Database Users

problems with the microphone?

I got mine yesterday, everything works fine except its microphone's quality. The other people hear me like I talk from distance away.
Is this common problem or just mine?
Thank you

This is something that I experienced initially when I got my Atrix, I resolved it by moving the phone up closer to my mouth. I tend to let the phone hang from my ear where I hold it near the top and it put's some distance between me and the mic. I'm a former iPhone user and was lazy with where the phone sat on the side of my head, once I made this change though people have said I sound clearer than when I was on my iPhone.

I can't talk closer, the speaker is exactly on my ear. It looks the microphone has very bad sensitivity. Too bad all Motorola cellphones i had in the past they had excellent quality.
Sent from my MB860 using XDA App

Active nooise cancle
I have same problem, I turned off noise cancellation and got some improvement. I'm pretty sure it is a software issue. I also put a clear bra type case on it from some 3m stuff I have, I didn't cut out for the mic on the back. I'm hoping this too helps but have not tried yet.

[Q] For those with their Nexus 4, is the earpiece making a screeching noise?

If I place my Nexus 4 against my ear, I can hear high pitched screeching and some popping coming from the earpiece, even when a call is not taking place. At first I thought it was a heat issue, maybe some capacitors or something getting a bit hot and whistling, so I turned the phone off and the noises stopped instantly.
This is pretty annoying and surely shouldn't be happening

Yes, mine too
losimagic said:
If I place my Nexus 4 against my ear, I can hear high pitched screeching and some popping coming from the earpiece, even when a call is not taking place. At first I thought it was a heat issue, maybe some capacitors or something getting a bit hot and whistling, so I turned the phone off and the noises stopped instantly.
This is pretty annoying and surely shouldn't be happening
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I'm glad you posted that, mine does it too - and I thought I had a faulty phone.
According to support I'm the first to report such a problem, have you called support about it? - 0800 328 6081.
The more of us that call, the better the chance it's sorted (if it's possible).
I can't live with that noise, it's too loud for me as I have sensitive hearing on interference like that.
So it looks like I'm sending mine back for a refund and go buy a S3
It does sound like poor build quality in suppressing electrical interference to the ear speaker, as you say capacitors or even a processor is leaking noise to that speaker in the same way cell/mobile radio causes to external speakers when brought close to them.

WOW so many problems already with this thing!!! I don't know about this phone right now

rshea said:
I'm glad you posted that, mine does it too - and I thought I had a faulty phone.
According to support I'm the first to report such a problem, have you called support about it? - 0800 328 6081.
The more of us that call, the better the chance it's sorted (if it's possible).
I can't live with that noise, it's too loud for me as I have sensitive hearing on interference like that.
So it looks like I'm sending mine back for a refund and go buy a S3
It does sound like poor build quality in suppressing electrical interference to the ear speaker, as you say capacitors or even a processor is leaking noise to that speaker in the same way cell/mobile radio causes to external speakers when brought close to them.
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I returned it to the store for a refund - they refused to swap it for another as they couldn't hear it . I've ordered another which I should get tomorrow, and if that has the same issue I'm not sure what to do - it doesn't really sound like something that can be fixed through software, does it?
I asked on another forum and one person replied saying that there's was ok, but maybe they're ears just aren't as sensitive as ours.
I remember as a kid, I could hear CRT TVs from a long way off (no sound was coming through the speakers) and nobody else could.

losimagic said:
I returned it to the store for a refund - they refused to swap it for another as they couldn't hear it . I've ordered another which I should get tomorrow, and if that has the same issue I'm not sure what to do - it doesn't really sound like something that can be fixed through software, does it?
I asked on another forum and one person replied saying that there's was ok, but maybe they're ears just aren't as sensitive as ours.
I remember as a kid, I could hear CRT TVs from a long way off (no sound was coming through the speakers) and nobody else could.
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I think you're right, I too always heard a CRT working (I still can when I see one working!)
Maybe we're hearing interference the average user is not going to hear.
If anyone else is reading this and owns a Nexus 4, try calling your voicemail (which I assume would be free for you) - during the call wait for a few seconds and listen carefully, it's more obvious when you're not talking and in a call.
The noise is almost like having a small fly trapped between the phone and your ear at times, it also reminds me of the noise a hard drive makes at times and most of us know what that sounds like.

rshea said:
I think you're right, I too always heard a CRT working (I still can when I see one working!)
Maybe we're hearing interference the average user is not going to hear.
If anyone else is reading this and owns a Nexus 4, try calling your voicemail (which I assume would be free for you) - during the call wait for a few seconds and listen carefully, it's more obvious when you're not talking and in a call.
The noise is almost like having a small fly trapped between the phone and your ear at times, it also reminds me of the noise a hard drive makes at times and most of us know what that sounds like.
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I got it even when I wasn't on a call - a few seconds after powering up the phone and it was there

You guys are nerds
No, I can feel your pain! Hopefully you guys can sort this out and this is in general not a common problem with the N4.

i don't have this issue

It seems to be an issue with the electromagnetic shielding. I get this problem when I am next to my sound system and amplifier. Those things arent shielded. Now in school where theres basically nothing else here my earpiece is completely clean. Not even a hiss.

does it also emit a sound when it is swithced on, but the screen is off? i remember i had sth. like this (high-pitched sound) on my first google nexus s, but it was clearly coming from the screen rather than the earpiece.

Received a replacement today - it's A LOT better. There's still a very feint buzz, but it's barely noticeable.

Hallucinogen775 said:
does it also emit a sound when it is swithced on, but the screen is off? i remember i had sth. like this (high-pitched sound) on my first google nexus s, but it was clearly coming from the screen rather than the earpiece.
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Yes, even did it without a simcard inside. Definitely coming from the earpiece, if I moved my ear down the phone it was quieter/silent.

What about in airplane mode?

jacklebott said:
What about in airplane mode?
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Didn't test the previous one in airplane mode, but just tried this one and it's the same.

Definitely getting the same issue with my N4; screen on or off. Can't imagine this being fixed by firmware, sounds like a bad hardware design.
I'm also once of these people who gets irritated by the sound of DVD Players/VCR/TV etc. But two other people I have shown seem to think its an issue too.

It's good to read a replacement was better, that's made my day.
The problem is certainly a electromagnetic shielding issue with the earpiece, I can stand in a middle of a field and it has that sound you often get from PC or Hi-Fi speakers when you stand close to them.
But with the earpiece you can't move it of course - so clearly a design flaw, and hopefully only on a batch?
That said, it does seem to be an intermittent fault, I've also noticed it doesn't happen within the first 10-30 seconds of a call. I wonder if the phone stops all background processes during the start of a call, but then later kicks in which causes those noises.

losimagic said:
I remember as a kid, I could hear CRT TVs from a long way off (no sound was coming through the speakers) and nobody else could.
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I can hear the high pitched noise from a CRT from, like, 100'. Can a lot of other people really not hear them? Also, deer/dog/insect deterrents that people use in their homes and yard give me an instant headache from the sound. Great. This does not bode well. Oh well, I'll cross that bridge if/when I get to it.

Same here

estallings15 said:
I can hear the high pitched noise from a CRT from, like, 100'. Can a lot of other people really not hear them? Also, deer/dog/insect deterrents that people use in their homes and yard give me an instant headache from the sound. Great. This does not bode well. Oh well, I'll cross that bridge if/when I get to it.
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Exactly that, those who can't hear those audible repellents for pets, or not hear the Apps available which also emit very annoying high pitch sounds - then would not be bothered by the noise we mention here.
I'm certain if I took my N4 into a shop, the typical response from staff would be "we can't hear it"

I have this issue with my phone as well. Screen on or off. Charging or not. Noise is still present.

Another form of earpiece buzz?

Sorry if this has been posted before, but I don't think it has because I check the forums daily.
Sometimes, when I get in a call with someone, my earpiece will make a very loud buzzing noise, and it's not the regular small background buzz. It's not even a buzz, It's more like a blasting sound, and you cannot hear voices when the sound is on, and I have to end the call, and call back to fix it. Any idea what this could be? It also happened on stock rom, and custom rom with a custom kernel.

I'm starting to lose hope on this phone. I've gotten 2 replacements so far, and both have had a high pitched sound coming from the earpiece, wether on voice calls or not. Is this crap just found on some N4's or pretty much all of them? I've never had such a poorly put together device. I don't mind the yellowish screen, the rattle, the hot back, or any other minor defect. Just feels like I'll never get a good one. *sigh*

It's my third phone and it still has the buzzing everything else besides the bottom plastic creaking when I press it but everything else is fine so I'm gonna keep it.
Sent from my Nexus 4 using xda app-developers app

[Q] Buzz/distortion during calls

Hello all,
I recently got my Nexus 4 (build 302K - UK model) and have noticed a buzzing noise which comes and goes during calls. It sounds vaguely like the distortion you hear when you put an active mobile phone near speakers/radios and sort of sounds like the chirping of crickets (yes...lame explanation, but don't know how else to describe it).
It does seem to come and go during the duration of the call, and not sure if it is related to the processor ramping up or not. It also seems present regardless of whether I have a good mobile signal or not.
I called Google and reported the issue. They said this is not a common fault with the phone (which I would expect them to say regardless, no company wants to admit defects) and recommended a hard reset. Low and behold it is still there. They said if that didn't fix it, they would send a replacement.
I just want to find out from the general population of Nexus 4 owners whether this is common to all the phones and just tolerated by you guys, or whether I just happened to get a bad batch and it might be solved via a replacement?
The noise is very noticeable and you'd have to be deaf as a post not to hear it. If it is common to all of them and just tolerated, it's going to be a bit of a deal breaker for me and I'll be seeking a refund.
Apologies if this is covered in another thread as I am quite the noob...I did a quick search before posting and most threads seem to discuss the slight buzzing/clicking noise which is present when the device screen is active (rather than during a call). Mine also has this, but I couldn't care less about that issue. My concern is with the quality of the audio during a voice call, which I am unimpressed with. My BB 8900 had better call quality than this current device I have at the moment.
Thanks in advance,
R

This is pretty common, mines is pretty bad happens every call no matter what.
Sent from my Nexus 4 using xda premium

The first nexus 4 I had never had this problem. I bought another nexus 4 after selling the first and noticed the buzzing/crackling sound. I just got my replacement today and looks like the problem is still there.

That is a bit alarming. The sound on mine is so extremely noticeable that I'm really surprised everyone is not up on arms about it?
Is it on all phones and people just tolerate it?
I'd so, why?

R: [Q] Buzz/distortion during calls
I've had my previous nexus with same problem, I've tried to switch the call sound loudspeaker and tried to hear music through earpiece (with earpiece app in google play), but the distortion happened only during calls so I've asked for RMA.
This new one is good, there is still a bit of buzzing sound but not loud, I can live with it.
Sent from my Nexus 4 using xda premium

Same issue here two RMAs all 3 phones have the same issue all this batch. I have a pulsing buzz in every call I have tried multiple sim cards and networks with no improvement.
I have no idea if LG have discovered an issue with the two I sent back, I plan try one more RMA in hope I get a new batch or I will want some kind of refund. I love the phone but I can't have a loud buzz in every call that I can hear over the person speaking.

Hi,
Has anyone had a replacement or fix for this pulsing buzz in calls yet?
Randy I sent you a PM back not sure if you got it.

Recently received a 303K RMA. Had to go away for a few days so moving all my data across now (using google sync & carbon). Not as easy as I thought.
Will report back soon.

Well I recieved my 4th Nexus 4 yesterday via RMA.
It is the same model as the previous one (does not have nubs on the bottom), built in Feb 2013 likely some kind of rererbished model.
So far I am not having the issue, it may be there very very quietly in the background but it is not audible under normal use now which is fine with me.
I will keep testing it for a few days untill I am happy that it is remaining the same.

After a few days of use I haven't had the same issue with this recent replacement. I did here a bit oh background noise on one call (similar to holding a mobile in call near a speaker) but overall it's better than my previous device.
Sent from my Nexus 4 using xda app-developers app

Rattling Speakers!

Been using my phone for a bit over a day now and I noticed that the bottom speaker has a slight rattling noise to it, especially at full blast. It's almost as if the speaker is too loud for its own good. It is really noticeable with higher-pitched tunes, such as the one from the following link:
https://youtu.be/GYtck_85rJQ
Can anyone test this out and confirm?
Volume-wise, they seem to be pretty even. However, as someone who listens to music a lot, I know this is going to drive me crazy.
By the way, this issue is obviously not present when connected to a headphone or via Bluetooth. So its definitely the speaker itself.
Sent from my Nexus 6P using Tapatalk

akarol said:
Been using my phone for a bit over a day now and I noticed that the bottom speaker has a slight rattling noise to it, especially at full blast. It's almost as if the speaker is too loud for its own good. It is really noticeable with higher-pitched tunes, such as the one from the following link:
https://youtu.be/GYtck_85rJQ
Can anyone test this out and confirm?
Volume-wise, they seem to be pretty even. However, as someone who listens to music a lot, I know this is going to drive me crazy.
By the way, this issue is obviously not present when connected to a headphone or via Bluetooth. So its definitely the speaker itself.
Sent from my Nexus 6P using Tapatalk
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Click to collapse
My phone has a rattle on the top speaker. I received a new device from Google which had a jaundice yellow screen but no rattle. I sent back the device with the bad screen and will request another RMA for the original device.

I read this & gave mine a good shake. I'm good but I'm glad you posted to look out for it.

Just tested on 2 phones, both seem fine.

madmuthertrucker said:
I read this & gave mine a good shake. I'm good but I'm glad you posted to look out for it.
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I'm pretty sure he means the noise the speaker makes while playing music, not a physical rattle from shaking the device.

Yes. It's more like a buzzing sound when something high pitched is playing. As if the speaker can't handle the loud volume.

Oh I see. Ok I tested the video and mine is fine. The speakers don't sound over driven.
Sent from my Nexus 6P using Tapatalk

akarol said:
Been using my phone for a bit over a day now and I noticed that the bottom speaker has a slight rattling noise to it, especially at full blast. It's almost as if the speaker is too loud for its own good. It is really noticeable with higher-pitched tunes, such as the one from the following link:
https://youtu.be/GYtck_85rJQ
Can anyone test this out and confirm?
Volume-wise, they seem to be pretty even. However, as someone who listens to music a lot, I know this is going to drive me crazy.
By the way, this issue is obviously not present when connected to a headphone or via Bluetooth. So its definitely the speaker itself.
Sent from my Nexus 6P using Tapatalk
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Click to collapse
@akarol, what's the manufacturing date of your 6P? To see your manufacturing date, boot into the bootloader and select "Barcode". One of the barcodes should have a date, mine was October 31st. I'm curious to see if the speaker rattle issue is particular to some 6Ps manufactured on certain dates. I'm pretty sure I experienced some slight rattling on my bottom speaker while playing the music rhythm game Deemo. It doesn't really bother me that much though, and it would be too much of a hassle for my parents if I were to RMA the device, especially so soon after I just got it.

Got mine 2 weeks ago from Best Buy Canada, but didn't notice that issue at first. I suspect that this may be amplified by time, or maybe I just didn't pay attention at firt. I did what you said to see the manufacturing date and mine is October 24th. Maybe this is specific to early production devices. I am gonna exchange it in store today and see if the new one is fine.
Can anyone with this issue confirm if the new one is fine or the same?
Thanks.

I think it's present on all devices and those who say aren't there just don't have the ears for it. I'm on my 3rd RMA and it's still there. All 3! I'll probably just keep the original device.
Sent from my Nexus 6P using Tapatalk

akarol said:
I think it's present on all devices and those who say aren't there just don't have the ears for it. I'm on my 3rd RMA and it's still there. All 3! I'll probably just keep the original device.
Sent from my Nexus 6P using Tapatalk
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The video you posted doesn't cause it for me. However, the launch screen of clash of clans does. Ah well.

About 3 days ago I started noticing this issue on mine. Mainly, when I was receiving a text, the tone sounded really over-driven for the speaker.
Then I was watching a YouTube video today, and I noticed it a lot. I honestly think it's the speaker itself slightly rattling with high pitched noises.
Kind of disappointed in this. I don't feel like sending it back, but it's sad. Maybe a kernel with a good amount of audio control can solve this. Maybe if I could tune down the highs a bit.
I don't have Nexus Protect or anything, but I know the device is still covered under warranty. Is this something that could easily be claimed under warranty, or probably not?

I honestly think it's a design that flaw. I have it in all 3 of my speakers. All 3 of them it's with the bottom speaker. I don't think RMAing or sending it in would solve anything. Maybe some time after when it's been addressed. I'll learn to live with this knowing that I don't usually keep these things past a year anyways.
Sent from my OnePlus One using Tapatalk

My current issue is with the top speaker, instead of the bottom. And my top speaker is getting progressively worse. It's a very annoying buzzing/high pitched static noise that comes with almost any sound. Notifications, alarms, phone ringer, YouTube videos, etc. Its getting worse, and so I submitted an RMA and have a replacement coming out.
Since you say yours is with the bottom, and mine is strictly with the top, it sounds interesting.
Mine is almost bad enough though that you wouldn't want to live with it. I'll try and get a recording of it.

anyone have any updates on this? I just got mine nexus 6p about 2 weeks ago and it's been driving me nuts. The top speaker has a buzzing sound when playing certain videos, songs or notification tones. One specifically is the "Tethys" notification tone that causes the buzzing pretty badly. I have tried viper4android and tried every configuration possible and it still has the buzzing. Has anyone managed to get a device that does not have this issue?

I've got this similar problem too, with my top speaker. Testing my speakers with this video: https://youtu.be/qNf9nzvnd1k?t=54s top one starts buzzing at approximately 250 Hz, even on half of the volume. Bottom speaker is crystal clear (maybe with exception of 100% volume, but I'm ok with this). After reading this thread's posts I'm not sure if I should send it back on warranty, especially that my N6P is free of any other flaws.
Interesting: bootloader barcode screen shows 12-10-2015 - that's quite old unit, considering the fact that I bought it in the middle of January...

Honestly, I went through 3 and they all had some rattling. Over the months, I haven't noticed it anymore. Either I forgot about it, or it actually improved. As long as the volume is even on both, I wouldn't risk getting a worse device.
Sent from my OnePlus One using Tapatalk

I have the exact same problem with top speaker buzz, really noticeable with the tethys notification sound and in youtube videos with deeper sounds. I have tried RMA'ing twice, the first one the speakers were perfect but had a screen problem so I sent it back and kept my original, and the second had the exact same speaker problem so I kept the original again. I am very frustrated with this. A question I have though is when I just leave my finger on the left corner of the speaker that buzzes, it stops buzzing. Has anyone tried any home repairs? What if we were to put a drop of super glue in the left corner of the speaker? is that likely to fix the problem? I appreciate the help guys.

nicemsp said:
I have the exact same problem with top speaker buzz, really noticeable with the tethys notification sound and in youtube videos with deeper sounds. I have tried RMA'ing twice, the first one the speakers were perfect but had a screen problem so I sent it back and kept my original, and the second had the exact same speaker problem so I kept the original again. I am very frustrated with this. A question I have though is when I just leave my finger on the left corner of the speaker that buzzes, it stops buzzing. Has anyone tried any home repairs? What if we were to put a drop of super glue in the left corner of the speaker? is that likely to fix the problem? I appreciate the help guys.
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What do you mean by screen problem?

Rasool-Hamilton said:
What do you mean by screen problem?
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Are you serious?