Related
I am having issues with the mic on the iconia. Volume is pretty low. While using gtalk the other side can barely hear me. Has anyone else been experiencing this?
Same here. Testing Fring and using the built-in mic or a headset mic, it is impossible to hear what I am saying. There is no mic adjustment in the Fring app and I can't find one in the tablet settings? Am I missing something that should be very obvious? How do you adjust microphone senstivity?
same problem with gtalk. It's sometime hard to hear what I say
I ve been having the same issues with gtalk. Havent tried any other voip app yet.
Mic works fine in voice recording apps though, so it can't be hardware related.
Maybe honeycomb issue??
Where are the mics?
i think the mic is atthe top of the screen in the crack dead center .click the vol up and click on the/pop up the middle i think is the mic volume .if/im/wrong sorry
I have the same problem on my galaxy tab 10.1 but mic volume seems low on all apps.
Just got the a500 and have experience similar results, mic volume is extremely low.
I have tried it with various voice apps, including gtalk, voice recorder, camcorder, etc, and the voice is really low.
Im begining to wonder that this is a hardware issue.
Is this issue consistent with all a500s? or only some models?
My mic is so low volume as to be virtrually useless. I tried plugging in an external mic and that was slightly better but not enough.
When using the voice recorder app I notice that the meter hardly moves off the stop, something wrong here.
I wonder if this issue is more common than it should be?
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1162054
But some people here have said their mic is fine. I am going to check a few out in the shops and see if they are any better. Really, at the moment it's not suitable for skype or google talk which is what I got it for.
I still think its a honeycomb noise canceling issue. Plug In headphones while u record and u will see the difference.
I bought a second A500 yesterday and the microphone records my voice far better than the unit I've had for almost 2 weeks. With the old unit I can barely hear what I speak, but the new one I can hear myself clearly. Manufacturing date of the old one is may, the new one is manufactured in april. It did not get the 3.1 update yet so it's still running stock 3.01. One other thing I like about the new one I just got is that the volume buttons work a bit easier and don't require as much force to push them down.
Rob
silverball.slayer said:
I bought a second A500 yesterday and the microphone records my voice far better than the unit I've had for almost 2 weeks. With the old unit I can barely hear what I speak, but the new one I can hear myself clearly. Manufacturing date of the old one is may, the new one is manufactured in april. It did not get the 3.1 update yet so it's still running stock 3.01. One other thing I like about the new one I just got is that the volume buttons work a bit easier and don't require as much force to push them down.
Rob
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's the key right there.
It's a software problem not a material one.
I experienced the exact same thing as you.
Bought a new tablet and tested the mic with stock 3.0.1. The volume was fine.
Updated to 3.1 and the volume was very low.
Well, my mic sucks in a big way. I tried many times to use google talk, tango and so on with horrible results. I have to yell like crazy and they can barely hear me.
So... as a lot of ppl are complaiing and it's a software problem, is it possible they do nothing to solve it????? It shouldn't be that difficult...
dominuspaulus said:
I am having issues with the mic on the iconia. Volume is pretty low. While using gtalk the other side can barely hear me. Has anyone else been experiencing this?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I opened up my acer and moved the microphone to the front because before when recordingi couldnt catch a sound coming from recording eg. a person talking.
Now I can at least hear the voices of the people im filming.
For gtalk and skype and stuff i use a headphone set with a mic via the headphones jack, much nicer.
Cheers!
Johnny0906 said:
I opened up my acer and moved the microphone to the front because before when recordingi couldnt catch a sound coming from recording eg. a person talking.
Now I can at least hear the voices of the people im filming.
For gtalk and skype and stuff i use a headphone set with a mic via the headphones jack, much nicer.
Cheers!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You don't say things like these and not tell us the how's and the what's. For example, what headset did you use? How did you move the mic to front?
BTW, I'm on 3.1 and have never had an issue with the mic. Just did a recording while I was driving and talking. Still sounds pretty good to me.
goodintentions said:
You don't say things like these and not tell us the how's and the what's. For example, what headset did you use? How did you move the mic to front?
BTW, I'm on 3.1 and have never had an issue with the mic. Just did a recording while I was driving and talking. Still sounds pretty good to me.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There is actually a thread further back if you bother to look that I opened and described everything and also uploaded a video to see the mic improvement.
Edit: Here is my thread, http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1169050
Edit: Headset I used is a brand called EXIBEL Art.no 38-4061, cheap and works PERFECTLY I can hear and be heard as if in the room.
same issues. Sound seems to just stop as well after I use camcorder
Mine works well on any app except gtalk. Although I recently installed voodoo on my rooted Galaxy Tab 10.1 and the mic adjustments helped. Without Voodoo I usually just plug in headphones when I use gtalk and that solves the issue 100%.
When I first got my TF w/3.0.1 my mic was completely worthless, no one could here me on google talk and when I tried the voice recorder/voice search neither could hear me. I figured it wasnt a big deal but after rooting and going the Primorial 3.1, now the Mic is useable but still not 100%. People can hear me but when I do the voice recorder/google search the mic volume doesnt seem to be all the way up. Was wondering if there is any fix like with the speaker imbalance that I can mess with a file to adjust it. Thanks in advance.
Is there any way to adjust the microphone volume? I just got mine and so far it's really great, but when I tested gchat the mic volume was way too low and the other person could hardly hear me. I also tested it by taking video and using the volume rocker but it didn't do anything. Still low volume.
Anybody? Am I the only one here?
Can somebody please test theirs out and confirm the volume?
microphone issues
I too am also having microphone issues, i.e. when on a gchat (video) the person on the other end can barely hear me. Video chat worked great but whats the point if you cant be heard? Havent found any mic sensitivity settings. Any help or ideas?
I talked directly with Samsung and customer support didn't know anything about anything really. He told me tthat the volume keys control mic level which isn't true. He also said ther sshould be a mic volume button in chat which also isn't true. Maybe the feature iis built into their touchwiz update but we'll see about that.
In the meantime i know that wearing headphones while on chat video solves the issue, which memeans its most likely an overly aggressive noise canceling issue that should bbe aable toto be fixed with a software patch.
Ignore the typos. The keyboard lag is horribly frustrating!
When using GrooVe IP I found the same issue. The person on the other side could not hear me unless I had the tablet up to my face as if I was talking on the phone. The mic is definitely not calibrated to work in speakerphone mode and I am not sure how to force it.
I've been using android for over 2 years and I have never seen anything to control the sensitivity of the mic. I bet this could be done in software easily if I know knew how to program. Maybe one of the devs could make a widget that forces the device to always be in speakerphone mode.
ericlmccormick said:
When using GrooVe IP I found the same issue. The person on the other side could not hear me unless I had the tablet up to my face as if I was talking on the phone. The mic is definitely not calibrated to work in speakerphone mode and I am not sure how to force it.
I've been using android for over 2 years and I have never seen anything to control the sensitivity of the mic. I bet this could be done in software easily if I know knew how to program. Maybe one of the devs could make a widget that forces the device to always be in speakerphone mode.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Its gotta be as simple as turning off or modifying the noise cancelation on the mic.
Hi, guys Ive been looking for microphone fix on my A500 , when i record any video it has this loud background noise...which in fact my room is silent , also when I'm recording videos outside & using Skype . Im using HC 3.2.1 rooted with thor's CMW ver 1.5 . I been searching the forum for a fix but i cant find it or so as I read that they will fix this issue on HC 3.2, but still i get this issues . Is this a Hardware problem or OS issue?
Also can I still return this tablet to walmart & get a refund? I already exchange the first 1 cuz It got a charging issue. SO basically I'm returning an exchange tablet. It hasn't been 14 days yet. as they mentioned for returns & refunds.
Thanks.
hatyrei said:
Hi, guys Ive been looking for microphone fix on my A500
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Funny, I was coming here to ask for help about something similar...
In my case, I have a refurbished A500 which has been awesome so far, with the exception of the microphone. It records terribly, lots of noise and distortion in any recording I make (using Recorder as the test app I made a short .amr recording which I attach 7zip-compressed).
A friend has an A500, and it doesn't seem to display this issue. While it's no deal-breaker (I can live without recording audio...playback of tv shows loaded on the card works better-than-fine!), I'm wondering if there's anything I can do to fix it, or at least make it a little less...noisy.
I believe the culprit has to do with the speakers creating feedback. The workaround is to use headphones. Hope this works for you.
Take a look here:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1065219
tabasco22 said:
Take a look here:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1065219
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I did read that entire thread, which only tells me there are multiple unrelated issues around audio recording on the A500...these issues seem to get all mixed-together in that thread, with people who only care about Skype focusing on that and cross-talking to people who have completely different recording issues. I was hoping this thread could avoid the whole need-to-use-Skype distraction and focus on the specific issue of seemingly over-driven recordings. (With the refurb, I'm also out of the whole keep-complaining-to-acer-until-they-do-something-to-fix-it focus there seems to be on that thread. I can't really complain, and any warranty I had expired a while ago.)
The earlier suggestion to use a headset is, however, something I should have considered first (even read in the earlier Skype-centric thread), and am a little embarrassed I didn't. Sometime this weekend I'll pick up a cheap 3.5 mic/headphone set and see if that makes any difference. If it does, and the recordings though it are cleaner, I can be more comfortable it will work for one thing I care about...using the A500 with the SquareUp CC processor.
Mic - Solution for me.
Problem: Microphone recordings sound terrible. Soft, Choppy, Mechanical, like a bad cell call, bathroom (NOT the severe helicopter sound as others have reported). My hypothesis like others have suggested, seems to be noise cancellation issues. Especially since the issues vary app to app. These mics are right beside each other and I assume they're pretty much hearing the same thing, and the rear is trying to cancel what it hears, which is the same as the front! End result being filtering what it hears, ie filtering everything? FAIL.
Test 1: Using Recorder and Skype Test call, I tested different distances talking to the front/back, covering front mic, covering back mic, case on, case off, headphones plugged in/out, etc. In some instances you could hear some, and other hear nothing, some sound ok, some sound horrible. I wasn't satisfied with ANY.
Test 2: Popped off back of tablet and disconnected REAR facing mic. They are side/side, make sure you disconnect the correct one, the one with the diaphragm pointing out. Simple connector. Then tried Recorder/Skype Test call and both sounded Excellent. I have not tried a call with Skype, just the test. EDIT: Tested a real Skype call last night. No sound issues on my end or other end.
Conclusion: Removal of rear mic provided the best quality. There is zero filtering/cancellation/etc.
Gotta try this
Hmm!
Should of thought of this myself. Going to give it shot and post back later!
Unhooked the rear mike --it helps the front m ike is usable now. Not perfect but works.
So for me
1 Run Flexreaper ICS by Civato = better mike
2 Drill hole for front mike = not as muffled
3 Disconnect rear mike= almost as good as a phone but not as sensitive.
Okay on recording and search but Skype still noisy without headset.
Damn connectors were a pain to unhook.
appoaf said:
Problem: Microphone recordings sound terrible. Soft, Choppy, Mechanical, like a bad cell call, bathroom (NOT the severe helicopter sound as others have reported). My hypothesis like others have suggested, seems to be noise cancellation issues. Especially since the issues vary app to app. These mics are right beside each other and I assume they're pretty much hearing the same thing, and the rear is trying to cancel what it hears, which is the same as the front! End result being filtering what it hears, ie filtering everything? FAIL.
Test 1: Using Recorder and Skype Test call, I tested different distances talking to the front/back, covering front mic, covering back mic, case on, case off, headphones plugged in/out, etc. In some instances you could hear some, and other hear nothing, some sound ok, some sound horrible. I wasn't satisfied with ANY.
Test 2: Popped off back of tablet and disconnected REAR facing mic. They are side/side, make sure you disconnect the correct one, the one with the diaphragm pointing out. Simple connector. Then tried Recorder/Skype Test call and both sounded Excellent. I have not tried a call with Skype, just the test. EDIT: Tested a real Skype call last night. No sound issues on my end or other end.
Conclusion: Removal of rear mic provided the best quality. There is zero filtering/cancellation/etc.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I did and I agree this is a fix if you want to use recorder, Skype, talk, tango, etc. But I also learned to forget using the video camera UNLESS you have it using the rear camera (this is one you use by default when you Skype). Looks like it uses the microphone that points in the direction of the active camera.
So I would suspect the noise cancelling algorithm settings are to blame for poor sound recordings.
I solve this issue by using my stereo earphone with mic that came with my Nokia phone. I have tried a bluetooth stereo headset with mic and another wired earbuds with mic, there was either still a lot of noise or the sound level was very low. Basically, it is the same as using a headset. Finally I found one earphone with mic that works well. I actually have two of the same earbuds from 2 identical Nokia 5230. I tested them on two Iconia A500 with voice chat and video chat, it works very well both ways. I have also tried to turned off the Dolby Mobile as suggested by someone. It actually makes it worse and the sound level went down a lot.
acer a501 microphone fix
hi all
today i finally got to the bottom of the microphone issue
versions 3.x had some issues with the mic that cant be fixed - tried different internal and external mics but no good - i thought it was a hardware issue
and not able to solve but after ota update of ics the external mic is perfect - crystal clear and no noise and heaps of level.
the internal mic is crap so i decided to change the microphone with anything i could find - it has to be electret mic.
I had a few lying around and some worked well and some did not - i eventually found one that worked really well will heaps of level - the
only prob was that it was twice the size of the original.
i had to cut some of the plastic away but eventually got it installed.
The internal mic works great now - much better than the muffled one that came with the unit.
I left the second mic connected as it seems to make no difference in or out.
So what i have found -
firmware on 3.x no good for mic
ics makes mic work well if you use exeternal.
internal mic - get rid of it as it is useless.
hope this helps someone as i spent lots of time trying to fix this
OK but...
jzaiter said:
hi all
today i finally got to the bottom of the microphone issue
versions 3.x had some issues with the mic that cant be fixed - tried different internal and external mics but no good - i thought it was a hardware issue
and not able to solve but after ota update of ics the external mic is perfect - crystal clear and no noise and heaps of level.
the internal mic is crap so i decided to change the microphone with anything i could find - it has to be electret mic.
I had a few lying around and some worked well and some did not - i eventually found one that worked really well will heaps of level - the
only prob was that it was twice the size of the original.
i had to cut some of the plastic away but eventually got it installed.
The internal mic works great now - much better than the muffled one that came with the unit.
I left the second mic connected as it seems to make no difference in or out.
So what i have found -
firmware on 3.x no good for mic
ics makes mic work well if you use exeternal.
internal mic - get rid of it as it is useless.
hope this helps someone as i spent lots of time trying to fix this
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
HoneyComb 3.2 disconnected the rear microphone, Resulted in Better Quality without helicopter noise specially better for skype Etc.
Video recording still Just hardly acceptable. but quality is still bad.
Wont buy from acer anymore.
Has anyone dealt with a dead mic ?
One day out of the blue on 4.4 mic stoped working.
Installed L 5.1. beta 3 and the mic still seems dead (Calls and Google voice) HOWEVER in sound recorder the mic works (picking every single sound) ...
Further more installed the HiQ Mp3 recorder which apparently can use front and or back mic and it works in all configs .(front back and stereo)
Tried different values via engeenering mode with no luck ....
****** Apologies to all this post was misplaced in this forum *********
I guess I should replace the charging board alltogether however I am puzled that the recordings come out clean ......
Anyone with a similar experience ??
(btw sound on wired headset is fine ... bluetooth sound is broken I think due to beta since the bt headset and speaker I tried didnt work)
Phone is Jiauy S3A
Ok Results
The issue was a dead mic (low mic) or rather a near dead mic.
Replacing the mic (on the same board ) resolves the issue (note that you can use third party mics i used asamsung one)
Best test to realise where is the fault
Open the camera recorder and start recording
Close the top mic hole with your finger, start talking in the lower mic and in the end gently (very gently) blow towards the hole.
Repeat on the top hole with the lower hole closed
After that listen to the video
If there is a problem with a mic the voice might be heard but the blow will be almost inaudiable in the problematic mic.
I have exactly the same problem - mic works fine on sound recorder and on the video camera, but Google Voice Search and using the phone does not (I've tried your blow test and it's all fine). This surely cannot be a hardware fault, can it ?
I've tried updating to LL5.1 beta3, but same problem. I've fiddled with the audio settings in the engineering menu, using a variety of values, and turned off the noise reduction without any success.
Any ideas ?
clayts450 said:
I have exactly the same problem - mic works fine on sound recorder and on the video camera, but Google Voice Search and using the phone does not (I've tried your blow test and it's all fine). This surely cannot be a hardware fault, can it ?
I've tried updating to LL5.1 beta3, but same problem. I've fiddled with the audio settings in the engineering menu, using a variety of values, and turned off the noise reduction without any success.
Any ideas ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Google voice was the main indicator that the mic was bad ....
Do the blow test again and try as "gentle" as possible and then compare the results, if the uper mic is louder then then mic is dead or nearly dead.
Most probable that you ll need to change your mic
Thanks for your help - can you provide a link to the replacement mic you used (or did you use one from an old phone) - and is it easy to replace ?
Unfortunately I did go to a service shop for the repair, so I dont have a model number, all I know is that he proposed two different types, one was a noname and the other one was made by samsung (so my guess is that any samsung service center can sell you one) .
The process took about half an hour, unsoldering the old mic and soldering the new and the cost was 10 euros ( around 11 USD)
Sorry I couldnt be any more helpfull on that.
I found that, after video recording with stock camera app, main mic stop working for calls. only upper mic working. you can test it with 2 phones in both hands. but I was find simple solution: many people holding phone when taking pictures so the controls are on right side. but if you turn you phone so the shutter button will be on left side, after video recording, main mic still working!!! btw. if you like to take a shoot with control button on right side, just after you finished, turn your phone for 180° and make one more shoot, just to save your main mic for calls. no reboot needed after this action. tested on many roms, KK or LP, happend with all roms and stock camera. so problem is with stock camera app and sensor that give the information to phone to disable main mic.
Well mine was definitely a hardware fault - got a replacement lower board (USB/mic/speakers) and replaced it myself - all good again.
I think i've got the answer. The lower mic is broken for some of us. When we got to the camera app and take a video and turn the phone around it will indeed change the mic and then will use the upper one (still working) in future calls. This is why you can then be heard after when you call someone, but you'll be using the upper mic and the lower mic is still broken. Once your reboot you have to redo this. I'd like to buy a new board (usb + mic) but we cannot find any on internet anymore. Except some sellers on Ebay who are selling it from 150 dollars to 900 dollars (no joke). I guess i don't have much solution except doing that trick and use the upper mic and then try not to reboot the phone.