+
+    @property
+    def observe_only(self) -> bool:
+        """If True, AutoVol will not change system volume (it still learns + shows stats)."""
+        return bool(self._observe.is_set())
+
+    @observe_only.setter
+    def observe_only(self, v: bool) -> None:
+        if bool(v):
+            self._observe.set()
+        else:
+            self._observe.clear()
+
+    def _write_event(self, obj: Dict[str, Any]) -> None:
+        try:
+            if self.events:
+                self.events.write(json.dumps(obj) + "\n")
+                self.events.flush()
+        except Exception:
+            pass
+
+    def _sampler_stats(self, window_s: float) -> Stats:
+        if self.sampler is not None and hasattr(self.sampler, "win"):
+            try:
+                return getattr(self.sampler, "win").stats(window_s)
+            except Exception:
+                pass
+        return Stats(-100.0, -100.0, -100.0, -100.0, 0)
+
+    def _sampler_backoff_until(self, key: str) -> float:
+        st = self._sampler_fail.get(key, {})
+        return float(st.get("until", 0.0))
+
+    def _mark_sampler_fail(self, key: str) -> None:
+        now = time.time()
+        st = self._sampler_fail.get(key)
+        if not st:
+            st = {"fails": 0.0, "until": 0.0}
+            self._sampler_fail[key] = st
+        st["fails"] = float(st.get("fails", 0.0) + 1.0)
+        fails = st["fails"]
+        backoff = min(self.SAMPLER_BACKOFF_MAX_S, self.SAMPLER_BACKOFF_BASE_S * (2.0 ** max(0.0, fails - 1.0)))
+        st["until"] = now + backoff
+
+    def _switch_sampler(self, reason: str) -> None:
+        try:
+            if self.sampler:
+                self.sampler.stop()
+        except Exception:
+            pass
+
+        picked = None
+        best_name = None
+
+        n_samplers = max(1, len(self._samplers))
+        now = time.time()
+
+        for _ in range(n_samplers):
+            self._sampler_idx = (self._sampler_idx + 1) % n_samplers
+            cand = self._samplers[self._sampler_idx]
+            key = cand.sampler_key()
+
+            # v0.10.11: skip samplers in backoff
+            if now < self._sampler_backoff_until(key):
+                continue
+
+            try:
+                cand.start()
+            except Exception:
+                pass
+
+            # v0.10.11: preflight must see actual sample flow (n>0)
+            t0 = time.time()
+            ok_flow = False
+            while time.time() - t0 < self.SAMPLER_PREFLIGHT_S:
+                try:
+                    if cand.samples_recent(1.2):
+                        ok_flow = True
+                        break
+                except Exception:
+                    pass
+                time.sleep(0.2)
+
+            nm = cand.chosen_name()
+            if ok_flow:
+                picked = cand
+                best_name = nm or key
+                break
+
+            # preflight failed -> stop and backoff this sampler
+            try:
+                cand.stop()
+            except Exception:
+                pass
+            self._mark_sampler_fail(key)
+
+        self.sampler = picked
+        self._last_switch_ts = time.time()
+
+        if self.sampler:
+            logging.info("[Sampler] switched -> %s (%s)", self.sampler.chosen_name() or best_name or self.sampler.sampler_key(), reason)
+            self._signal_state = f"SWITCH({reason})"
+        else:
+            logging.info("[Sampler] no viable sampler found (%s).", reason)
+            self._signal_state = "NO SAMPLER"
+
+    def _update_signal_health(self) -> None:
+        now = time.time()
+
+        if self.sampler is not None:
+            deg = getattr(self.sampler, "is_degraded", None)
+            if callable(deg):
+                try:
+                    if bool(deg()) and (now - self._last_switch_ts) >= self.SWITCH_COOLDOWN_S:
+                        self._signal_state = "DEGRADED"
+                        self._switch_sampler(reason="degraded")
+                        return
+                except Exception:
+                    pass
+
+        st = self._sampler_stats(1.5)
+        if st.n > 0:
+            self._last_sample_ts = now
+            if (
+                self._signal_state in ("INIT", "NO SAMPLES", "NO SAMPLER")
+                or self._signal_state.startswith("SWITCH")
+                or self._signal_state == "DEGRADED"
+            ):
+                self._signal_state = "LIVE"
+            return
+
+        if (now - self._last_sample_ts) > self.NO_SAMPLE_GRACE_S:
+            self._signal_state = "NO SAMPLES"
+            if (now - self._last_switch_ts) >= self.SWITCH_COOLDOWN_S:
+                self._switch_sampler(reason="no-samples")
+
+    def vol_set(self, new_scalar: float, why: str = "auto") -> None:
+        new_scalar = clamp(new_scalar, self.MIN_VOL, 1.0)
+        self.bk.set(new_scalar)
+        self.current = new_scalar
+        now = time.time()
+        self._last_set_ts = now
+        self._flash_duck_until = now + 2.2
+
+        self._write_event({
+            "ts": round(now, 3),
+            "type": "AUTO_SET",
+            "why": why,
+            "vol": round(new_scalar, 3),
+            "th_db": None if self._last_th is None else round(self._last_th, 2),
+            "p85_db": round(self._last_p85, 2),
+            "p95_db": round(self._last_p95, 2),
+            "signal": self._signal_state,
+            "sampler": self.sampler.chosen_name() if self.sampler else None,
+        })
+
+    def _on_user_change(self, ts: float, old: float, new: float):
+        if ts - self._last_set_ts <= self.IGNORE_OWN_SET_S:
+            return
+
+        self.resting = new
+        self.current = new
+
+        if self._paused.is_set():
+            return
+
+        st = self._sampler_stats(self.SHORT_WIN_S)
+        hour = time.localtime(ts).tm_hour
+        db_at = st.p85
+
+        self._write_event({
+            "ts": round(ts, 3),
+            "type": "USER_SET",
+            "hour": hour,
+            "dir": "DOWN" if new < old else "UP",
+            "p85_db": round(db_at, 2),
+            "old": round(old, 3),
+            "new": round(new, 3),
+            "signal": self._signal_state,
+            "sampler": self.sampler.chosen_name() if self.sampler else None,
+        })
+
+        if (
+            new < old
+            and st.n >= 1
+            and (ts - self._last_user_down_ts) > self.USER_DOWN_COOLDOWN_S
+        ):
+            self.learner.record_down(db_at, hour)
+            self._last_user_down_ts = ts
+            self._downs_total += 1
+            self.learner.save()
+
+    def start(self):
+        self.poll.start()
+        if self._thread:
+            return
+        self._thread = threading.Thread(target=self._run, name="AutoVolLoop", daemon=True)
+        self._thread.start()
+
+    def stop(self):
+        self._stop.set()
+        try:
+            self.poll.stop()
+        except Exception:
+            pass
+        try:
+            if isinstance(self.bk, WinVolSTA):
+                self.bk.close()
+        except Exception:
+            pass
+        try:
+            if self.sampler:
+                self.sampler.stop()
+        except Exception:
+            pass
+        try:
+            self.learner.save()
+            if self.events:
+                self.events.close()
+        except Exception:
+            pass
+        if self._thread:
+            self._thread.join(timeout=1.5)
+
+    def pause(self, do_pause: bool):
+        if do_pause:
+            self._paused.set()
+            if abs(self.current - self.resting) > 1e-3:
+                self.vol_set(self.resting, why="pause->restore")
+        else:
+            self._paused.clear()
+
+    def reset_learning(self):
+        try:
+            self.learner.reset()
+            self._downs_total = 0
+        except Exception:
+            pass
+
+    def open_data_folder(self, data_dir: str):
+        try:
+            if _WIN:
+                os.startfile(data_dir)  # type: ignore[attr-defined]
+            elif sys.platform == "darwin":
+                subprocess.Popen(["open", data_dir])
+            else:
+                subprocess.Popen(["xdg-open", data_dir])
+        except Exception:
+            pass
+
+    def stats_text_short(self) -> str:
+        mode = "P" if self._paused.is_set() else ("O" if self.observe_only or (time.time() - self._startup_ts < self.STARTUP_OBS_S) else "L")
+        th_txt = f"{self._last_th:.0f}" if self._last_th is not None else "—"
+        src = self.sampler.chosen_name() if self.sampler else "none"
+        return f"{self._signal_state} {mode} vol:{self.current:.2f} p85:{self._last_p85:.0f} th:{th_txt} d:{self._downs_total} ({src})"
+
+    def stats_text_long(self) -> str:
+        tag = "vad" if _HAVE_WEBRTCVAD else "lite"
+        th_txt = f"{self._last_th:.1f}dB" if (self._last_th is not None) else "—"
+        mode_txt = "PAUSED" if self._paused.is_set() else ("OBSERVE" if self.observe_only or (time.time() - self._startup_ts < self.STARTUP_OBS_S) else "LIVE")
+        duck_txt = " ↓" if (time.time() < self._flash_duck_until) else ""
+        src = self.sampler.chosen_name() if self.sampler else "none"
+        return f"{self._signal_state} | {mode_txt}{duck_txt} | downs:{self._downs_total} | p85:{self._last_p85:.1f} | p95:{self._last_p95:.1f} | th:{th_txt} | vol:{self.current:.2f} | sp:{self._speech:.2f}({tag}) | src:{src}"
+
+    def _maybe_promote_sampler(self, now: float) -> None:
+        # This method exists in some builds; keep it safe even if called.
+        if self._paused.is_set() or self._observe.is_set():
+            return
+
+    def _run(self):
+        last_save = time.time()
+
+        while not self._stop.is_set():
+            time.sleep(0.25)
+            now = time.time()
+
+            actual = self.bk.get()
+            if abs(actual - self.current) > 0.05:
+                self.resting = actual
+                self.current = actual
+
+            self._update_signal_health()
+            if self._signal_state in ("NO SAMPLER", "NO SAMPLES"):
+                continue
+
+            if self._paused.is_set() or self.observe_only or (now - self._startup_ts < self.STARTUP_OBS_S):
+                continue
+
+            if not self.sampler:
+                continue
+
+            base = self._sampler_stats(self.BASELINE_WIN_S)
+            cur = self._sampler_stats(self.SHORT_WIN_S)
+            self._last_p85 = cur.p85
+            self._last_p95 = cur.p95
+
+            if cur.n < 1:
+                continue
+
+            hour = time.localtime().tm_hour
+            th = self.learner.threshold(hour)
+            if th is None:
+                th = max(base.p70, -45.0) + 6.0
+            self._last_th = th
+
+            over85 = cur.p85 - th
+            if (now - self._last_set_ts) >= self.SET_COOLDOWN_S and over85 > self.OVER_MARGIN_DB:
+                step_db = clamp(over85 * 0.35, 0.25, self.ATTACK_DB_MAX)
+                self.vol_set(self.current * db_to_lin(-step_db), why="steady_over85")
+                continue
+
+            over95 = cur.p95 - th
+            if (now - self._last_set_ts) >= self.SET_COOLDOWN_S and over95 > (self.OVER_MARGIN_DB + 1.8):
+                step_db = clamp(over95 * 0.55, 0.6, 2.8)
+                self.vol_set(self.current * db_to_lin(-step_db), why="spike_over95")
+                continue
+
+            block = None
+            try:
+                block = self.sampler.get_last_block()
+            except Exception:
+                block = None
+
+            if block is not None and getattr(block, "size", 0) > 0:
+                sp_prob = self.vad.prob(block)
+                self._speech = 0.6 * sp_prob + 0.4 * self._speech
+
+                if (now - self._last_set_ts) >= self.SET_COOLDOWN_S:
+                    target = self.resting
+                    if self._speech >= 0.55:
+                        target = min(1.0, self.resting * db_to_lin(self.SPEECH_UP_DB))
+                    else:
+                        target = max(self.MIN_VOL, self.resting * db_to_lin(self.NOSPEECH_DOWN_DB))
+
+                    if abs(target - self.current) > 0.015:
+                        step_up = db_to_lin(self.RELEASE_DB_MAX)
+                        step_dn = db_to_lin(-self.RELEASE_DB_MAX)
+                        if target > self.current:
+                            new = min(target, self.current * step_up)
+                        else:
+                            new = max(target, self.current * step_dn)
+                        self.vol_set(new, why="speech_gate")
+            else:
+                self.vad.prob(None)
+                self._speech = 0.0
+
+            if now - last_save >= 25.0:
+                last_save = now
+                self.learner.save()
+
+
+# ------------------ tray ------------------
+
+def make_icon(color_fg=(255, 255, 255, 255), color_bg=(0, 0, 0, 0)) -> Image.Image:
+    W, H = 64, 64
+    img = Image.new("RGBA", (W, H), color_bg)
+    d = ImageDraw.Draw(img)
+    d.rectangle([12, 24, 24, 40], fill=color_fg)
+    d.polygon([(24, 24), (36, 16), (36, 48), (24, 40)], fill=color_fg)
+    d.arc([38, 18, 58, 46], start=315, end=45, width=3, fill=color_fg)
+    d.arc([42, 14, 62, 50], start=315, end=45, width=2, fill=color_fg)
+    return img
+
+
+def resolve_paths(model_filename: str, events_filename: str) -> Tuple[str, str, str]:
+    data_dir = _default_data_dir()
+    os.makedirs(data_dir, exist_ok=True)
+    model_path = model_filename if os.path.isabs(model_filename) else os.path.join(data_dir, model_filename)
+    events_path = events_filename if os.path.isabs(events_filename) else os.path.join(data_dir, events_filename)
+    return data_dir, model_path, events_path
+
+
+def run_tray():
+    ap = argparse.ArgumentParser(add_help=True)
+    ap.add_argument("--model", default="autovol_learn.json")
+    ap.add_argument("--events", default="autovol_events.jsonl")
+    ap.add_argument("--force-dryvol", action="store_true", help="don't touch system volume (debug)")
+    ap.add_argument("--observe", action="store_true", help="start in observe-only mode (no volume changes)")
+    ap.add_argument("--reset", action="store_true", help="reset learned downs before starting")
+    ap.add_argument("--no-autoinstall", action="store_true", help="disable auto-install of missing deps")
+    args = ap.parse_args()
+
+    data_dir, model_path, events_path = resolve_paths(args.model, args.events)
+    log_path = setup_logging(data_dir)
+    logging.info("Log file: %s", log_path)
+
+    ctl = AutoVolController(model_path=model_path, events_path=events_path, force_dryvol=args.force_dryvol)
+    if args.reset:
+        ctl.reset_learning()
+        logging.info("Learning reset.")
+    ctl.observe_only = bool(args.observe)
+    ctl.start()
+
+    icon_img = make_icon()
+    icon = pystray.Icon("AutoVol", icon=icon_img, title="AutoVol")
+
+    def update_title():
+        icon.title = safe_tooltip("AutoVol — " + ctl.stats_text_short())
+
+    def on_pause(_icon, _item):
+        ctl.pause(not ctl._paused.is_set())
+        update_title()
+
+    def on_toggle_observe(_icon, _item):
+        ctl.observe_only = not ctl.observe_only
+        update_title()
+
+    def on_reset(_icon, _item):
+        ctl.reset_learning()
+        update_title()
+
+    def on_open(_icon, _item):
+        ctl.open_data_folder(data_dir)
+
+    def on_quit(icon_obj, _item):
+        try:
+            ctl.stop()
+        finally:
+            icon_obj.stop()
+
+    menu = Menu(
+        Item(lambda _item: safe_tooltip("Status: " + ctl.stats_text_long(), max_len=120), None, enabled=False),
+        Item(lambda _item: "Observe only (no changes)", on_toggle_observe, checked=lambda _item: ctl.observe_only),
+        Item(lambda _item: "Resume" if ctl._paused.is_set() else "Pause", on_pause),
+        Item("Reset learning", on_reset),
+        Item("Open data folder", on_open),
+        Item("Quit", on_quit),
+    )
+    icon.menu = menu
+
+    def refresher():
+        while not ctl._stop.is_set():
+            update_title()
+            time.sleep(1.8)
+
+    threading.Thread(target=refresher, name="TrayRefresh", daemon=True).start()
+
+    logging.info("[AutoVol] tray up — check system tray.")
+    update_title()
+    icon.run()
+
+
+if __name__ == "__main__":
+    try:
+        run_tray()
+    except KeyboardInterrupt:
+        pass
+    except Exception as e:
+        try:
+            dd = _default_data_dir()
+            os.makedirs(dd, exist_ok=True)
+            with open(os.path.join(dd, "autovol_crash.txt"), "w", encoding="utf-8") as f:
+                f.write(repr(e) + "\n\n")
+                f.write(traceback.format_exc())
+        except Exception:
+            pass
+        raise