Unless something has changed with JB if you turn the volume all the way down the alarm will still be audible.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk 2
Right.. I'm not positive on the stock alarm (as was said it may still function fine with the phone muted).. I use Alarm Clock Ultra free (https://forums.androidcentral.com/e...nav_result#?t=W251bGwsMSwyLDNd&token=oW-c0M59) from the market and I'm sure it works muted. It's a great app, got it suggested in AC's apps of the week, and I have tried many great alarm apps but this is definitely my preferred right now.
The volume is seperated by ringer/notifications (can be made separate) media and volume. You can mute the ringer and still hear media and alarms. You might want to go into settings to verify the volumes of each
I have a android zte majestic. It won't let me set a ringtone for my alarm. Its in a shaded grey writing. It just vibrates and I've been late for work!