Database Users

Sound output quality

http://pic.gsmarena.com/vv/reviewsimg/htc-hero/gsmarena_a001.png - this frequency responce graph doesn't look promising. I know that there are ways to correct it a bit on the Dream (where it is a little bit better to start off), but how about the Hero? I'm really considering of buying this phone, and the sound quality stuff could be a real deal breaker for me.
So I would appreciate any feedback on this, thanks.

honestly, ive never really noticed anything bad about the but ill check against a mates iphone 3g and report on the results, but i may not see him till next week

If you are not an audiophile like me, you could miss the points. What I am interested in, is the highs - close to 20KHz.
I would like to believe that the frequency responce graph I mentioned earlier does not represent how Heroes sound like. It's so choppy and lacks highs - they cut of at like 15KHz or so. Also, why is that graph so choppy? iPhones are just invincible in this aspect..
So I was just wondering if someone had managed to fix this with software modifications, especially after seeing threads like this.

Connected my hero to a decent separates system and it sounded great. It blew my friend's N95 away comparing the same tracks!

1. Check out the vertical axis on that graph. Considering that 3dB is about the smallest increment/decrement in intensity that the human ear can readily distinguish, that frequency response is actually impressively flat for a consumer device.
2. Check out the frequency response of your earphones. Or, if you hook it up to your expensive hi-fi sound system, your speakers. Your frequency response is NOT going to be limited by this device but by the speakers/headphones. To see what I mean, compare that graph, which for the most part stays within +/- 0.5 dB, with this one of a pair of good quality earphones, or this one of some excellent speakers. Note the peaks and troughs in excess of +/- 7dB in the earphones, and +/- 3dB or so in the speakers.
3. From the look of the graphs, I doubt they've used the same method to test both. I don't think you'd find them that different. Maybe one is a manufacturer's stated frequency response and the other isn't, or they were tested with different types of equipment.

Although not an audiophile myself I am pretty keen on getting the best sound quality I possibly can. Before I purchased the Hero I plugged in my own cans to check frequency response. I was actually pleasantly suprised how much depth was in the music.
Not immediately noticable however was a strange noise audible at the start and end of tracks, and in quiet sections - kind of like a hiss. Although this would probably only be audible in a decent set of cans (with a wide frequency response), as an audiophile where only the best sound will do this would surely annoy the hell out of you.
The other point to note is the lack of EQ on the Hero's music player, but as an audiophile I'm sure you would frown upon using EQ anyway.

g00nerz said:
Not immediately noticable however was a strange noise audible at the start and end of tracks, and in quiet sections - kind of like a hiss. Although this would probably only be audible in a decent set of cans (with a wide frequency response), as an audiophile where only the best sound will do this would surely annoy the hell out of you.
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I noticed that on my previous S60 Nokia but don't notice it on my new Hero. It's possible that differences in impedance or sensitivity between headphones might make this affect more noticeable on some headphones than others.
The other point to note is the lack of EQ on the Hero's music player, but as an audiophile I'm sure you would frown upon using EQ anyway.
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Absolutely right!
I wouldn't call myself an audiophile (who would?) but I do have a keen interest in the technical aspects of audio and equipment.

this is the only phone where i can say the audio is really bad. i have yet to try more than one set of wired headphones but the bt headphones i have make it sound much worse. i have had a few htc phones and this is the worst by far. mono actually sounds better than stereo. Maybe im just used to my e71's sound quality.

Oh Lol.
Audiophiles listening to music on their phones. There's absolutely no way anyone who genuinely has a critical ear would expect anything like high end (as in quality) reproduction of audio on a phone.
Either way, the Hero's got a crappy signal to noise ratio so best you move on before you get offended.

I wonder how accurate the test was for the 3GS because I have never seen a frequency response graph that flat (even my HiFi tube amp has more variations).
And if you examine the hero graph more closely, you can notice that it's really very good. It has minimal gain loss in low freq. and it spans almost linearly up to 16kHz. And that's like very good. I noticed myself that the sound quality was far better then on the iPhone. But that is just my subjective opinion. But you can take in consideration that I used some HiQuality AKG headphones to test them both.
LP
B

flexte said:
this is the only phone where i can say the audio is really bad. i have yet to try more than one set of wired headphones but the bt headphones i have make it sound much worse. i have had a few htc phones and this is the worst by far. mono actually sounds better than stereo. Maybe im just used to my e71's sound quality.
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Any audio quality problems with bluetooth headphones/headsets have nothing to do with the hero, because the Hero is not actually producing the sound you hear, it's just following the Bluetooth spec, so it's not relevant to the graphs posted at the top of this thread.
Just so we're clear. You may already have known this.
oblika said:
And if you examine the hero graph more closely, you can notice that it's really very good.
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Just as I said above. I think the 3GS graph there is bogus; there's no way that was measured using the same equipment. Most likely it is the 'theoretical' frequency response and the Hero's is 'measured'. And when you look at the Hero graph and pay attention to the Y axis, it is actually a very good, flat frequency response.

[Q] Higher headphone output?

Is there a way to increase the sound output from the headphone jack when playing music? its a bit low, even on full volume.
Thanks

tigger69 said:
Is there a way to increase the sound output from the headphone jack when playing music? its a bit low, even on full volume.
Thanks
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What headphones do you use? I max out the volume with my Denon D1001s but I find that's just enough for me.. I would like to have the option of going higher though

I use Mixzing player for my music as it has an Equalizer. You can adjust the overall gain to increase volume. Don't go to crazy with the different bands on the EQ though or you might get some occasional skipping in songs.
I set the eq to 5 bands and adjust the bass band up a little. The app has nice widgets and is overall nicely polished.
Hope that helps! I can't stand going back to mediascape after using it. There is a free version with ads but its very much worth the 4 or 5 dollars (whatever it was) to get rid of the ads.

At the moment i am just using the ones that came with it, i do have a £17 pair of samsung ones but they are about the same. I was wondering if a pair with lower impedance might help.
I will take a look at mixzing though.
Thanks guys.

I use iems and have never had to bump the volume past 60%. They are expensive but my westone um1s lasted me 5 years. $150 over 5 years equals 30 per year. Good deal imo.
And I just upgraded to the westone 3s and never thought I could get such good audio quality from a phone

I may buy some better ones to try, I fancy trying some sennheiser ones.
Sent from my X10i using XDA App

I'm using bose in ear headphones with my x10 and have to say its LOUD and sounds so much better than standard Sony headphones.
Sent from my X10i using XDA App

gavriel18 said:
I use iems and have never had to bump the volume past 60%. They are expensive but my westone um1s lasted me 5 years. $150 over 5 years equals 30 per year. Good deal imo.
And I just upgraded to the westone 3s and never thought I could get such good audio quality from a phone
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I also have W3's and Shure e500's. GREAT phones. Maybe I have sensitive ears, but even at level 1, they're WAY TOO LOUD in a quiet environment. The loudest I've had it was at 50% and that was on an airplane and I need to use a volume attenuator to keep the loudness managable.
If you guys need to max out the volume, you either have serious hearing loss and/or crappy phones/bleeding sound. Maxing out the volume is Very bad for your ears. Even with the volume safety cap, max volume is Very loud and damaging.
Impedance is mostlikely not an issue here, but proper fit and positioning of the phones is probably the culprit.

will.m said:
I also have W3's and Shure e500's. GREAT phones. Maybe I have sensitive ears, but even at level 1, they're WAY TOO LOUD in a quiet environment. The loudest I've had it was at 50% and that was on an airplane and I need to use a volume attenuator to keep the loudness managable.
If you guys need to max out the volume, you either have serious hearing loss and/or crappy phones/bleeding sound. Maxing out the volume is Very bad for your ears. Even with the volume safety cap, max volume is Very loud and damaging.
Impedance is mostlikely not an issue here, but proper fit and positioning of the phones is probably the culprit.
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Well when I'm using earphones (Shure 115) I don't max out the volume, but with my Denons I do need to. I know for a fact that my hearing is excellent, maybe its just mediascape. Haven't tried it with any other app

Also wantd to add that I use my Denons while commuting... I just tried them at home, and will.m is right... I don't go past 60% volume

pngface said:
Also wantd to add that I use my Denons while commuting... I just tried them at home, and will.m is right... I don't go past 60% volume
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Yeah, it can get loud on public transportation and not all phones are good for blocking it out.
I used to have a pair of cheapish sony cups that did pretty well, but that was also when I used to listen to music at higher volumes and hadn't realized how loud it was before I switched to iems several years ago. Now I know better, but only when it comes to this...lolz

Using actual headphones seems to be enough from the few that I have tried. But when I connect the X10 to a portable external speaker system the volume is insufficient. Compared to my iphone friends, it just doesnt have the juice.

TokyoDude said:
Using actual headphones seems to be enough from the few that I have tried. But when I connect the X10 to a portable external speaker system the volume is insufficient. Compared to my iphone friends, it just doesnt have the juice.
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Are the speakers powered? That can make a difference sometimes.

They are battery powered. Listenable but could be more especially when your at the beach or something. Just using Mediascape .. will try other apps next time.
Sent from my SO-01B using XDA App

I use a high end pair of Sony in-ears, and the volume is pretty ridiculously high if you ask me... listening to Shoutcast radio via TuneWiki destroys my ears with bass for some reason.

harlz said:
I'm using bose in ear headphones with my x10 and have to say its LOUD and sounds so much better than standard Sony headphones.
Sent from my X10i using XDA App
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I was looking at the bose in ear headphones but can you say they are really worth it? I am used to over the ear headphones as I find they generally give better sound quality and noise cancelling. I like to hear nice bass sound but am reluctant to try the bose in ear as I've never come across in ear headphones that can provide a decent bass sound.

Reeonimus said:
I was looking at the bose in ear headphones but can you say they are really worth it? I am used to over the ear headphones as I find they generally give better sound quality and noise cancelling. I like to hear nice bass sound but am reluctant to try the bose in ear as I've never come across in ear headphones that can provide a decent bass sound.
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Bose is disgustingly overrated and overpriced. Any decent sound guy wont touch it.

forzanerazzurri said:
Bose is disgustingly overrated and overpriced. Any decent sound guy wont touch it.
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+1. NEVER BUY BOSE.
For the money, buy Shure or Westone.

will.m said:
+1. NEVER BUY BOSE.
For the money, buy Shure or Westone.
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Click to collapse
+1 @will.m do u have custom molds for yours? I'm debating getting some made but i get a really good seal atm with slim cpmplys. I thought they would be helpful because the expansion from the complys hurts my ears when i take them out. Any thoughts?

Wolfson vs Qualcomm DAC: A Simple Car Audio Review

Hey Guys,
I know there are a lot of people that are likely to be disappointed by the move to the Qualcomm DAC. However, I'd like to be fair about it for a moment.
I owned a Vibrant for 2 years, and have recently purchased the S3. I used both phones in my car.
Both connected to a Kenwood Epsilon X915 before being piped to my amps in the back and played through Infinity Reference and Infinity Kappa speakers as well as an MDX TS-8500 series sub.
The Vibrant's strong points were mostly enhanced by Voodoo Sound, so to play fair, this review is without voodoo sound as it isn't yet available for the S3 (Supercurio has yet to say if he was going to make Voodoo Sound available for this phone).
Vibrant Pros:
Amazing clarity
Sound card remained on at all times. (Reduced interference from ignition system)
Was louder than any other phone on the market for its level of quality.
Was able to disappoint any iPhone owner, or pretty much anybody else when they plugged their phone in to play a song to compare.
Vibrant Cons:
Ignition system interference while playing music from this phone was similar to the rest of the phones out there, it was enough to drive me insane during any quiet part of the song (This might be because I don't have resistor spark plugs, but never the less, a con to any normal user)
The low end did distort a little, it wasn't much but you could hear it.
The treble was very sharp, possibly too sharp.
Would cause my tweeters to crack and buzz around 3,000hz whenever any strong treble was played (could be more fault of my crossovers which the vibrant was highlighting)
Always left me with the craving to turn the volume higher.
S3 Pros:
Ignition system interference completely irradiated, I can't hear it at all.
The lows did not distort, at all, in fact they felt clearer and stronger, as if completing a better sine wave.
The treble wasn't quite as sharp, it has a warmer feel, but isn't weak by any means, nor so soft as to feel weak.
Zero distortion in lows, mids or highs that I can hear
Overall sound is warmer in general
The clarity of sound is still amazing, most definitely on par with that of the vibrant.
S3 Cons: The Samsung Nanny State
Soundcard turns off in about 1 second after a song plays, causing the ignition system noise to come screaming across the channels, crossfade is your only solution.
When unplugging the headset "Jack Safety" automatically drops the volume and you have to turn it back up to optimum line out volume. (might be an option for that, haven't explored deep enough)
All notifications interfere while playing music. (also probably an option to shut that up or turn phone on silent mode)
Remember! This review only covers the DAC in car audio lineout situations.
Overall I'd have to say I prefer the DAC in the S3 over the Vibrant for car audio.
What are your reviews of this DAC for your car?

Great news. I am glad that even though is another DAC than the expected, the audio quality still good.
Sent from my HTC Sensation 4G using xda app-developers app

edit, I read it wrong.

Only issues I have with Qualcomm dac is the signal to noise ratio. It has massive noise, so it's hard to ignore when listening to music that's soft or quiet.

BTW, I don't know if anyone tried the Samsung Bluetooth HS3000 (believed it uses apt-x codec) and the sound is as clear as it gets from my Yamaha EPH-20. I can't tell a difference between my GS3 and my Captivate with voodoo sound.
It seems the Qualcomm DAC may have some real potential.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I747 using xda app-developers app

you do realize bluetooth sound wont be affected by the issues he is stating. the only time you would have his issues is with an aux input or through usb

The DAC is bypassed w/USB as well - USB is a straight digital path. The DAC is only driving playback through the headphone jack (or the speaker...for what it's worth.)
I've had several devices with Wolfson CODECs. I'm fine with the Qualcomm CODEC, and the S/N ratio bothers me not at all, though I'm mostly listening through headphones in inherently noise situations. I'm actually quite pleased with the sound output of the S3, mostly because it's strong enough to adequately drive my headphones.

Your noise might have to do with bad or different grounding between the battery, head unit, cigarette lighter power (if used). If I run the phone and don't charge it at the same time it usually is quieter. Some vehicle electrical systems are notoriously noisy. Performance ignition parts can be guilty too. If you want to chase down and try to quiet down noise, use a handheld am radio tuned in between stations. That picks up all kinds of interference and can help with diagnosing issues. A cheapo am radio at radio shack (preferably not digital tuner) works great! Walfart has them too. The antenna doesn't need to be extended at all to work for this scenario.

The noise is quite curious, if I use the FM radio or CD player of the head unit, there is no noise coming across the channel. I have been using a ground noise isolator with the aux in on this deck for many years, it helps a lot. I have made sure that the deck and the RCA ground are shared. Charging the phone usually decreases the noise as well, but that's more of the fact an idling switching power supply can be quite noisy.
However I do have some bad news, I was able to hear a little noise coming from the ignition system yesterday, it was probably from when the noise canceling from my amp didn't quite catch the extra noise and let it through. But it was only noticeable when looking for it. However, my Accord '99 has the worst ignition noise out of any car I have owned. So for most newer cars, I'm sure it will be unnoticeable.
I think this post has the word, 'noise' entirely too much

p3rljam said:
The noise is quite curious, if I use the FM radio or CD player of the head unit, there is no noise coming across the channel. I have been using a ground noise isolator with the aux in on this deck for many years, it helps a lot. I have made sure that the deck and the RCA ground are shared. Charging the phone usually decreases the noise as well, but that's more of the fact an idling switching power supply can be quite noisy.
However I do have some bad news, I was able to hear a little noise coming from the ignition system yesterday, it was probably from when the noise canceling from my amp didn't quite catch the extra noise and let it through. But it was only noticeable when looking for it. However, my Accord '99 has the worst ignition noise out of any car I have owned. So for most newer cars, I'm sure it will be unnoticeable.
I think this post has the word, 'noise' entirely too much
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My 2010 insight ex makes an awful racket when audio isn't playing, screeching and squelching up a storm. I'm still running the stock "premium sound system" because it is used for the key chip security reprogramming. But the s3 sounds great to me and I loved flac support right out of the box. Coming from my N1 this is amazing.
Sent from my SGH-T999 using xda app-developers app

You might want to investigate if you have 'resistor' spark plugs available for your car. it's a 30 to 40 dollar upgrade and you have to replace the plugs eventually. From what I have been told, they make a huge difference. I'll be making the upgrade when I get a tuneup for my car soon. i'll report back with what changes are actually made.
However, I do hear a lot of new cars come with this style of spark plug already.

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!)
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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...
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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
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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...
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^^ This.
Sent from my GT-N7100 using xda premium

EvoYas said:
^^ This.
Sent from my GT-N7100 using xda premium
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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.

Sony still wont learn about sound output

I've owned the Z1, and the Z1 Compact. Now I'm hearing Z2 has the sale volume/crackly output.
I wear an earphone plugged directly into my phones jack when I talk and drive, and the audio quality on every sony phone is TERRIBLE. Crackly, distorted sound and every time the mic on the earphone touches any part of my shirt it cuts out all volume. I've tested this with 6 other android phones and no problems. Strangely though Windows Phone also suffers from this problem. Also audio output through a 3.5mm aux cable into the car produces extremely quiet sound on the highest volumes.
How has Sony not fixed this? I feel like this is bush league stuff.

TheNamelessMan said:
I've owned the Z1, and the Z1 Compact. Now I'm hearing Z2 has the sale volume/crackly output.
I wear an earphone plugged directly into my phones jack when I talk and drive, and the audio quality on every sony phone is TERRIBLE. Crackly, distorted sound and every time the mic on the earphone touches any part of my shirt it cuts out all volume. I've tested this with 6 other android phones and no problems. Strangely though Windows Phone also suffers from this problem. Also audio output through a 3.5mm aux cable into the car produces extremely quiet sound on the highest volumes.
How has Sony not fixed this? I feel like this is bush league stuff.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My Z2 arrived today, it does NOT have that problem....go figure

My Z1 sounds awesome together with my MDR1 headphones, never had a better sound on a phone
Sent from my C6903 using XDA Free mobile app

Publicglutton said:
My Z2 arrived today, it does NOT have that problem....go figure
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So you're telling me when you plug in earphones directly into the jack, there is no change in sound, no crackling audio, no clarity or volume issues at all? Try plugging those same earbuds into another modern android phone or iphone and you'll hear zero interference or crackling issues.

TheNamelessMan said:
I've owned the Z1, and the Z1 Compact. Now I'm hearing Z2 has the sale volume/crackly output.
I wear an earphone plugged directly into my phones jack when I talk and drive, and the audio quality on every sony phone is TERRIBLE. Crackly, distorted sound and every time the mic on the earphone touches any part of my shirt it cuts out all volume. I've tested this with 6 other android phones and no problems. Strangely though Windows Phone also suffers from this problem. Also audio output through a 3.5mm aux cable into the car produces extremely quiet sound on the highest volumes.
How has Sony not fixed this? I feel like this is bush league stuff.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Can you check your source material of what you're listening to? It may be compressed on the high end.
And owning Z1, Z1 Compact and now the Z2 is kind of unbelieveable if you just want to come in an trash the Z2. (Not that I'm accusing you of this but I would have posted this issue on this forum if it was discovered on the Z1)

Publicglutton said:
My Z2 arrived today, it does NOT have that problem....go figure
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Lolento said:
Can you check your source material of what you're listening to? It may be compressed on the high end.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm talking about listening to spotify on extreme quality over a 4G LTE connection, or simply speaking to somebody while driving hands free.
I had an HTC ONE and plugging in the same iphone headphone into it it sounds like im speaking on a landline with no interference or static at all. Every sony phone ive used experiences this, it's very strange.

TheNamelessMan said:
So you're telling me when you plug in earphones directly into the jack, there is no change in sound, no crackling audio, no clarity or volume issues at all? Try plugging those same earbuds into another modern android phone or iphone and you'll hear zero interference or crackling issues.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That is correct..
I have the digital noise cancelling headset (MDR-NC31EM) and there is NO crackling..NO issues at all.
Totally agree with krabappel2548 , fantastic sound quality..:laugh:

I used the Bose noise cancelling headset and it's awesome. No issues. One thing i noticed, with the case you have to be sure the earphone jack is seated properly.

TheNamelessMan said:
I'm talking about listening to spotify on extreme quality over a 4G LTE connection, or simply speaking to somebody while driving hands free.
I had an HTC ONE and plugging in the same iphone headphone into it it sounds like im speaking on a landline with no interference or static at all. Every sony phone ive used experiences this, it's very strange.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't have Spotify so I don't know what it means in terms of extreme quality. They could be upsampling a bad source and call it extreme quality.

Lolento said:
I don't have Spotify so I don't know what it means in terms of extreme quality. They could be upsampling a bad source and call it extreme quality.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Spotify extreme quality = 320kbps encoding. The best you can get for streaming right now.

No problems here, the noise cancelling headphones are excellent too,

I had that same crackling on my Lumia 800, I could hear it when on low volume or on pause, really annoying.
I think most people just don't notice.

@krabappel2548 Give us some AOSP love mate
Sent from my D6503 using Tapatalk

waynekirby said:
@krabappel2548 Give us some AOSP love mate
Sent from my D6503 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I will do that soon
Sent from my C6903 using XDA Free mobile app

TheNamelessMan said:
I've owned the Z1, and the Z1 Compact. Now I'm hearing Z2 has the sale volume/crackly output.
I wear an earphone plugged directly into my phones jack when I talk and drive, and the audio quality on every sony phone is TERRIBLE. Crackly, distorted sound and every time the mic on the earphone touches any part of my shirt it cuts out all volume. I've tested this with 6 other android phones and no problems. Strangely though Windows Phone also suffers from this problem. Also audio output through a 3.5mm aux cable into the car produces extremely quiet sound on the highest volumes.
How has Sony not fixed this? I feel like this is bush league stuff.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You have sound problem, he had mic problem, I m had camera overheat problem. Sony details make the problem.
sent from my sm-n9005 samsung

Never notice any cracking sound on my z, z ultra, nexus 10 nor lumia 525.
Sent from my Nexus 10 using XDA Free mobile app

Yh i have the same issue on my Z1. I checked with CM11 or AOSP and there is no crackling in low volume so this is definalty not a hardware problem.
To reduce this Crackling sound while ising Stock i download a custom Kernel like DoomLord's and use Pimp My Z1 (or any app you prefer) to turn down the gain the in the sound options. The downside is that the volume becomes lower. This method doesnt get rid of it completely but it does reduce it. I honestly dont even bother with stock anymore i just use CM11 or PA on my Z1.
BTW i think this Noise is called Sibilance. G3 users are experiencing the same problem.
Also turning off ClearAudio+ reduces the crackling sound.

Cracking insinuates that there is a popping noise. I hear none. As far as noise, yes. There is a faint hiss at low volume, extremely faint. Sony isn't exactly a leader in SNR but the audio isn't necessarily bad. Anyone who is using ClearAudio+ (which is total s***) shouldn't even comment on audio issues, definitely turn that off. Clear Phase on the old 4.2.2 ROM caused some definite extreme distortion and cracking over Bluetooth (but not the headphone jack) but that has been removed in the new ROM.
Sibilance is the hiss sound you hear when people make "S" sounds into the microphone. It can be really harsh, but usually reducing frequencies around 4-6KHz will reduce the problem. Sibilance is extremely prevalent in analog FM Radio.

I currently have an issue where sometimes I only get sound out of one of the noise cancelling headphones. I have to rotate the headphone socket in the jack to get sound to come out of both. Sometimes I also get crackling on my e10s when the phone is in my pocket. I think I have a faulty headphone jack as the MDR1 work perfectly on my Z3TC.
Speaking with Sony UK they asked me to do a repair on the phone which seemed to help a little but the problems still exist. I expect my headphone socket has some damage or has become faulty.

Iv noticed that when i plug in my phone to the soundsystem i have to crank the volume up allot higher to get the same soundlevel out of the spekers as other phones. Anyone have a solution to get the volume up out of the phone? (3.5mm output)