Lock Volume to "Unamplified" in GNOME

[FuRrY321]

Hi all,
whenever my volume level is set past "Unamplified" in Sound Settings, I get very noticeable crackling/static/distortion. This also happens when I launch an XBMC session, as it automatically sets the volume to 100%, which is very annoying.

What I would like to know is if it is possible to essentially "lock" the volume slider/system volume at "Unamplified", so I don't have to keep opening Sound Settings to adjust it.

Thanks for any help!