Hi coyote/hunter. Sounds like you have been doing it correctly all along to me. Most fellas I know turn their call all the way up and then use the remote to adjust the volume to the desired level. As mentioned, a little goes a long ways. Just adjust the volume to a low setting before un-muting it at the start of your stand.
Regarding howling volume. It's over rated in my opinion. I regularly howl coyotes in from very far away with just a little ol' Critr-Call Pee Wee. It doesn't take as much volume as one thinks. And sometimes less is better.
Good hunting
