The Hardware mixer option appears only when the selected output device provides its own hardware volume control. This depends on the output and on your DAC, so it's normal for it to be missing with some outputs.
If you use the Hardware mixer and the volume doesn't work as expected, or the sound drops:
Go to
Settings→Playback Options→Volume Options.Some DACs offer several options in
Mixer Control Name. Select a different one and save, until you find the one that controls your DAC's volume correctly.If none of them works, set
Mixer TypetoSoftwareto control the volume from the app, or toNoneto control it from your DAC or amplifier.
