AC511M Soundbar, volume control

It appears that the volume control knob controls the volume of the input device, and is not an independent speaker volume control. I tested this with both the USB and Aux inputs. I am very disappointed on two fronts; 

1. I will have to get a USB-B printer cable to connect my laptop to my U2415b monitor. Otherwise, I have to connect the speaker directly to the laptop for the volume control to work
2. I use this monitor and speaker with my PlayStation. This speaker gives me no volume control for that set up 

If anyone has a solution or suggestion I would love to hear!