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dont understand crappy audio

I dont understand it.. samsung sells video cameras ... if they sold one with the crapy audio of our phone no one would buy it and they wouldnt sell any.
So they know how to record acceptable audio.. Why cannot they tweek the audio settings when you start camera to record acceptable audio (assuming they need to be different than for a phone) and change back when exiting/using phone?

What are you comparing the audio recording to. I've seen people compare it to other phones online, and many reckoned it was quite good..
Also, you do realise that video cameras have a lot more space to work with right? The quality of todays smartphones video/audio/photos is magic considering the limited space available for sensors.

andrewluecke said:
What are you comparing the audio recording to. I've seen people compare it to other phones online, and many reckoned it was quite good..
Also, you do realise that video cameras have a lot more space to work with right? The quality of todays smartphones video/audio/photos is magic considering the limited space available for sensors.
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It's way too sensitive... I recorded a concert (and a drive in teh car) and the audio was crap. Distorted in the car, unbearable in concert (way distorted/nosiy... literally couldn't hear the actual music).
Saw other videos with phones and they were MUCH better (audio wise). And no, it wasn't an extremely loud concert.

I think the audio is really good for a phone this size. Are you comparing it to a bose system or what? Lol
Sent from my GT-I9000 using XDA App

I had the same problem with Omnia HD. The sound of videos was so poor too. It was resolved by firmware update, where the audio codec was updated.
Anyone knows if exists any firmware with an acceptable sound quality of recorded videos on i9000??
Sent from my GT-I9000 using XDA App

Playback is great, it is the recording that is a bit crazy, the mic is super sensitive.. hopefully they can adjust this in a firmware.

True i was in rally few days ago and recorded some videos from there , video quality was awesome but sound was terrible. Too sensitive mic!

Impressed by 720p capture, very disappointed with the audio.
Case in point: Recording as of today: youtube.com/watch?v=oQPov5mUTm8
not loud inside at all, just some general background noise.
Using latest official firmware from Samsung JG4 (Optus Aus)

It has one mic, designed for minimising out ambient noise during a phone call, you can't really expect it to be good at recording a concert.

Bs my kids 5800 an my wives n 85 and other Nokia phones all recorded acceptable audio.
Sent from my GT-I9000 using XDA App

OP, your meaning of "audio" should be more carefully explained.
DO you mean:
1) Audio playback?
or
2) Audio recording?
My guess is #2. Yes, the microphone is quite sensitive. There were tons of people using the Samsung Omnia ( the prior generation android smartphone) who complained about the microphone NOT being sensitive enough. So Samsung decided to make the mic more sensitive.

Concert footage request: Galaxy S 720p

alright, i'm considering buying a galaxy s after i attended a john mellencamp concert and attempted to record video with my hermes. ... needless to say it didnt work worth a damn.
from what ive seen the SGS hasa great camera. imhoping somebody has tried it during a concert. if so, could someone please provide the video/images?
hell any video/images will work. preferablly 720 though.
thanksbois!

check Youtube

its all the same launch concert mostly, im looking for .. something different? i dont know. the more variety the more i can justify buying one.

how about something non promo or paid by samsung
here check this one out from yesterday's concert
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=776975

I did some video recording on a concert a couple of weeks ago - and while the picture quality was decent, well good for me, the audio was screeching bad No wonder though, rock-ish concert after all.

all audio ive heard recorded from the galaxys has been utter hell, what concert was it?
edit: offtopic for houseavatarguy, you live in norway? do you ever come across Urge the pop? we dont have it in the US anymore and its supposed to be still floating around norway lmfao

Many users have reported bad microphone audio on the SGS. It seems to be a software issue, so it may be fixed in a future firmware release, but I wouldn't count on it.
Here's a thread about it:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=721069
Edit:
And about urge: Yes we still have urge in 0.5 l and 1.5 l (l for litre/liter) bottles, and an energy drink with a different taste on 0.5 l cans.
Read this wiki: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Urge_(soft_drink)

is definnitely not a hardware problem, but rather a volume level customization.
right now we have no option to manually adjust the volumen level for the mic
also we do not have option to set the Quality bit rate of the recorded audio
if some one can create a HACK utility to let rooted end users access those controls, then the problem is gone.

here is a link to a video i shot a couple of weeks ago. i am happy with the picture, but the sound is brutal. in all fairness, i did not cover the mic at all as i wasnt even thinking about it being too loud.
http://dl.dropbox.com/u/8181257/the specials/video-2010-08-28-22-48-29.3gp
i do recall a similar issue with some nokia nseries devices, and a way around it is to plug in the wired headset and let the wired mic record the sound. i am not able to try it at the moment, but can someone can try that and let us know if it works?

well the hondaguy video is encouraging. very encouraging, it handled the random lights pretty darn well id say.
i saw this: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-bGX3Ank5hk last night and it .. scared me completely lmfao

i was surprised when i watched the video on my pc. i wish i was able to get more but the slam dancing started and i didnt want to drop it

same crap that they tried to pull with symbian i8910 last year. samsung uses amr to record audio which is good enough only for speech. under pressure from i8910 users they finally gave in and supplied aac but such a low bitrate that it offered only marginally better quality over amr.
why they do this???? licensing. they own amr whereas they dont own aac.

my plan is to build an enclosure inside my hat for it. so i can actually get most of the concert.

[VIDEO] HTC One vs Galaxy S4 (in car footage test, front and rear video)

Alright, well here's the conditions to the best that I can remember.
Focus not locked. Didn't see an option for that in the Galaxy S4 menu. Galaxy S4 software based stabilization was not turned on. Anyone want a redo with it on? Hardware stabilization was on for the HTC One.
Also have the Optimus G Pro, Note 2, and iPhone 5 available for tests if requested.
Front facing camera vs rear. Thoughts?
EDIT:
Software stabilization turned on for the GS4. Does anyone know if this actually use pan and zooming to stabilize the image? I'm guessing it does and there is no other way to combat shake.
EDIT:
On my trip to Colorado I added a low light test. I was pretty drowsy. Just woke up from a rest stop nap!
EDIT:
Tried to let the HTC One redeem itself in the audio department. No cases and subject (me) is in front of the camera. No bouncing the sound off of a windshield. It is definitely quiet than the S4, but turn up the volume and let me know what you think.

Seems like the s4 audio sounds better. The HTC one audio sounds echo-ey. As far as the video, they look similar in quality but the viewing angle is wider on the one. I think I prefer the zoomed in on the s4.
Man, I keep going back and forth on these two phones
Sent from my s-off Rezound

the s4 is a vibratorrrrrr

The HTC video is much sharper
Sent from my HTC EVO 3D X515m using xda app-developers app

The One video seems more color accurate and the OIS really stands out when mounted in a car like this, and obviously has a wider FoV. But the S4 has much better audio recording quality (the One had some weird occasional popping going on too).
As far as front facing cameras, again the One has a wide FoV, but the color seems better on the S4's. Whether or not the One is color accurate on the front facing cam, the S4's just plain looks better.
Here's hoping HTC has a firmware update to address the audio quality coming, because if they fix that then the One takes this victory.

arikah said:
The One video seems more color accurate and the OIS really stands out when mounted in a car like this, and obviously has a wider FoV. But the S4 has much better audio recording quality (the One had some weird occasional popping going on too).
As far as front facing cameras, again the One has a wide FoV, but the color seems better on the S4's. Whether or not the One is color accurate on the front facing cam, the S4's just plain looks better.
Here's hoping HTC has a firmware update to address the audio quality coming, because if they fix that then the One takes this victory.
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I'd say that is pretty much what I feel.

This is great. thanks for taking the time do do this.

HTC video looks rather cold.
Sent from my HTC One using Tapatalk 2

Added a test with software stabilization turned on for the GS4.

Piaband said:
Seems like the s4 audio sounds better. The HTC one audio sounds echo-ey. As far as the video, they look similar in quality but the viewing angle is wider on the one. I think I prefer the zoomed in on the s4.
Man, I keep going back and forth on these two phones
Sent from my s-off Rezound
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If you do a youtube search for HTC One Concert you will find a lot of really great audio recordings by the HTC One. I don't know why it was inferior in the car but I've heard other recordings with the HTC One where the audio sounded great. My own recordings with this phone sound much better than this video.

Riggster said:
If you do a youtube search for HTC One Concert you will find a lot of really great audio recordings by the HTC One. I don't know why it was inferior in the car but I've heard other recordings with the HTC One where the audio sounded great. My own recordings with this phone sound much better than this video.
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In the comments on the video he says the holder it's in is blocking the rear mic. That's why the audio is bad on the ONE no way to fix a huge obstruction like a holder no matter how good the mic is.

I've done three tests. Do you think it's just the output levels? Seems pretty strange.
I didn't see any options and everything is being processed in the same fashion.
Sent from my LG-E980 using Tapatalk 2

Actually the holder had a very narrow grip. I was noting that if the audio was directed toward the lens it might sound better. Instead in these tests there is a big ole windshield.
I'll figure something out!
Any suggestions are welcome.
Sent from my LG-E980 using Tapatalk 2

The audio quality of the s4 whilst recording videos continues to suprise me ! Very impressive.
Sent from my GT-I9100 using xda premium

The mic on the HTC one is on the back, right next to the camera. The sound from the HTC One is echo'ed because it is actually being bounced off the windshield.
The mic on the S4 is on the bottom near the charging port I believe.
Great comparison video. The S4 seems much sharper and has better color.
Can you please do one in low-light? (night time driving) Would love it.
Nice FR-S btw. Ignore the riceburner comments, they are kids who don't know jack about cars. The FR-S is a great great car.

superb comparison.. what car are you testing it in btw? looks like the seats of an 86.
EDIT: oh my bad - was originally watching without audio (at work).. just heard you mention you're in the FRS (Scion's version of the 86).. Buddy, that supercharged engine sounds AWESOME.

Zexell said:
The mic on the HTC one is on the back, right next to the camera. The sound from the HTC One is echo'ed because it is actually being bounced off the windshield.
The mic on the S4 is on the bottom near the charging port I believe.
Great comparison video. The S4 seems much sharper and has better color.
Can you please do one in low-light? (night time driving) Would love it.
Nice FR-S btw. Ignore the riceburner comments, they are kids who don't know jack about cars. The FR-S is a great great car.
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Thanks. I'm driving to Colorado in my wife's Audi (from Houston). Right before the sun comes up I'll mount the phones.
I also want to do a comparison at some point with a GoPro 3 Black Edition.
Huey85 said:
superb comparison.. what car are you testing it in btw? looks like the seats of an 86.
EDIT: oh my bad - was originally watching without audio (at work).. just heard you mention you're in the FRS (Scion's version of the 86).. Buddy, that supercharged engine sounds AWESOME.
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Sent from my LG-E980 using Tapatalk 2

I want your FR-S... Please? Pretty please?
And awesome comparison video btw!

The S4 is a great phone with great specs,if only samsung chose better materials and design they would have seduce me

I'd like to see how a Samsung phone made with metal would sell.
EDIT:
On my trip to Colorado I added a low light test. I was pretty drowsy. Just woke up from a rest stop nap!

HTC One vs. S4 - Video of Fire in Darkness

Which one comes out on top?
The s4 seems to produce a better image with more accurate color. It has a lot more shake. Its audio is louder and has a lot more noise from handling.
The One seems to have difficulty with overload from IR, its filter doesn't seem as heavy as the S4. It's more stable as if stabilized in hardware. (both phones used stock settings) The audio is lower and thus handles real life dynamic range more accurately. Both phones were handled the same way. The S4 picks up handling noises and gets pops which are annoying. You must grip it like iron man to stop that!
Here's a quick presentation I put up to show the differences.
http://youtu.be/f2J4TklxTCw
Neither one seems to come out on top but for sound quality the One wins for sure here.

Thread cleaned
Where's the use of posts like "in before the closing"?
This thread is valid as it compares the devices in one specific area (though personally, I can't see any use in that).

I see the pink/blue issue in this video recording from the One.
I'm really unhappy with the quality of the camera.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk 2

Interesting, I actually think the S4 came out a little better. Besides the occasional popping sound on the S4 (you probably have the I9505) sound also is louder on the S4.

jlevy73 said:
Interesting, I actually think the S4 came out a little better. Besides the occasional popping sound on the S4 (you probably have the I9505) sound also is louder on the S4.
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Sound is louder, but not with the same quality IMO.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda app-developers app

The S4 definitely wins
Sent from my HTC One using Tapatalk 2

I don't see the point of threads like this. People's opinions often differ so much so that you'll have one person say the One wins and the next, the S4 ... So what exactly does anybody gain from this? ... Btw, I don't see how you can say it's a side by side comparison when it's actually just two clips, one after the other.

The S4 has better quality, but none of them are any good. Audio quality is a lot worse on the S4 though, as we already know.
From what I've seen and read, HTC One has a camera with worse image quality in terms of best possible image quality, but the camera is more useful since it can be used in any conditions (dark and noisy environments and better wide angle). I love it because no matter what situation I know the camera is usable. Right now mine is on repair due to a cracked glass and I'm using an Xperia P which has a good camera, but unless I turn all the lights on and back away all across the room I know I won't be able to get usable pictures. It's not even near the HTC One. And where any phone I've tried has produced inaudible sound the HTC One has been absolutely clear.
To be honest, that's just what I want from a mobile phone. The whole point with a mobile camera is that I always carry it so it's available in ANY situation. If it can't handle dim light or loud noise or narrow rooms it's completely useless. The quality is good enough for facebook and instagram and stuff so I don't care about that, as long as it's usable whenever I feel the need to use it.

Sound quality: The S4 is rather atrocious. Its AGC is way too heavy, some users may find this better for "getting in" the details but this is not how our hearing works naturally. For music and faithful reproduction it's quite bad. Actually it's awful. For recording a crowd where you want to hear everyone's comments, etc, it would actually be desirable. Again different tools for the job. The HTC easily wins on audio here.
Video it's a tossup. There are color artifacts present in the One's video and color itself is difficult to reproduce. The flames almost appear "electrical" in nature. There is less apparent camera shake with the HTC One. The S4's video looks better with its reproduction of the flames, less blooming and glares. The fire is very hot and has copious amounts infrared radiation. Most sensors will show a pinkish color to longer IR energy and this must be effectively filtered to reduce its affect on sensor output processing and clipping. It's a delicate balance here but the S4 seems to do a better job. Its smaller pixels probably help as well.
As far as SQ goes the processing appears to be globally applied as the similar use of AGC and frequency response is realized in voice recording applications on both devices as well. The recorded volume appears much lower on the HTC because little compression is used. This would be preferred for recording live events where dynamic range needs to be preferred. With voice users may desire to use post processing on a PC to add gain (RMS normalize, etc.).
Personally I prefer the sound of the HTC.
And as far as stills go the HTC is the better *shooter*. I put emphasis on shooting as you can capture good shots of things that happen in real life. There is little shutter lag and pictures turn out decent. The S4 is a very good camera but using both I find it easier to catch the action of life as it happens with the HTC. Too often pictures turn out blurry or out of frame on the S4, it's too slow. When taking pictures of scenery during the day, however, the S4 camera is spectacular!
Remember the best camera is the one you have within your reach!
The best of both worlds would be a higher MP camera in the S4 with the responsiveness of the One. Surely it will happen in the not so distant future. Look how P&S cameras have evolved.

LoL isnt this thread closed yet??
Sent from my HTC One using Tapatalk 4 Beta

Took my phone to a 2 day long concert, here's what I liked

After 12 hours a day and recording almost 100 videos on the highest setting the phone battery never went down past 50% (each day mind you). The phone was starting to get warm about mid way through the day, not sure if it was the sun beating down on my pants (I was in Jacksonville, FL) or due to the constant recording, but it never got extremely hot.
I took some videos zoomed in max at 8x and the quality is honestly not bad. Definitely not HD quality but you can see quite well what you're looking at.
The audio came out better than any other I've seen or heard from others who were with me, two being S7 Edges​, and another an iPhone 7 plus.
The stability when zoomed in 8x was also amazing to me. I could walk around someone who got in the way and it looked like I was barely moving, definitely didn't seem as if I were holding my phone in the air.
The way it picks up light was also better than any other phone I was able to compare with. When the later bands played in the dark I could still see so much detail and wasn't flushed out by either low light or having the stage lights drown out what my camera could see.
Definitely impressed and glad I had this phone with me for this event. Not professional quality but amazing nonetheless, so I figured I'd share with others my experience. I'm willing to answer any questions to anything I may have forgotten to give better details for. I don't really use my YouTube account to upload videos but if need be I could upload a few for those who are curious.

Is there a chance you could share some video samples of what you got?
I haven't had a chance to take my S8+ to a concert yet.

Does the zoom still severely distort the audio?
On the Note 7, audio zoom was enabled by default. It's a good idea, say if you're recording someone talking across the room and when you zoom in it increases the mic gain so you (may) hear them.
Problem is at a gig either on stage or front row with stacks of amps and columns ripping at 120dB and you decide to zoom in the audio distorts horribly. Like makes you want to stab your eyes out with a fork horrible! And there is no way to disable it. The solution is to not use zoom but when recording at 4K using up to 4X optical zoom is generally OK if you re-render your edits at 1080. Fortunately the gigs I did this with I was using a digital recorder and have decent audio tracks to go with the video. Otherwise I'd be screwed. I have not tried recording with mine yet but I may bring it to drum rehearsal and kick things up a bit and zoom in on the kit.

Tw1ser said:
Is there a chance you could share some video samples of what you got?
I haven't had a chance to take my S8+ to a concert yet.
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cpufrost said:
Does the zoom still severely distort the audio?
On the Note 7, audio zoom was enabled by default. It's a good idea, say if you're recording someone talking across the room and when you zoom in it increases the mic gain so you (may) hear them.
Problem is at a gig either on stage or front row with stacks of amps and columns ripping at 120dB and you decide to zoom in the audio distorts horribly. Like makes you want to stab your eyes out with a fork horrible! And there is no way to disable it. The solution is to not use zoom but when recording at 4K using up to 4X optical zoom is generally OK if you re-render your edits at 1080. Fortunately the gigs I did this with I was using a digital recorder and have decent audio tracks to go with the video. Otherwise I'd be screwed. I have not tried recording with mine yet but I may bring it to drum rehearsal and kick things up a bit and zoom in on the kit.
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I have the videos up on my Facebook if you guys would like to check it out that way. Just drop me a PM and I'll give you my info through that.
Not too sure about the audio and zoom feature. Didn't even know that existed to be honest. I will say that there are a few I started out with no zoom and I zoomed in during the video but I don't think I really noticed a difference in audio quality. I'm not the pickiest when it comes to stuff like that and none of it is Hollywood material but still impressed nonetheless.

Ok been a while but I finally got to test this and can confirm the audio zoom "feature" is definitely still there! :|
So when recording events such as live venues with loud SPL particularly lower frequencies do NOT use the zoom if at all possible.
Your audio will be very distorted.
Otherwise, it shoots fine.