Database Users

[HELP] Bottom microphone not working at all in brand new SGSII

Hello people!
I just got 2 days ago a brand new Samsung Galaxy S II I9100.
To my disgrace the bottom microphone isn't working at all in any circumstances.
I tried to increase volume levels as noted by some users in service menu, updated to KG3 (2.3.4), hard reset,... none of this changed a bit.
I checked that top microphone works recording a video, talking and then putting a finger over it and it stopped recording any sound at all.
Could this be a software issue? or my bottom mic is dead from factory?
Shall I try to open my phone and check for the mic not being visibly broken? There's a seal that will break if I open it and could not return to Samsung to ask for repair?
Please help, I'm very frustrated.
EDIT: Playing with the sound recorder app and literally shouting to the little hole with the top microphone hole bloked seams to record slightly. It may be alive, but the volume in all applications and calls isn't recording anything of use. I tried again to change all volume settings in service menu and nothing changed.

Sounds like a Hardware issue. I wouldn't open the phone up though, you will invalidate your warranty.
I think you are going to have to send it back for repair/exchange.

Send it back for an exchange

dreamer_es said:
Hello people!
I just got 2 days ago a brand new Samsung Galaxy S II I9100.
To my disgrace the bottom microphone isn't working at all in any circumstances.
I tried to increase volume levels as noted by some users in service menu, updated to KG3 (2.3.4), hard reset,... none of this changed a bit.
I checked that top microphone works recording a video, talking and then putting a finger over it and it stopped recording any sound at all.
EDIT: Playing with the sound recorder app and literally shouting to the little hole with the top microphone hole bloked seams to record slightly. It may be alive, but the volume in all applications and calls isn't recording anything of use. I tried again to change all volume settings in service menu and nothing changed.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So, it is the top or the bottom microphone that is not working? Your post indicated at the start that the bottom one was not working and then in your edit you said the top one was not recording.
Are you able to make standard voice calls? If you are, then the microphone is working. The bottom microphone is meant for voice, the top microphone is for noise cancellation. So the top microphone does not record anything.

No, you got me a little wrong or I messed my explanation.
The top microphone is working because I managed to record sound making a video and then blocked it with a finger to check if it was it with which the phone was recording, and yes was the top which was working because no sound was recorded after blocking the top microphone.
I'm not able to do phonecalls as it's the bottom one not recording any sound.
I played with the sound recorder app and only when I really shout at the hole of the microphone get my voice recorded slightly.
I tried to bump up the values of volume in service menu that some users comment, but anything improved.
Any ideas of what other option do I have other than take it to Samsung's technical support?
I also will have to reset the custom rom flashing counter before, don't you think so?

Hi Dreamer, have what sounds the same issue. I have just gotten it back from repairs for an issue with battery consumption. Think it was a faulty battery. They reflashed it back to something original, and after I flashed it back to the latest lightning, 4.2 or something I've had the problem. I've tried flashing it back to a more original rom, and back to 2.3.3 ... other kernels as well. No luck. It used to work brilliantly though ...

One more thing ... Like I described in this question, I have the same thing, BUT when I initiate a call with the headset, sound quality through the headset is GREAT. But if I during the call disconnect, and reconnect my headset, sound pickup is CRAP even through the headset, that worked a second ago! Do you get that too?
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1199252

Hi Larswa!
I also used the headset in the search for making a few calls, it seemed to work OK until I used with noise ambience, then it was almost inaudible by me, to low volume even at the top volume.
Now it's in an official repair store, I'll call them tomorrow to see if I can pick it up. I'll update with the status.

So, after changing the peripherals the problem was still there and was sent to a higher repair centre to check the motherboard.
Still waiting, now two more weeks minimum.

Omg im having the exact same problem did exactly everythig u did let me know asap what they tell you i dnt have a warranty so im praying i dnt have to send it to get fixed myself and end up payin my arm & leg
ALEXANDRA
Sent from my GT-I9100G using xda app-developers app

I don't know, but opening up your phone by yourself after 2 days is going to brake your 2-year guarantee from Samsung...
Just bring it back to Samsung or an official retailer, it may save you some money...
Oh crap, i didn't read the whole thread...it's already solved...
Sent from my GT-I9100

ACER A500 Microphone Fix?

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.

Microphone does not work only in speakerphone mode

Hi all,
I just got a Nexus 4 recently and I've been racking my brain with what on earth is happening with the microphone.
The problem is that the microphone WORKS PERFECTLY when doing a google search, voice call in normal mode, or voice recording. It does not work at all if I enable the speakerphone during a voice call. This seems to be exactly the opposite problem that others are having with the Nexus 4. I can still hear the person in the call but when I talk, they can't hear me. Not even white noise, just total and utter silence.
I have tried 2 flex cables (trying replaced the initial one whose microphone didn't work at all, at the time I had CM11) and tried flashing everything (baseband, recovery, system) to stock 4.2.2, tested it with no luck. I then flashed everything with the latest version 4.4 off google's developer section and tested with the same issues. I've tried factory resets, unplugging the headphones, and also soundabout and nothing resolves the issue.
When I look at the flex cable and the phone housing, it seems to me that there is only one microphone on the bottom. On the top, there is the noise canceling mic, but I don't think this has anything to do with the speakerphone. Am I wrong? Does anyone have any thoughts or suggestions? I don't know whether this is a hardware problem or some low level software issue.
UPDATE:
I noticed something super strange. If I plug a headphones w/ a mic into the headphone jack, I can actually hear very loudly and in great detail the friction from my fingers moving up and down anywhere the case of the phone, and if I tap on the body of the phone (anywhere, even near the USB port on the bottom) it's like stuffing paper into your ear canals. I can still hear the person on the other end fine, and they can also hear just as clear and loud when I touch the phone body. This phone is a science experiment now. The closer I move my fingers to the bottom of the phone near the mic, the louder it gets.

've tried everything. You also changed the Kernel, I do not know ... Maybe it's a problem RADIO, but I doubt it.
Eventually contact Google support

Typical factory problem....when i bought my Nexus 4 (S/N shows production date is October 2013 so its the newer batch with little nipples and camera lens offset fix) the microphone was dead and i could've only talk through headphones and speakerphone....took it to the repair shop and everything works now. Don't know what they replaced, maybe it wasnt the microphone.

No sound from loudspeaker, maybe hardware problem

Hello guys! My loudspeaker suddenly stopped working few weeks ago. I know the cause, and I am pretty sure it is hardware related.
Here is the story:
I installed this ROM (don't think it's important). It worked fine for about a month. The sound volume was lower than MoKee or MIUI, so I started searching for some solution.
I followed a guide similar to this to boost volume, and it worked!
Although I read in the post to not set the value over 95 (to avoid damaging speakers), I decided anyway to set it to 100, because I didn't think that could happen. Sound was very loud, and I was very happy.
Next morning, alarm screamed very strong, but suddenly stopped ringing. I realized my mistake, loudspeaker is completely mute since then.
Earpiece, headphones, microphones work, everything works except loudspeaker.
I hoped so much that was software. I formatted and installed some other ROMs (MoKee, MIUI, CM12) but still no sound. Then I restored a previous MoKee backup (taken when sound worked) but no success. Unfortunately it's a hardware thing.
I bought a new loudspeaker, learnt from YouTube how to open the Note, and replaced it. Still no sound.
Then I tested both loudspeakers (the original and the one I bought) and they both emit sound when attached to an external source (jack plugged to mp3 player). So the problem is not in the loudspeaker itself!
My knowledge ends here.
How can sound stop working by simply raising a software value? But above all, how can the loudspeaker work correctly, but not when placed into the phone? Is there another component that can be damaged in abovementioned way? If so, can that component be replaced?
I hope somebody could share some knowledge to help me solve the problem, or at least point to the right direction. Thanks in advance.

Open your Phone and look if something "looks" broken and make a picture for analysing. It can be not anything but more that just one piece that's broken.
(Sry for bad English, I'm from Germany)

OverBit said:
Open your Phone and look if something "looks" broken and make a picture for analysing. It can be not anything but more that just one piece that's broken.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I opened it many times today, but discovered nothing wrong or weird, although I'm not an expert so maybe I simply haven't noticed.
Will post picture as soon as I manage to take photo without phone

Yeah, its like taking a selfie with your phone on your phone without mirrors, only Chuck Norris can do that
(sry for bad English, I'm from Germany)

Some photos
I resurrected my old phone and took some photos. As I said, there's apparently nothing weird, nothing that appears burned or cut.
Here three photos (full phone, upper part, lower part) the loudspeaker contacts are highlighted.
I don't expect a hint on how to fix that (although I hope so much ) because I know this forum is meant for developers/modders/those working with software. My real question is:
Why after just altering value in mixer_paths.xml my phone is now mute? Can someone describe how the sound goes from the CPU to the loudspeaker? Is there something I can do?

udda90 said:
I resurrected my old phone and took some photos. As I said, there's apparently nothing weird, nothing that appears burned or cut.
Here three photos (full phone, upper part, lower part) the loudspeaker contacts are highlighted.
I don't expect a hint on how to fix that (although I hope so much ) because I know this forum is meant for developers/modders/those working with software. My real question is:
Why after just altering value in mixer_paths.xml my phone is now mute? Can someone describe how the sound goes from the CPU to the loudspeaker? Is there something I can do?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I did the exact same thing. I replaced the loudspeaker just like you. My sound still doesn't work. I have done a complete factory reset and tried new roms and nothing works.

tripper22 said:
I did the exact same thing. I replaced the loudspeaker just like you. My sound still doesn't work. I have done a complete factory reset and tried new roms and nothing works.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My friend device redmi note 3g got same problem.. tired change with new rom.. new speaker..and factory reset that all not work..so open the case..and discovered .the problem came from cpu/chip . coz mtk chipset camera n sound came from cpu..

Hi Guys
I have exactly the same problem with my Xiaomi Mi3. After display replacement lound speaker stopped working. While I had broken display (just the touch screen, dispay was fine) loudspeaker worked fine (I cannot switch off alarm, even shut down the phone)
I bought new speaker, but sound still doesn't work. Do you think that it is comming from CPU? It is possible but I don't think so, because everything works fine via earphones or bluetooth speaker.
Did you find any solution?

tripper22 said:
I did the exact same thing. I replaced the loudspeaker just like you. My sound still doesn't work. I have done a complete factory reset and tried new roms and nothing works.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
nokovica said:
Hi Guys
I have exactly the same problem with my Xiaomi Mi3. After display replacement lound speaker stopped working. While I had broken display (just the touch screen, dispay was fine) loudspeaker worked fine (I cannot switch off alarm, even shut down the phone)
I bought new speaker, but sound still doesn't work. Do you think that it is comming from CPU? It is possible but I don't think so, because everything works fine via earphones or bluetooth speaker.
Did you find any solution?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I tried many other ways, none of them worked. I ended up buying a small BT speaker and carrying always with me.
In my case I learned in the worst way that excessive software amplification can burn audio chip. I replaced EVERY replaceable part (speaker, USB/speaker lower board, main ribbon cable, maybe others I don't remember) with no success.
@tripper22 I think you have no options. If you did my same steps, sadly your sound is lost. I have not yet replaced my phone only because there was a recent increase in development, and many custom ROMs to flash, but I will probably change that phone sooner or later.
@nokovica My sound from earphones or bluetooth is working too. I remembre reading that the audio amplifier is in a separate chip.
Anyway, your problem looks like a HARDWARE issue, since you didn't played with system configuiration. This is easier to fix (if it's fixable, of course).
If you did the replacement, you could check twice if some ribbon cable went damaged. You could try turning on your phone while open (remove back panel and expose board and cables) and see if works this way. You could check with a multimeter wether some signal (albeit small) come to the buzzer. In my case I discovered that a little signal (2-5 mV peak) reached the buzzer, but wasn't enough to make a sound. Rechecking after some months revealed that even that little signal is now gone (maybe sound chip damaged further).
If someone else did the replacement (hopefully Xiaomi assistance) it's their fault, and you can usually ask for repair for free.

Mi3 Loud Speaker Problem
@nokovica
Even I am facing the same problem with my Mi3 . After screen replacement ( touch + digitizer ) My loud speaker is not working , however phone speakar and mic is working perfectly fine , even the headphones too. I also detected one of the problem with Network Signals , if last for only few seconds and then it goes off , i tried placing many sims, but no luck . Can any one in the forum provide some solution to the Network Signals ?

even I have the same problem with my redmi note 3. I just opened back case, sub-board loudspeaker and re-assembled it. I didn't touch motherboard or any flex on upper side. Loudspeaker stopped working since then. Swapped with new part but it still doesn't work. Headphones and ear piece works fine. doesn't play music on bluetooth but hands-free works on bluetooth. how could have damaged audio chip on motherboard?? I barely touch it. didn't even unscrew it.

ilyasabdul said:
even I have the same problem with my redmi note 3. I just opened back case, sub-board loudspeaker and re-assembled it. I didn't touch motherboard or any flex on upper side. Loudspeaker stopped working since then. Swapped with new part but it still doesn't work. Headphones and ear piece works fine. doesn't play music on bluetooth but hands-free works on bluetooth. how could have damaged audio chip on motherboard?? I barely touch it. didn't even unscrew it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Did you solve? I have exactly the same problem

I have faced with no audio (at all) with mi5s
couldnt call or answer (hanging phone)
speakers dont work
erarphone dont work
i flash several times the phone and reste factory it and no change.
i read somewhere thet it resolved with warming sound IC in mainboard.
have any body solution or explane to problem?

Weird microphone issue?

I am familiar with how many people are dealing with microphone sound issues on their 6P, however mine is a little bit different. My phone had "slight" liquid damage that was repaired by replacing a few parts and drying out. Everything on the phone has been working 100% except for an issue with the microphone.
Initially, there was no sound being recorded on the phone at all, and so I decided to try replacing the daughterboard on the bottom of the phone (where one of the microphones is). Immediately I had sound being recorded again!
However, I have found that I will record sound only from a few particular instances.
This is what works:
Phone call microphone (not speakerphone)
General voice recording apps
Google Now / Assistant
This is what doesn't work:
Camcorder microphone recording
Speakerphone microphone
Hangouts / Duo video calling (will work if i set to 'headset' speaker as opposed to speakerphone)
I am assuming it has something to do with the other microphones on the device, whether they are failing or it has something to do with the noise canceling effects.
Has anyone experienced an issue similar to this on this device (or other devices) and found a solution?
The only other option would be to replace the entire motherboard that contains the other microphone (which happens to be about a $200 part, with new EVERYTHING)
Short of removing and resoldering a replacement 'mic' on that board, is there any software solutions?
I love this phone dearly, and it's especially sad that I cannot even record video of my baby daughter with sound.
Any help would be appreciated!
Thanks,
Nathan