I can confirm that in 9.10 the master channel has returned to alsamixer, thus I think this direct problem has been fixed.
I have a (what I believe is a) related bug at https://bugs.launchpad.net/ubuntu/+source/gnome-media/+bug/426788 to do with how the new sound preferences GUI works. The GUI may be fine and the driver for the sound card _might_ be at fault.
I can confirm that in 9.10 the master channel has returned to alsamixer, thus I think this direct problem has been fixed.
I have a (what I believe is a) related bug at https:/ /bugs.launchpad .net/ubuntu/ +source/ gnome-media/ +bug/426788 to do with how the new sound preferences GUI works. The GUI may be fine and the driver for the sound card _might_ be at fault.