> The ncurses-based alsamixer can do this. I have a SB Live 5.1 card and
> can tweak the volume of each channel (center, front, rear, LFE) and the
> L-R balance of the two stereo channels (front, rear).
>
> If you want to setup profiles, then take a look at amixer. It accepts
> volume commands and so is easily integrated into simple 'profile' scripts.
>
Thanks.

I had hoped there might have been something like the Creative setup utility
which is oriented to the user rather than requiring someone who knows the
technical aspects of sound cards which alsamixer/kmix does. But I am not
going to switch to Windows just to use my surround sound system.