How to switch audio output from a terminal on Linux

gistfile1.txt

Assumes you're using PulseAudio (fairly safe bet).

Find audio devices:
$ pactl list sinks | grep "Name: "
Name: alsa_output.pci-0000_01_00.1.hdmi-stereo
Name: alsa_output.usb-Corsair_Components__Inc._Corsair_Vengeance_1500-00.analog-stereo
Name: alsa_output.pci-0000_00_1f.3.analog-stereo

Copy the name of the sink you want into the variable devicename below and save as a bash script.
This can now be used with a hot-key to switch audio on the fly without opening anything.
It can alternatively be used as a base to switch audio to and from a device when a program launches.
For example, change output to speakers, open music app, when app closes, switch back to headphones.

#!/bin/bash

#Device name variable
devicename="alsa_output.usb-Corsair_Components__Inc._Corsair_Vengeance_1500-00.analog-stereo"

#change the default sink
pacmd "set-default-sink "$devicename""

#move all inputs to the new sink
for app in $(pacmd list-sink-inputs | sed -n -e 's/index:[[:space:]]\([[:digit:]]\)/\1/p');
do
	pacmd "move-sink-input $app "$devicename""
done