diff --git a/src/output/roar_output_plugin.c b/src/output/roar_output_plugin.c
index c43b5ac34..2af771f72 100644
--- a/src/output/roar_output_plugin.c
+++ b/src/output/roar_output_plugin.c
@@ -59,7 +59,7 @@ static int
 roar_output_get_volume_locked(struct roar *roar)
 {
 	if (roar->vss == NULL || !roar->alive)
-		return 0;
+		return -1;
 
 	float l, r;
 	int error;