[Q] External lavalier microphone - Nexus 4 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting

Hi!
I'm quite happy with my Nexus 4, but a few things make me crazy ... and insecure, if my device is OK.
I want to record sound with my N4 in a professional quality with an external "lavalier microphone" (plugged at the 3,5mm). Unfortunately the mics, adapters and apps I tested so far gave me cracks and/or very poor sound quality.
(1) Have you any advice and/or experiance with "lavalier microphones" used on an N4?
(2) Which "lavalier microphone" below €/$ 50 do you recommend?
(3) Which app can you recommend for high quality sound recording?
Best wishes,
Ronald
Nexus 4, Android 4.2.2, not rooted

Related

Very bad audio hardware on the Note 2 / S3... :(

Ok guys, I know that the audio recording is bad with the poor microphones inside the smartphone, but things go worse with an external mic.
I purchased high quality linear measurement and recording mic - Edutige EIM-003
When I started to record I was blown away with the crystal clear and 100% true audio recordings, but the bass was blown away. It records only mids and highs ?!?!?! Than I tried several other apps for video recordings, even lossless audio recorders. Nothing improved. So I went into pure CM10 Android 4.1.2 and again it was so bad... :crying:
Can you guys help ? :fingers-crossed:
It's a phone, not a professional audio recording device...
FloatingFatMan said:
It's a phone, not a professional audio recording device...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
:laugh::good:
vessk0 said:
Ok guys, I know that the audio recording is bad with the poor microphones inside the smartphone, but things go worse with an external mic.
I purchased high quality linear measurement and recording mic - Edutige EIM-003
When I started to record I was blown away with the crystal clear and 100% true audio recordings, but the bass was blown away. It records only mids and highs ?!?!?! Than I tried several other apps for video recordings, even lossless audio recorders. Nothing improved. So I went into pure CM10 Android 4.1.2 and again it was so bad... :crying:
Can you guys help ? :fingers-crossed:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm using an iRig MIC Cast with a Note I, and it's a huge improvement over the internal mic.
http://www.ikmultimedia.com/products/irigmiccast/
They don't mention Android on their website (only iOS stuff) but it works just fine with my GN1.
vessk0 said:
Ok guys, I know that the audio recording is bad with the poor microphones inside the smartphone, but things go worse with an external mic.
I purchased high quality linear measurement and recording mic - Edutige EIM-003
When I started to record I was blown away with the crystal clear and 100% true audio recordings, but the bass was blown away. It records only mids and highs ?!?!?! Than I tried several other apps for video recordings, even lossless audio recorders. Nothing improved. So I went into pure CM10 Android 4.1.2 and again it was so bad... :crying:
Can you guys help ? :fingers-crossed:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1st off that eim003 is NOT a "high-quality linear measurement mic". high-quality linear measurement mics like those from dpa cost thousands of euros/dollars....heck any decent microphone costs $$$. and this microphone claims to do that for 35 euros?
secondly whenever you see beautiful ultra smooth frequency response graphs....those are just artistic lies. so dont believe any of it. real resonse graphs are really jaggy.
third ...the type of microphone it is....an omni...doesnt hype up the bass in any way. so if the source isnt bassy the recording wont be bassy. typical (non omni) vocal mics have something called proximity effect...iow the closer you hold the mic to the source...the bassier it gets. omni mics do not do this.
fourth it could be that the analog input on the phone is cutting the bass frequencies...because most of the time external mics on phones are meant to record the spoken voice...which shouldnt have bassy frequencies.
fifth it could just be that the speakers youre listening on are bass deficient and coupled with reason #3...well...
keep in mind most pop recordings add in the bass artificially.
sixth...I dont know if the n2 or s3 supports usb mics but that may be a path to try out...because it would bypass the audio path on the phone...and already hit the phone in digital.
hope this sheds some light...
springer.music said:
I'm using an iRig MIC Cast with a Note I, and it's a huge improvement over the internal mic.
http://www.ikmultimedia.com/products/irigmiccast/
They don't mention Android on their website (only iOS stuff) but it works just fine with my GN1.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What do you record with it?
I'm in need of record our band songs and with normal note 2 mic I have a good quality but some distortion on highs (actually battery snare and my singer's voice :/)
FloatingFatMan said:
It's a phone, not a professional audio recording device...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Muwhahahaha! :laugh:
distortion = too much gain (this) or overloading the mic capsule (less likely). look for recording software with adjustable gain level. or just move the phone farther away and/or tell the drummer to play softer. (ha!)
con_ritmo said:
distortion = too much gain (this) or overloading the mic capsule (less likely). look for recording software with adjustable gain level. or just move the phone farther away and/or tell the drummer to play softer. (ha!)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yup I know, I tried with other apps but none of them record bass frequencies like the stock app and recuding the gain removes the "color" of the music
Both of the suggestions you gave, sadly, aren't obtainable
as long as you get a clean recording you could add "color" later. even full blown $$$$$$$ mixes don't have that "sound" until they go to mastering (well most of the time). But really it sounds like what you need is multitrack capabilities in a small portable format. Best to invest in something like that instead of trying to make the shoe fit. If would be the next step down the path if you're serious about your music. .. which is sounds like you are.
con_ritmo said:
as long as you get a clean recording you could add "color" later. even full blown $$$$$$$ mixes don't have that "sound" until they go to mastering (well most of the time). But really it sounds like what you need is multitrack capabilities in a small portable format. Best to invest in something like that instead of trying to make the shoe fit. If would be the next step down the path if you're serious about your music. .. which is sounds like you are.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well I'm just trying to get the best sound without having to spend too much money
TMaLuST said:
What do you record with it?
I'm in need of record our band songs and with normal note 2 mic I have a good quality but some distortion on highs (actually battery snare and my singer's voice :/)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
All mics which connect via the headphone/mic TRRS connector have a mono input.
If you're happy with a mono recording of your band, then it may be ok for you
If you need to record using a pro mic with XLR connector, you can have a look at this small preamplifier:
http://www.ikmultimedia.com/products/irigpre/
I haven't tried it myself but it should work fine as it connects via the heaphone/mic port.
Does anyone know whether an external USB audio interface connected via an OTG cable works?
This would be the easiest solution to get high-quality recordings
springer.music said:
All mics which connect via the headphone/mic TRRS connector have a mono input.
If you're happy with a mono recording of your band, then it may be ok for you
If you need to record using a pro mic with XLR connector, you can have a look at this small preamplifier:
http://www.ikmultimedia.com/products/irigpre/
I haven't tried it myself but it should work fine as it connects via the heaphone/mic port.
Does anyone know whether an external USB audio interface connected via an OTG cable works?
This would be the easiest solution to get high-quality recordings
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well thanks for the input.
I have an external USB audio interface and it powers up but there is no way I can use it with my note. I think it needs some drivers :/
FloatingFatMan said:
It's a phone, not a professional audio recording device...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
^^ This.
Sent from my GT-N7100 using xda premium
EvoYas said:
^^ This.
Sent from my GT-N7100 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well this doesn't mean that we can't search a way to improve it
We should have USB audio interface support soon
http://www.kvraudio.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=363102&sid=cb542f89bf6342383e9a8ca70521e6a5
This should allow you to connect _any_ microphone via a USB audio interface. Granted the audio interface will probably need to be mains powered.
But, it should also allow you to connect any standard USB mic dirctly via an OTG cable.
I was thinking of buying the iMic, but now that Davy has announced that his USB audio solution is almost complete, I think I will buy a Samson GoMic and use that instead. About the same level of portability, but the quality should be better.
If you don't already use it, you should check out his Audio Evolution app it is the best multi track recorder for Android by a long way.
The best idea might be to get a portable recorder with a couple of condenser mics on it. Then you would bypass the amps and dacs in the phone. You could then plubg the recorder in to the phone through usb host and import the tracks into your editor.
Sent from my GT-N7100 using Tapatalk 2
I admit that the phone is not for this job, but most of the competition records better sound. Beside that look at the impressive Nokia 808 with its Rich Recording crystal clear up to 130+db SPL and doesn't distort bass or etc...
I want to record good HI-FI sound from speakers, Live shows, etc... with low bass, clear mids and high, as like, as the sound is going from the speakers.
Look at this video recorded with Galaxy S2:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B-Ys9SIJubc
Go to 1:50min and you will hear the impressive bass recorded.
Anyway, type in YouTube "EIM-003" and check the amazing acoustic recordings with this tiny mic. So YES, I think the problem is in our phones, unless I have fake mic...
vessk0 said:
I admit that the phone is not for this job, but most of the competition records better sound. Beside that look at the impressive Nokia 808 with its Rich Recording crystal clear up to 130+db SPL and doesn't distort bass or etc...
I want to record good HI-FI sound from speakers, Live shows, etc... with low bass, clear mids and high, as like, as the sound is going from the speakers.
Look at this video recorded with Galaxy S2:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B-Ys9SIJubc
Go to 1:50min and you will hear the impressive bass recorded.
Anyway, type in YouTube "EIM-003" and check the amazing acoustic recordings with this tiny mic. So YES, I think the problem is in our phones, unless I have fake mic...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
not to be a downer but i went ahead and listened to the youtube link and a few other eim003 review videos...and to be honest they all sound pretty bad on my monitors over here...shrill and "essy" the impressive bass at 1:50 is just an illusion...the guy was cranking his car stereo which had a subwoofer. so with that in mind, the mic actually didn't pump out a lot of bass at all (compared to the amount of bass that i imagine was coming from his system). and remember, if you're just recording things acoustically, you typically aren't going to run into those artificial amounts of bass.
why doesn't the OP post up a sample recording so we have something to compare to....because honestly i didn't hear anything "great" from the eim003 sample videos...
Yes, after a few tests at my home HI-FI system, obviously you are right, but it is way better than stock mics and handles much more SPL.
BTW, I found a solution for improve the recording. Samsung has limited the input signal via HPF filter. I went into the conf files in system/etc and modified a few settings ther. Now it records more bass with stock mics and external one. I turned off the HPF filter and swtched it to "hi-fi" mode.
I used the S3 theme to do that. :good:
I think that the mic has a potential with a better preamp. It is firstly made for iDevices.
PS: If you think there is a better mic for this money, you can tell me.

[Q] External Microphone

I'd like to do some audio recording (as well as get better audio when recording video) but can't tell what will work with my Nexus 4.
Will the iPhone mics work?
http://www.amazon.com/Multimedia-IP-IRIG-CAST--Ultra-Compact-Microphone-iPhone/dp/B007517AKK/
Will basic lapel mics work?
http://www.amazon.com/Neewer-3-5mm-Hands-Computer-Microphone/dp/B005DJOIHE/
Any help would be fantastic!
That depends on app availability rather than hardware. The Nexus 4 3.5 mm port uses the same configuration as the iPhone, so hardware wise there's no reason why iphone mics wouldn't work.

Audio SQ Stock vs CM10?

Hello there, is there any diference between audio qualify from headphones out stock vs cm?
This is the big question for me since I own a pair of NuForce NE-700M and plan to upgrade to Yamaha EPH-100, and roughly 90% of my smartphone usage is just listening to music. GSMArena shows stock playing with enjoyably low THD (I know some of you aren't too fond of their review process, though).
Deadeye* said:
Hello there, is there any diference between audio qualify from headphones out stock vs cm?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Stock has workarounds for the cheap buds that come with the Oppo - but Dirac HD is unnecessary for decent headphones and in fact ruins the audio quality if used with good headphones. So if you use decent wired headphones you should not hear much difference if any. Some A2DP (stereo Bluetooth) devices have issues with 4.2 due to the new Bluetooth stack, however I can't reproduce this with any of my A2DP headsets.
I listen often music at home and sometimes I have to use my headphones (Fidelio)
Tested CM on Oppo which I preferred used on my HTC Sensation, but on the Oppo I am especially due to the sound quality back to Stock because in my opinion is the overall sound much better, especialy with MP3 320 kbps which I normally use. Only issue is that Stock in combination with the Faux Kernel causes sometimes a few problems.. However I have clearly to recommend the Stock for Music Lovers.. but try it - because ears and sound preferences are different
And by the way DiracHD is not only to improve cheap earphones, don't forget you have not the power of a High-End Amplifier in your pocket therfore is such a sound improvement a good way to have a much better sound on good headphones as well....
Nelson Hawker said:
I listen often music at home and sometimes I have to use my headphones (Fidelio)
Tested CM on Oppo which I preferred used on my HTC Sensation, but on the Oppo I am especially due to the sound quality back to Stock because in my opinion is the overall sound much better, especialy with MP3 320 kbps which I normally use. Only issue is that Stock in combination with the Faux Kernel causes sometimes a few problems.. However I have clearly to recommend the Stock for Music Lovers.. but try it - because ears and sound preferences are different
And by the way DiracHD is not only to improve cheap earphones, don't forget you have not the power of a High-End Amplifier in your pocket therfore is such a sound improvement a good way to have a much better sound on good headphones as well....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No, DiracHD only works with cheap headphones - more specifically, *only with the cheap headphones included with the device* - it is an EQ preset that offsets the deficiencies of the OEM earbuds. Use it with anything that doesn't have the exact same frequency response and you correct for problems that aren't there - effectively creating new problems that didn't exist.
Effectively it's an audio form of RF predistortion - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Predistortion - Applying predistortion to anything with distortion characteristics different from what the predistortion algorithm was designed for results in increased distortion.
Well, then you agree that there is a differece between..and it depends on the headphones!
This was finally the question..
There was also somewhere a previous discussion ongoing that not each headphone works well with DIRAC due some reasons you stated before which is clear and nothing new..
But as I said, for me personally it sounds much better. Maybe are my 180 Euro headphones made of cheap quality, my ears need a doctor or I'am a promotion victim
Nelson Hawker said:
Well, then you agree that there is a differece between..and it depends on the headphones!
This was finally the question..
There was also somewhere a previous discussion ongoing that not each headphone works well with DIRAC due some reasons you stated before which is clear and nothing new..
But as I said, for me personally it sounds much better. Maybe are my 180 Euro headphones made of cheap quality, my ears need a doctor or I'am a promotion victim
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I got rid of my stock firmware before I had a chance to try the Dirac stuff, but it sounds like it's very similar to Beats Audio, where a lot of the lower spectrum and possibly some of the highs are boosted. This generally makes a more "fun" sound for the casual listener but a lot of more analytical listeners will feel like it ruins the sound, especially if they own earphones that already have their preferred sound signature.
So basically: If your earbuds share a similar signature to the Find 5 included buds, you'll appreciate Dirac HD's effects. Elsewise, if Dirac happens to shape your buds' signature into something you enjoy, then more power to it.
Meh. My NuForce NE-700Ms are already plenty V-shaped (my only complaint being that I have to run 4khz into the ground because it can be harsh. I still recommend them to you out there looking for a quality pair of IEMs at a decent price)
Only for information:
With the Stock Music App, which is not really bad you can switch between DIRAC, Dolby or turn every sound improvement off. But you must plug your headphone in otherwise you have in the speaker mode only a possibility to select Dolby or turn everything off..
So you can compare a little bit better how it works for you...

Nexus 6P Jack Audio Quality

Hi, I'm looking to buy a Nexus 6P, I've seen many reviews and it seems to be all good, except for the audio quality with headphones.
Can anybody tell me if there is a way to improve audio quality? Or it can be improved with upcoming android updates?
maurialvarenga said:
Hi, I'm looking to buy a Nexus 6P, I've seen many reviews and it seems to be all good, except for the audio quality with headphones.
Can anybody tell me if there is a way to improve audio quality? Or it can be improved with upcoming android updates?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Viper4Android is the only way. The stock audio sounds decent as long as you don't compare to an iPhone basically... And there is the issue of white noise at low volume... In honesty, if I knew this issue before, I would avoid it because I use headphones all day. But that is purely subjective
I use Poweramp and this App was worth every penny. Further more I've built myself a small pocket amplifier in a Altoids mints can and can increase the output for my not so sensitive in Ear plugs
thanks, @gman88667733, have you tried with viper4android? does it improve considerably?
Audio is optimal while using headphones. But it's too low when connected to external speaker.
SanjeevkumarR said:
Audio is optimal while using headphones. But it's too low when connected to external speaker.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks @sanjeevkumar !! do you own a 6P or did you've read about it?
maurialvarenga said:
Thanks @sanjeevkumar !! do you own a 6P or did you've read about it?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I own it

Headunit with decent dac?

Hey guys, looking for a new double din android headunit and wondering what the best ones around $300-400 USD are. Wondering what ones are best also how is the dac quality? I'm running a decent system and running two amplifiers from my headunit. Wanting to know how they'd compare i'm running a standard sony headunit at the moment with 4x55w output.
Cheers
unfortunately none exist as far as I know. If one did exist, I'd like to know about it. Audio quality is pretty much ignored in these units.
How much worse would the sound quality on these be compared to a standard sony double din etc? Would it be a big loss?
Cheers
I'm not sure if an external USB DAC (and amplifier) would work - but worth a try. I'm guessing it will work for the Android digital sources but not sure about the radio.
Clinton93 said:
How much worse would the sound quality on these be compared to a standard sony double din etc? Would it be a big loss?
Cheers
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
see this thread for reasons as to why the sound quality is so bad -
http://forum.xda-developers.com/and.../mtc-sound-controlling-bd37xxx-sound-t3234660
Effectively the units aren't even taking full advantage of the capabilities of the built-in sound processor, and worse, handling some things entirely wrong.
Also, the quality of the pre-amps makes a noticeable difference as well. As in, how much voltage they put out, as well as the quality of their shielding. These units have poor quality pre-outs from my experience. Mine puts out only 1V and is unshielded.
Last, there is no digital out option. Would be great if they included a SPDIF out for those that want to use an external sound processor, and is common on many higher-end units.
These units are simply not adequate for audiophiles, but you can still manage to pair them with a external soundprocessor & amp to squeeze some improvement out of it. For me though, I regret going through all the trouble of running wires, connecting an external amp/sub/etc and finding out how it's near impossible to get the sound quality the way I want it.

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