Database Users

[Nexus5]Lollipop UPDATED OP August 7th!!! [Zip Package] Viper4android

Attached are the latest updated zips.
FAQ:
How do I install Viper???
Go into recovery and flash the zip. It will take care of most of the steps for you. Upon your first launch of the app you will be prompted to install drivers of your choosing then be prompted for a reboot. If coming from a previous version of Viper or you have any other sound mods I fully recommend uninstalling them. Then go into recovery and flash your ROM and the zip in one session.
Well what drivers do I use???
I recommend Super Audio quality. It uses a higher sampling rate which can be thought of as like a megapixel on a camera. More sample information equals cleaner signal but your files must be equal to or better than the driver sampling rate. I find the highs to be much cleaner and have less distortion with Super Audio. While the prompt warns about extra battery usage, testing with Better Battery Stats for me has shown the effect on battery life to be minimal. You will get higher drain using the Convolver then by choosing a higher quality driver.
Well what is Convolver and how do I use it???
Convolver will play a real time sample of an effect or eq as the sound is being processed. You can get really awesome effects from some of the irs samples but they come at a high price of battery usage. Using this setting doubled battery life usage for me on even conservative kernel governors. To enable you must go to the menu and enable Moderate or Expert UI, then press the button to enable Convolver and press Impulse Response, this will create a ViPER4Android folder on your SD card and within that you will have a folder named Kernel. This is where you will put your Irs Samples you download. You can find links to Irs packs here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2216193 PS......I've found that not all samples in all the packs work correctly and some will give no sound change.
HAAAAALP! This stoopit mod is killing my battery!!!
No it isn't. Unless you're using Convolver after being warned about it's effect on battery you should see little to no difference in daily use of getting notifications, texts, etc. I get about 6% an hour battery usage during music playback while streaming over bluetooth. If you're using a wired headset it should be less than that. I have never not even once seen Viper pop up on my stock battery stats and have only seen it as <1% on GSam after a full charge. Compatibility mode can be used as a last resort and final option if you're determined to call me a liar. Steps to enable it are outlined below.
This hack is ballz...I know wantz no mo???
To completely remove the changes done by my install zips you will need to do a manual wipe of system/davlik/cache to get rid of everything and then reflash ROM/Gapps/Mods. Reflashing your ROM without a manual wipe will not remove anything do to the addon.d scripts added so the zip will survive dirty flashes.
Why put the app in priv-app???
This will help to insure that Viper doesn't get killed by Android OOM to keep the sweet sound pumping into your ears!!!
My Viper isn't working!!!
Did you install by flashing the zip??? Is your apk in priv-app??? Do you have any other conflicting sound mods or eq's??? Is Viper enabled and you have installed the drivers and done a reboot??? Have you put SELinux into permissive mode???
Some people have luck adding or changing these lines in their build.prop:
##Viper4android
lpa.decode=false
tunnel.decode=false
lpa.use-stagefright=false
lpa.releaselock=false
Also some music players work better by switching to Compatibility Mode. To do that go to menu, click FX Compatible Mode, then click Compatible. Doing this should cause Viper to only modify media players instead of changing sound system wide. Some users say this helps with battery usage as Viper will only process sound when you want it to.
Still stuck? There is tons of helpful information in this thread that you can find by helping yourself click that "Search this thread" function towards the top right of your screen. Still stuck after that....ask away!
Wanted to say thanks to @rootSU and @FlyinGrub for lending a helping hand, @FuMMoD for posting updates to the Viper apk and libs, @davwman for getting this thread started, @Hid3rs for the Material Design framework, @chdloc for the awesome Stereo mix, @Spasticdroid for the audio_policy editing script, @Alex240188 for the material design Viper 2.3.4.0 apk, @//.dax for the sweet new icon. And of course the awesome Viper team for creating Viper. I refuse to run my phone without it!
Here is a link to the official thread for more information: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2191223
!!!!!!LOLLIPOP USERS!!!!!!!! You NO LONGER need a full permissive kernel to get Viper working as long as you use SuperSU. To test your kernel open Google Play Music and play a track. If you get a "couldn't play stream requested message" you need to download this app http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2524485] and set it to PERMISSIVE mode, find yourself a full permisssive kernel, or switch to SuperSU. Enjoy!!!!
P.S.:
LolliViPER.zip will install Viper to priv-app and remove Audio FX, DSP Manager, and Music FX. It will also edit the audio_policy.conf for added app compatibility and add a script to allow Viper to work with SELinux enforcing with SuperSU. ***BONUS for ROMs with addon.d support-the zip will place a script into addon.d that will automatically backup and restore everything changed by the zip on dirty flashes eliminating the need to flash every update so long as you do not do a manual system wipe.***
LolliViPERsurROUND.zip will install Viper to priv-app and remove Audio FX, DSP Manager, and Music FX, and change the mixer path to enable the earpiece as a second speaker for stereo sound. It will also edit the audio_policy.conf for added app compatibility and add a script to allow Viper to work with SELinux enforcing with SuperSU. ***BONUS for ROMs with addon.d support-the zip will place a script into addon.d that will automatically backup and restore everything changed by the zip on dirty flashes eliminating the need to flash every update so long as you do not do a manual system wipe.*** !!!!!THIS MAY CAUSE BOOTLOOPS ON DEVICES OTHER THAN THE NEXUS 5!!!!!
5.1.x stock ROM users may need to remove system apps for the install to work. Google filled the system partition to the brim with little to no room left for installation.
The apk in all these zips use the Material Design Framework and may not install on devices lower than 5.0.

Im using it since the start so i cant really comment on How it was before but the sound quality is awesome on my n5. Dunno but i guess The bass is a bit low so i Bad to raise it More than other EQs I've used.. I heard the KitKat DSP is pretty nice as well but as I said I can't comment on that?
Sent from my Nexus 5 using xda app-developers app

davwman said:
Anyone using it on the awesome nexus 5? If so, any noticeable improvements? Which one to install? And any negative effects?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
V4A works well on N5 BUT:
- I sometimes have interferences when listening to my podcast audio files. I need to make some tests to know if this is due to V4A or an audio mod.
- there's no more IRS options atm and this is a shame!
- I'm going to flash OmniROM (again) and I'll only use DSP app for a few days and see what happens.

I won't run a phone without it!!!
Primokorn said:
V4A works well on N5 BUT:
- I sometimes have interferences when listening to my podcast audio files. I need to make some tests to know if this is due to V4A or an audio mod.
- there's no more IRS options atm and this is a shame!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Been running Convolver with IRS samples since Nov 9th. I did notice that some were taken down but there are still some out there.

which mode are you guys using? Battery saving, high q or super quality? Also, it says, that super quality may increase battery drain.. Dont you guys know how much it takes from battery? Thanks

I'm using it on high quality. I DO notice a difference. The sound was a lot flatter before V4A. It's much more robust with it.
Sent from my Nexus 5 using Tapatalk

Super quality here. Battery usage during music is fantastic for me even streaming over bluetooth.

Super quality here. Purity Rom + Franco + PA Mini Gapps + Viper = rockin'
Not real noticeable on n5 speakers, but with good headphones it's night and day.... and my Klipsch s4's are not the best, but good enough for my listening. Some good profiles here.

What version do I download?

FX version v2.3.1.3 (Android 2.3~4.4): Mediafire
davwman said:
What version do I download?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

davwman said:
What version do I download?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The latest fx version on their website. Extract the zip and install the 4.0+ version
Sent from my Nexus 5 using Tapatalk

I went with Battery Saver. I'm not an audiophile and all I mainly listen to are podcasts. It *does* work, you can definitely here changes when you activate features or change sliders. Using the Convolver with Urei 1178 Impluse.irs, but tried Beats and WaveMaxx .irs as well. I was a EIZO user, but when they got rid of user configurable EQ, I baled.

If you are using equalizers from within music players like Poweramp, does viper4android improve sound quality in some other way apart from offering equalizers?

giannis_ch said:
If you are using equalizers from within music players like Poweramp, does viper4android improve sound quality in some other way apart from offering equalizers?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can run it in compatibility mode and it will enhance your built in eq's.
I love the .irs files and what they do to the sound. I love tube amps and I play with the different .irs tube files and you can really notice a difference. I made sure to save all the .irs files I found and I'm glad I did.

jackpollard said:
You can run it in compatibility mode and it will enhance your built in eq's.
I love the .irs files and what they do to the sound. I love tube amps and I play with the different .irs tube files and you can really notice a difference. I made sure to save all the .irs files I found and I'm glad I did.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just installed v4a and started playing with it. Any recommendation about .irs files or are they strictly related to headphones?

giannis_ch said:
Just installed v4a and started playing with it. Any recommendation about .irs files or are they strictly related to headphones?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The convolver works with any of the modes as long as its turned on. Go to the "official" v4a site --> http://vipersaudio.com/blog/ and download the couple of files they have and try them out. I think the v4a developer has basically stopped all links to any .irs files and is "centralizing" them. But you know the deal, whats on the web stays on the web, so seek and ye shall find.

Has anyone gotten it to run with Rocket Player? It isn't working at all with it over headphone or speaker. Driver status processing=NO. I've tried all the workarounds and none of them have helped.

Am I just high or what? I can't find a flippin download link?
Sent from my Nexus 5 using Tapatalk
---------- Post added at 08:19 PM ---------- Previous post was at 08:16 PM ----------
Never mind, I'm retarded.
Sent from my Nexus 5 using Tapatalk

Primokorn said:
V4A works well on N5 BUT:
- I sometimes have interferences when listening to my podcast audio files. I need to make some tests to know if this is due to V4A or an audio mod.
- there's no more IRS options atm and this is a shame!
- I'm going to flash OmniROM (again) and I'll only use DSP app for a few days and see what happens.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
IRS options are still there, you just have to set it to Expert instead of Beginner

zephiK said:
IRS options are still there, you just have to set it to Expert instead of Beginner
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Damn! I didn't know there was different modes into the app!!! You made my day
FYI the interferences I had were not due to V4A. I changed my rom, kernel and didn't apply the audio mod and everything works fine now.

Viper4Android - WoW !!!

I'm not an audiophile by any means, (I dont have the ears of those hardcore audiophiles). I've been using PowerAmp for an hour in the gym & VERY happy with it for years.
Recently, I've read so much good stuff about Viper4Android & decided to give it a try again (I failed to install v4a on previous android devices).
We have 3 phones in the house: Samsung Note N7000, 2 HTC m8's.
So I decided to make the N7000 a guinea pig. & after successfully installing v4a & coupling it with PowerAmp on the n7000, I cannot believe it to my ears. It sounds BETTER than my m8 does. My wife is also somewhat agrees.
So, my m8 was next. We compared the 2 m8's & mine sounded better than her.
Needless to say, her m8 now has v4a too.
Damm...now i can't wait to go to the gym so I can listen to my music.
If anyone is on the fence of installing v4a, DO IT !!!

I wouldn't say wow.
Different yes better meh not really....But not wow.

@home said:
I wouldn't say wow.
Different yes better meh not really....But not wow.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Actually it is WOW if you have the proper .irs and setup for the EQ.

Irs?
Sent from my Nexus 7 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app

altimax98 said:
Actually it is WOW if you have the proper .irs and setup for the EQ.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Mind sharing your set up in this thread?
I've tried out a few and never really noticed a difference.

I love it on my M7, beats beats haha!
I just got my M8 and am wondering if Harman/kardon is better than vfx, has anyone compared?
Thanks
Sent from my One using XDA Free mobile app

Spoofy said:
I love it on my M7, beats beats haha!
I just got my M8 and am wondering if Harman/kardon is better than vfx, has anyone compared?
Thanks
Sent from my One using XDA Free mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, no. If you want bass, its Not good. Only for some jazz or something.
Gesendet von meinem HTC One_M8 mit Tapatalk

Maedhros said:
Mind sharing your set up in this thread?
I've tried out a few and never really noticed a difference.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I use the Clarity setup found in the Viper thread but I use the device setup for my Headphones.
The key is finding the Sony Xperia IRS which you have to pay for. There are other methods of obtaining it but I can't share them. Once you have that piece the audio is 100x better.
Sent from my HTC One_M8 using Tapatalk

Maedhros said:
Mind sharing your set up in this thread?
I've tried out a few and never really noticed a difference.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
To me (personally) the WoW factor of v4a is:
1. Enable Viper-DDC
2. Listening Device: Pick the right earphones/headset from the list & you physically have them.
3. Matching irs with your earphones/headsets.
EDIT: Under Convolver (Menu > UI Setting > Moderate or Expert) > tab on Impulse Response & ViPER4Android/Kernel folder will be created by the app)
(download & put the irs into /storage/emulated/legacy/ViPER4Android/Kernel folder.
4. Follow below steps:
Open up v4a app in your app draw > Menu > UI Setting > Expert > follow this instruction

altimax98 said:
I use the Clarity setup found in the Viper thread but I use the device setup for my Headphones.
The key is finding the Sony Xperia IRS which you have to pay for. There are other methods of obtaining it but I can't share them. Once you have that piece the audio is 100x better.
Sent from my HTC One_M8 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You mean this ??

Hm... I cannot seem to locate the /ViPER4Android/Kernel folder within the legacy folder. In fact, using es filer explorer, searching anything viper nets me zero result... Is there something I'm doing wrong?

altimax98 said:
I use the Clarity setup found in the Viper thread but I use the device setup for my Headphones.
The key is finding the Sony Xperia IRS which you have to pay for. There are other methods of obtaining it but I can't share them. Once you have that piece the audio is 100x better.
Sent from my HTC One_M8 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Would you be able to do a big favor and upload your profile so we can use it? I'm having a hard time copying the clarity set-up. Thanks!

Chaos5429 said:
Hm... I cannot seem to locate the /ViPER4Android/Kernel folder within the legacy folder. In fact, using es filer explorer, searching anything viper nets me zero result... Is there something I'm doing wrong?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Open up v4a app > slide to the right to access Headset > hit the 3 dot Menu > UI Setting > Moderate or Expert > tab on Impulse Response & ViPER4Android/Kernel folder will be created by the app)
(download & put the irs into /storage/emulated *or 0*/legacy/ViPER4Android/Kernel folder.

dsymbol said:
Open up v4a app > slide to the right to access Headset > hit the 3 dot Menu > UI Setting > Moderate or Expert > tab on Impulse Response & ViPER4Android/Kernel folder will be created by the app)
(download & put the irs into /storage/emulated *or 0*/legacy/ViPER4Android/Kernel folder.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Oh! It created the folder as instructed. Thank you so much, I'm going to try out the irs set ups and see what's it all about.

BrandonPrice31 said:
Would you be able to do a big favor and upload your profile so we can use it? I'm having a hard time copying the clarity set-up. Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ok, i'm not sure where you're stuck at. But here is step by step how to install v4a app from my other post.
For the profile:
1. Open up v4a app from your app draw. You should be in Phone Speaker setup. Swipe to the right to access Headset (swipe to the left is to access Bluetooth Device)
2. Once you're under Headset Tab > Hit the 3 dot Menu on top right > UI Setting > Expert.
1. Master Power: enable
2. Viper DDC: enable
Listening Device: choose yours. mine is Beats by Dr. Dre - urbeats (I actually have them).
3. FIR Equalizer: enable
- Preset: Acoustic
4. Convolver: enable.
- Impulse Response (Tab on it, the app will create ViPER4Android/Kernel folder for you)
Download the irs samples & put them in ViPER4Android/Kernel folder.
Some irs samples can be found here & The Sony Xperia sound enhancement can be found here
My selection for Impulse Response is TRacks DeEssed Master 2
5. Headphone Surround +: enable
- Effect Quality: Level 1
6. Dynamic System: enable
- Listening Device: High-end Headphone(v1) (I also have an actual headphone)
- Dynamic Bass: 24 Percent
7. Fidelity Control
- ViPER Bass: enable
- Bass Mode: Natural bass
- Bass Frequency: 60 Hz
- Select Bass Boost: 6.0 dB
- ViPER Clarity: enable
- Clarity Mode: XHiFi
- Select Clarity: 8.0 dB
8. Master Gate(Limiter)
- Ouput Gain: -6.0 dB
- Channel Pan: 0.5:0.5
- Limit Threshold: 0dB
that's it. You can just back out or hit that 3dot Menu & save Effect profile.
Lemme know the result.

The thing is, I changed settings previously and I don't know how to get back to default.
dsymbol said:
Ok, i'm not sure where you're stuck at. But here is step by step how to install v4a app from my other post.
For the profile:
1. Open up v4a app from your app draw. You should be in Phone Speaker setup. Swipe to the right to access Headset (swipe to the left is to access Bluetooth Device)
2. Once you're under Headset Tab > Hit the 3 dot Menu on top right > UI Setting > Expert.
1. Master Power: enable
2. Viper DDC: enable
Listening Device: choose yours. mine is Beats by Dr. Dre - urbeats (I actually have them).
3. FIR Equalizer: enable
- Preset: Acoustic
4. Convolver: enable.
- Impulse Response (Tab on it, the app will create ViPER4Android/Kernel folder for you)
Download the irs samples & put them in ViPER4Android/Kernel folder.
Some irs samples can be found here & The Sony Xperia sound enhancement can be found here
My selection for Impulse Response is TRacks DeEssed Master 2
5. Headphone Surround +: enable
- Effect Quality: Level 1
6. Dynamic System: enable
- Listening Device: High-end Headphone(v1) (I also have an actual headphone)
- Dynamic Bass: 24 Percent
7. Fidelity Control
- ViPER Bass: enable
- Bass Mode: Natural bass
- Bass Frequency: 60 Hz
- Select Bass Boost: 6.0 dB
- ViPER Clarity: enable
- Clarity Mode: XHiFi
- Select Clarity: 8.0 dB
8. Master Gate(Limiter)
- Ouput Gain: -6.0 dB
- Channel Pan: 0.5:0.5
- Limit Threshold: 0dB
that's it. You can just back out or hit that 3dot Menu & save Effect profile.
Lemme know the result.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sent from my HTC One_M8 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app

BrandonPrice31 said:
The thing is, I changed settings previously and I don't know how to get back to default.
Sent from my HTC One_M8 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The default is actually nothing selected & you can't tell the difference if v4a is installed or not.
If you use PowerAmp like me & want to go back to default, just uninstall v4a (there's the instruction in the thread), & go back to PowerAmp > 3dot Menu > Settings > Audio > Advance Tweaks > Direct Volume Control - enable. Done.

dsymbol said:
The default is actually nothing selected & you can't tell the difference if v4a is installed or not.
If you use PowerAmp like me & want to go back to default, just uninstall v4a (there's the instruction in the thread), & go back to PowerAmp > 3dot Menu > Settings > Audio > Advance Tweaks > Direct Volume Control - enable. Done.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Where can I download your impulse response?

BrandonPrice31 said:
Where can I download your impulse response?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
http://fs1.d-h.st/download/00089/71A/TRACKS_Presets_16.zip

New settings for Viper4Android + PowerAmp
My new settings for trance/techno which I listen to 99% of the time anyways.
I only list what I enable. The rest means disable.
Please try, comment, & share your settings for specific genre. Thanks.
HEADSET - expert mode
1. Master Power: enable
2. Convolver: enable.
QClone DeEssed 2
3. Headphone Surround +: enable
- Effect Quality: Level 1
4. Fidelity Control
- ViPER Bass: enable
- Bass Mode: Natural bass
- Bass Frequency: 40 Hz
- Select Bass Boost: 10 dB
5. Master Gate(Limiter)
- Ouput Gain: 0 dB
- Channel Pan: 0.5:0.5
- Limit Threshold: 0dB

[Q] Help needed - difference in volume between music apps

Hi all, [I did a forum search using volume galaxy note 3; volume mod galaxy note 3 and didn't find anything related to my post below]
I have quite a bit of a head scratcher here and I'm not sure which way to go to resolve it....
I have an AT&T Galaxy Note 3 that is rooted running stock MJ5 firmware. When playing music using the speaker and built-in music app (or when setting up the sounds to use for ringtone, notifications, etc.), the volume output is decent respective to it's factory output level. However when I'm playing music via PowerAmp or JetAudio Plus - the volume output is not at the same level as it is with the built-in music app. I've made sure that AGC is off in JetAudio, de-selected the Limit option in PowerAmp, and checked and unchecked the Direct Volume Control option within the advanced audio settings in PowerAmp. In spite of all that I have checked - the volume output is not the same and it's driving me crazy. Here are all of the things that I've done so far (in no particular order) to see if I can 'fix' the problem:
1) Factory Reset my phone (from within the OS itself)
2) I've tried using the Volume Boosting Mods found in this forum post to see if that would correct anything.
3) Performed a FULL firmware restore (courtesy of this post) to see if I mucked something up along the way. (I kind of messed up my haptic feedback which was the catalyst for the restore. The volume restore was along for the ride at that point )
None of the above seems to work (EVEN with the firmware restore). Please note that with the firmware restore - I tested it out BEFORE loading my applications (except for JetAudio and PowerAmp). What makes the built-in music application different than apps such as PowerAmp, JetAudio, etc. that it accesses a different volume stream (say digital vs. analog)? (I know that last question was kind of confusing, but think of it as being analogous to Line Out vs. the 3.5mm headphone port for external sound output )
I know that the file used for modifying volume output levels is located in system/etc/snd_soc_msm (the file snd_soc_msm_Taiko_CDP is what's used to make the mods) but is there a specific line or lines contained within that file that control analog volume output for the built-in speaker?
I'm not sure how the PowerAmp or JetAudio app is configured to access volume output streams (if that makes any sense) but there seems to be something different because the volume output drops pretty badly when using either of these apps vs. the stock music player.
Has anyone else noticed this oddity (and found a way to fix it) or am I the odd man out here ?
Any help would be appreciated.

Silly question: Did you try disabling Adapt Sound?

ShadowLea said:
Silly question: Did you try disabling Adapt Sound?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't recall having Adapt Sound enabled (I did see it but don't remember having any checkboxes ticked....). I'll reply back once I downgrade my phone back to JB (I was forced to take an OTA update to kitkat and I need root access).

rob.allen78 said:
I don't recall having Adapt Sound enabled (I did see it but don't remember having any checkboxes ticked....). I'll reply back once I downgrade my phone back to JB (I was forced to take an OTA update to kitkat and I need root access).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So after going through a full factory reset (via ODIN), I can confirm that I'm not using Adapt Sound and have also ensured that I am not using any equalizers to enhance the sound in either application.

You cant compare PA or JA to the stock audio because those 2 apps using different drivers than a stock 1

rob.allen78 said:
I don't recall having Adapt Sound enabled (I did see it but don't remember having any checkboxes ticked....). I'll reply back once I downgrade my phone back to JB (I was forced to take an OTA update to kitkat and I need root access).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
meawww said:
You cant compare PA or JA to the stock audio because those 2 apps using different drivers than a stock 1
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the info (The driver usage may be what the difference is respective to audio output.)
I wasn't really trying to compare the apps per se as more of a process of finding out if I have a unique hardware issue in which I would need to send my phone back to AT&T/Samsung for a warranty exchange.

How to improve audio with Viper4Android (Root required; tested only on Lollipop)

The other day I went looking for an audio DSP to use on my Shield Tablet running Lollipop. I came upon some posts recommending "Viper4Android" and went looking for a away to install it.
Here's my instructions, adapted from this article: http://www.droidviews.com/guide-viper4android-make-work-lollipop-lrx21o/
Download "TestLolliViPER_v2.3.3.0.zip" from this post (pre-Lollipop users can download ViPER4Android FX from the official thread and install the APK, skip ahead to step 5)
Change to permissive mode with SELinux Mode Changer from the Play Store (required for Lollipop, maybe for KitKat too)
Enable developer options and uncheck "Use Nuplayer" (Lollipop only)
Reboot to recovery and flash the zip you downloaded; reboot back to Android
Open Viper4Android and let it download its drivers (reboot required)
Open Viper4Android and under settings switch "FX Compatible" mode to "Compatible"
FX compatibility mode caused most apps to not use V4A. Leave it on the "Normal" setting instead.
Specific apps:
For PowerAmp, enable MusicFX under Settings > Audio > Advanced Tweaks, turn on "Tone/Volume". Also, switch off the Equ, Tone and Limit under Tone/Volume
For GoneMad Music Player, select "Use External DSP" under Preferences > Audio > Equalizer
Spotify appears to just work now.
Effects:
Turning on "Speaker Optimization" makes the Shields' speakers sound less tinny
Try some IRS files to imitate/replicate various bass boost, etc effects from various manufacturers
Alternatively, try some headphone correction filters (these attempt to flatten the frequency response of your headphones, making music sound the way musicians really intended it to sound)
See also the explainations for all of the settings.
I hope this works for other people. Tell me if I've made a mistake or left something out.

Thanks! will give this a try soon, what about boosting volume? I haven't seen anything for boosting volume yet in lollipop

Folks will discover this after clicking the first link: this solution requires Root. I've heard great things about Viper, and if you have your device unlocked and rooted, give it a go.

jaredmorgs said:
Folks will discover this after clicking the first link: this solution requires Root. I've heard great things about Viper, and if you have your device unlocked and rooted, give it a go.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Oh right, thanks for that. I keep forgetting that not everyone has root access and a custom recovery
And even though I've been reading XDA for years, I've only written a few posts.

genicles said:
Thanks! will give this a try soon, what about boosting volume? I haven't seen anything for boosting volume yet in lollipop
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, there is the "Extra Loud" option, with three strength levels.

Does this method work with Spotify? I don't think you can change audio settings via the app and don't these V4A instructions only apply on an app by app basis?

I've tried this and it doesn't appear to have any effect on the sound on my shield. Followed instructions exactly but makes no difference to sound quality regardless of what player I use.
Sent from my SHIELD Tablet using Tapatalk

mossief1965 said:
I've tried this and it doesn't appear to have any effect on the sound on my shield. Followed instructions exactly but makes no difference to sound quality regardless of what player I use.
Sent from my SHIELD Tablet using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Try playing with the settings--specifically the NUplayer toggle and the settings in PowerAmp (if you're using it). In most guides for Lollipop for V4A, it says to turn off NUplayer. But for some reason, on my other device (a G3 with CM12), I need NUplayer on. I don't have to use compatible mode on it either.
It's a stretch, especially since the OP tested his steps on this device, but I don't think it'll hurt.

sixstringedmatt said:
Does this method work with Spotify? I don't think you can change audio settings via the app and don't these V4A instructions only apply on an app by app basis?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I just had a try with Spotify and it seems to work with no changes required. It even opens V4A when selecting 'equalizer' in settings, so it appears to be quite aware of external DSPs.
Soundscape also has no settings for audio, but doesn't go through V4A. I don't know what to do about that, besides complaining to the company.
Sent from my SHIELD Tablet using XDA Free mobile app

... making music sound the way musicians really intended it to sound ...
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There is so much wrong with that I don't know where to start LOL (but this is not meant to be any sort of observation on the app itself).
But ya know, whatever sounds good in the end

diji1 said:
There is so much wrong with that I don't know where to start LOL (but this is not meant to be any sort of observation on the app itself).
But ya know, whatever sounds good in the end
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I was referring to Beat's claim that their bass-heavy headphones make your music sound the way the musicians wanted it to. Tyle from Inner Fidelity (who has tested many headphones with a pretty sophisticated setup) has said:
I would think most recording studios in the world use a curve called "flat." That way they know what they're hearing on the monitors is what's going onto the disc. The Audio Engineering Society is filled with engineers who write papers and learn about how to achieve a flat and neutral audio response, and then design and build the gear that goes into recording studios. I've measured four of the Beats full-size headphones, and a handful of their in-ear models, and they deviate significantly from flat.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The headphone correction files I linked to attempt to flatten the response of each headphone, making them sound more like professional-grade studio monitors (speakers) or headphones.

The V4A mod sounds great, but it seems to break streaming audio to the Shield Controller.

after Ota 3.1 upgrade Viper is not working anymore

[GUIDE] [ROOT] Get the best sound out of your Idol 3!

Hi y'all fellow Idol 3 users! And welcome to my guide which aims to help you make your phone sound exactly how you want it to.
Okay, so if you bought this phone, chances are you wanted a great media consumption experience, since this is the Alcatel Idol 3's strength. When I got the phone and first plugged my headphones in to test out all that JBL stuff they were advertising, I couldn't help it but feel let down. Yep. I found it sounded muddy, disorted and clicky. But since we are talking about android, I knew I could probably do something about that. Plus I KNEW the audio chip in this phone was great. So I started tweaking and I finally can say that my Idol 3 sounds like a beast.
Here are the steps, then!
1. Disable the JBL setting. First and foremost, please, pleeease... go to settings > sound and notifications and disable "JBL". Honestly, it just doesn't sound good. It introduces a LOT of disortion in exchange for a little bit of bass. They are much better ways to get bassier sound without hardly disorting it, trust me. I don't know what they were thinking... this setting just assassinates the music IMO. However you are free to do as you want, of course.
* For step 2, root is needed.
2. Install Viper4Android. The following steps will guide you through the installation of this godly piece of software. For you guys which don't know what Viper4Android is, it's one of the best sound engines (in my opinion the best) available for android. It originated in China where it became really popular. Installing Viper4Android will not alter the sound signature in any way, it will just unlock the true potential of your sound-related hardware, getting rid of bottlenecks that worsen audio quality. Just installing it WILL get you a better sound. However, it also provides lots of settings and tweaks to change the sound signature if you want to, and they work really well, unlike this JBL setting we were given. In order to install it, you can either follow my own instructions or head to the official V4A thread and follow the steps there.
2.1 Install Busybox. Download one of the many installers in the Play Store, open the app and click install. Reboot if it asks you to. You can safely delete the app afterwards.
2.2 Download the Viper4Android apk from the official site. Be sure to download ViPER4Android FX 2.3.4.0 which is the one that works with Lollipop.
2.3 Extract the zip and then pick the apk called "ViPER4Android_FX_A4.x.apk" and put it in your phone's storage, then install it.
2.4 Install the V4A driver. Open the app and it should prompt you to install the driver. Select "Audiophile quality" for the best sound quality. Even though it warns you about high cpu usage, I did not notice lags or battery drain. However if this worries you a lot you can always choose "high quality" instead, though I wouldn't recommend it. It will ask you to reboot your phone, do it.
2.5 Make it run along enforcing selinux. This mod normally wont work with enforcing selinux, so you can either change selinux to permissive mode or just flash this zip (by XDA member maximumentropy) through custom recovery, wich will make it work with enforcing selinux. I recommend the second method.
2.6 OPTIONAL STEP: In ViPER4Android's thread the instructions say you have to edit the next lines in the "build.prop" file, which is located in /system. Lines to edit:
Ipa.decode=true to lpa.decode=false
tunnel.decode=true to tunnel.decode=false
lpa.use-stagefright=true to lpa.use-stagefright=false
I found that the second line was already set to false in my device. If you are not in stock rom you might not find this lines, if that's the case just ignore this step.
This step is optional because I used ViPER4Android for a few days without doing it and everything seemed to work. So if you prefer not to mess with the build.prop you can try without doing this.
2.7 Enable ViPER4Android. Open the app and you will find there are several tabs: "Headphones", "Speaker", "Bluetooth"... just activate the first checkbox in every tab if you want ViPER4Android working globally.
2.8 Turn off conflicting settings in some music players. Most player should work fine out of the box, but in some cases there are settings that conflict with V4A.
2.8.1 Poweramp: turn off EQ, tone and limiter. Go to settings > sound engine > advanced customization, and untick the first checkbox. The other settings didn't seem to conflict for me, but you can try disabling them too if you are having trouble to make it work (I have them all disabled).
This section needs expansion! Tell me how you made your favourite music player work with V4A.
2.9 Test it out! Play some music and open V4A. Click the dropdown menu and choose "Driver status". It should say:
NEON Enabled: Yes
Enabled: Yes
Status: Normal
Audio Format: Supported
Processing: Yes
If that's what you see, then contrats! Everything is set.
3. Grab a nice sounding music player. The consensus is that the one with the best quality is "Neutron Music Player". I do agree with this, however, the UI is really crappy and I just cannot cope with that scroll. That is why I use Poweramp, which also sounds nice, and has the addition of a nice little "punch" in the lower frequencies. If you know some other great sounding players be sure to comment below and tell so I can expand the guide!
4. Get a nice pair of headphones. The included ones by JBL do pretty well for the price they are valued at ($40) but that doesn't mean there aren't better choices out there! Also they didn't seem to fit comfortably in my ears with any of the sizes inlcuded. If you want something with a similar price and an even better sound, I recomend the Sony MH1C, a pair of IEMs you can get for $30 but sound like some good $100+ IEMs. If you want traditionally shaped headphones then my recommendaiton is the KOSS PortaPro (or the KSC75 wich are essentially the same but with a different form factor). They are also dirt cheap and have a very decent sound. For more recommendations you can ask me (though I am no expert) or just head to the Head-Fi forums. You won't get better advice anywhere else when concerning headphones! These guys really know their stuff.
Lastly, I hope this guide is of use to some of you and allows you to enjoy the Alcatel Idol 3 to the fullest. I wanted to contribute to this great device's community since I felt it diserves way more attention than it is getting. And by the way, english is not my first language, so please excuse any error I might have made!
FURTHER TWEAKING:
You will see that ViPER4Andoid has a lot of settings, especially if you select the "Expert" UI setting from the dropdown menu. If you want ideas and advice on using them, head over the the official V4A thread.

Thanks!!!

I use n7player. It produce nice sound with v4a combo plus convolver set on studer +1db updated. Also tried shuttle+ but n7 has nicer interface.
sent from Hell

Under cm12.1 do you need to disable "audiofx" before using v4a?

Attached is a flashable zip which should add the 3 lines mentioned in post #1 to the build.prop and remove any duplicates. The zip can be used to add ANY lines to the build.prop. You just add the lines to the tweaks.txt file inside the zip. I did not create the zip. I just modified it to put the 3 lines mentioned in there.
Code:
lpa.decode=false
tunnel.decode=false
lpa.use-stagefright=false

famewolf said:
Under cm12.1 do you need to disable "audiofx" before using v4a?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Flash the removable script from cm 12.1 thread. It's on first page. Then supersu, and then v4a.. That's how I managed to make it work.
sent from Hell

Nikola Jovanovic said:
Flash the removable script from cm 12.1 thread. It's on first page. Then supersu, and then v4a.. That's how I managed to make it work.
sent from Hell
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Click to collapse
You must mean a different "cm 12.1 thread" that unjustified dev's cause I don't see a "removable script".

Yes, I'm sorry. Here is the DL link https://www.androidfilehost.com/?fid=95916177934545546 and the thread is one for gapps in the first post of cm12.1 .
sent from Hell

famewolf said:
Under cm12.1 do you need to disable "audiofx" before using v4a?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, you do have to disable Audio FX unless you want to try and use both with V4A in compatible mode. I wouldn't recommend it though.

Langsuir said:
Yes, you do have to disable Audio FX unless you want to try and use both with V4A in compatible mode. I wouldn't recommend it though.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the guide..installed v4a tonight....seems to be working fine with spotify and bluetooth. I didn't use @Nikola Jovanovic's "cleaner" because it seemed to remove alot than just a few music apps...I used titanium backup to uninstall audiofx and I have n7player full installed (was free on amazon appstore)...haven't used it yet though.

It does, but really I don't see the reason to not apply it. Google cam is better than cm's, viper + n7 is better than apolo + audio fx.. So on, and so for..
sent from Hell

Nikola Jovanovic said:
It does, but really I don't see the reason to not apply it. Google cam is better than cm's, viper + n7 is better than apolo + audio fx.. So on, and so for..
sent from Hell
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It seemed to be doing something with vending.apk which is the google play store...I didn't want to chance that getting deleted. I use google calendar and it looked like it might delete it as well...will have to research when I have time and maybe modify.

It may also be the cause of apps crashing, but haven't experienced any reboots as the other users.
GPS stays on your phone, it deletes aosp cal but I installed Google calendar for that purpose.
It would be awesome if you could modify it in that way so the bloatware is cleaned but all other core apps are intacted.
sent from Hell

What do you think about Phonograph? Is it a valid music player, speaking of audio quality?

I just finished installing. All works fine so far. Testing some settings but think it's an improvement over "stock"sound. I really like the jetAudio music player. Been using it for a long time and think it's one of the best out there.

Thanks !

Thanks!!
Thank you! Works amazing with PowerAmp and Sennheiser Momentum On-Ear. Thought that sound was amazing already but now It's 200% better!

Or if you don't want to root simply use DFX player.... ?
Envoyé de mon 6045Y en utilisant Tapatalk

Anyone still gets stuttering, even with this installed? This is problem that happens to me with every player I tried. The one that gives less stutters and skips remains jetAudio... Is it a Lollipop problem?

Can't flash selinux patch, help please?