Sound Problems

Missing hit sounds in busy fights, a sound you want quieter, or the game still loud while alt-tabbed.

Sound
ProblemFix
Hit sounds go missing in busy fightsVanilla stops at 28 sounds at once and drops older ones. Audio raises the limit and can protect combat sounds.
One sound is too loud (portals, explosions, lobbies)Sound Volumes sets volume per sound; use Minecraft's Music and Sounds sliders.
Game is loud while alt-tabbedUnfocused Sounds lowers the volume while the window is in the background.
No sound at allCheck Minecraft's Master volume, the Windows volume mixer, and that the right output device was selected before the game started. Restart the game after plugging in headphones.