Skratch - as someone who knows audio at the circuit board component level, there's no technical difference between mute and minimum volume. The audio processing IC typically has no boost; it only has attenuation capabilities - if you have the volume set anywhere else other than full volume, you are attenuating.
The only difference between mute and volume is the software that reacts to your different button press. If HK chose to use a volume **** button press as the mute signal, that's still mute even if it isn't labeled, the function is the same.
Moreover, the mute function typically doesn't fully attenuate the signal. It usually reduces by a set decibel amount from wherever you happen to have the volume set... Therefore, if you really want to fully mute, the most certain way is simply to reduce volume completely.

 

Thanks for all replies,kind of figured this was the only solution.

 

No worries.

 

It a lame waY to mute your volume. It should say " your volume is to low to hear now".. Bawhaaaaa.

 

thanks for the info. the statement above, pretty much illustrates my understanding, but while there may be no 'technical' difference, the difference is how you get there. I ride to work as much as possible. unless it's raining, or below 40*, then i'm pretty much riding. that entails going through a security checkpoint on a military installation to show id. I would much rather roll up to the checkpoint and press a button to instantaneously turn the volume all the way down (aka mute) the volume, as opposed to holding a switch down to lower the volume and then pressing it up to turn it up again.

or if they can't give us that, how about a pause button?

 

Wow ... That's a long walk around the block to get to the back door.