Sound Control

Sound Control aims to replace the default sound mixer of Windows by offering users a wider range of configuration options. It has not been updated for a very long time, thus it is not functional on newer Windows editions.
After a rapid installation procedure that does not require any special input from the user, you are welcomed by a standard window with a well-organized layout that shouldn't be difficult to figure out by beginners.
Once you have made one or more mixers active, you can adjust the volume level and specify a global hotkey for increasing, decreasing and muting it. Plus, you can customize hotkeys for the next and previous active mixer.
Other configurable keyboard shortcuts target Winamp (e.g. previous or next track, shuffle), the CD player and custom applications (up to three).
It is also possible to set up on-screen display options (e.g. position, delay, increment), messages and translations properties (e.g. mute, load, standard Windows mixer) and general parameters (e.g. enable multiple device support, hide tray icon).
Sound Control barely uses CPU and system memory, so it does not interfere with the runtime of other applications. Its response time is good, and the program performs well, without making the OS hang, crash or pop up error dialogs. Too bad that Sound Control has not been updated for a very long time.