Database Users

Speaker volume suddenly low

Last night I played a YouTube clip at full volume (Will It Blend - iPad). The speaker was loud and clear as it has always been for me.
Just this morning the speaker is suddenly much quieter -- volume is still the same. There seems to be no loss in sound quality, it's just a lot quieter. I noticed this when my ring was playing and while watching a few YouTube videos.
Is it possible I somehow damaged the rear speaker with the loud playback of blending metal? I tried flashing a ROM and it didn't help. Again there seems to be no loss in the fidelity of the speaker or its characteristics, just the overall volume level. It's very troublesome since at 100% now it's about the equivalent of 60% of what it was before.
Are there any registry settings I might want to check out to try to boost up the speaker, or just check if they somehow changed and made things quieter?

I am having the exact same issue .. flashed to a new ROM, then the volume is about half of what it usually is - no loss of fidelity, just pure volume.
Have done some searching but there are not a lot of answers, hoping someone with better skills than I can help out.

svartrayne said:
I am having the exact same issue .. flashed to a new ROM, then the volume is about half of what it usually is - no loss of fidelity, just pure volume.
Have done some searching but there are not a lot of answers, hoping someone with better skills than I can help out.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Figured it out.. it is actually the new ROM that caused the issue, silly me. Turns out the sounds were playing out of the earspeaker after I flashed to the new UniQ ROM. g.lewarne posted a .cab that resolves the issue.

friend'scatdied said:
Figured it out.. it is actually the new ROM that caused the issue, silly me. Turns out the sounds were playing out of the earspeaker after I flashed to the new UniQ ROM. g.lewarne posted a .cab that resolves the issue.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
lol - exactly what I was coming back to say.

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?

Speaker phone... Only one speaker?

So both my speakers seem to work fine when playing media, but I just noticed that only one speaker (the bottom one) works when using speaker phone. Is this normal?

byproxy said:
So both my speakers seem to work fine when playing media, but I just noticed that only one speaker (the bottom one) works when using speaker phone. Is this normal?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Same here, it is probably a safety feature in case you put it to your ear and forget it is on speaker phone.

byproxy said:
So both my speakers seem to work fine when playing media, but I just noticed that only one speaker (the bottom one) works when using speaker phone. Is this normal?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Seems to be. My phone does that.

Seems normal...

seriously hope this is something that can be hacked. would love to have both speakers functional during a speaker phone call... especially when in the car.

I seem to have sound from both speakers while on speaker phone but the bottom is much louder. Guess also it's because it's not stereo. Both speakers are equally loud while listening to music.

Same for me, on speakerphone I only get the bottom speaker but I get both in normal media playback. Glad it's not just me.
It's annoying because the speakerphone volume in a car is pretty low, and it could potentially be twice as loud with both speakers.

Same here chaps

Same problem here also
My Nexus 6p does exactly the same thing, only one speaker works, the bottom one when using the speaker phone and even in Skype.
I hope this is not intentional and will be changed.

This is also happening on Moto X Pure so it might be an Android feature to disable stereo during speakerphone.
Sent from my Moto X Pure (2015) via Tapatalk

Guys we need a mod for this??? We need to get a mod that enables 2 speakers on speaker call i think this shouldve been released already

zee24 said:
Guys we need a mod for this??? We need to get a mod that enables 2 speakers on speaker call i think this shouldve been released already
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm pretty sure it's already been done, it's a mixerpaths.xml edit. It's in one of the threads created here already; you'll have to do some searching to find it. It's never really bothered me though since I don't use the speakerphone function very often, and when I do it sounds loud enough to me with a single speaker.

bouchigo said:
I'm pretty sure it's already been done, it's a mixerpaths.xml edit. It's in one of the threads created here already; you'll have to do some searching to find it. It's never really bothered me though since I don't use the speakerphone function very often, and when I do it sounds loud enough to me with a single speaker.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Cant find it hmmmm i dont know what to search to get the right thread. I would love to find this mod

zee24 said:
Cant find it hmmmm i dont know what to search to get the right thread. I would love to find this mod
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I might have been mistaken, or remembered readings something differently. If you are seeking more volume when on speakerphone, then you can try this: http://forum.xda-developers.com/nexus-6p/general/mod-boost-call-handset-volume-t3329419

My Axon 7 uses both speakers during speakerphone calls.

Low top/left speaker volume

I have a very unusual problem. About a week ago, I noticed that the left speaker was very soft. I tried wiping everything, changing Android version. I did fiddle with mixer paths XML earlier and reduced left speaker gain. It should have been replaced many times by now. I've also been using viper, Dolby and trying out other sound mods.
Thinking it might be a hardware problem, I had it replaced. However, the technician did say if the speaker is broken, it will either be no sound or a cracked sound. Not soft. He cleaned the whole area as well.
No improvement at all. Just now, I tried a pair of external speakers. The left was extremely soft. So it is pretty much confirmed software related. For the life of me, I can't figure it out. I'm on stock Oreo now with no mods or apps installed. Can still barely hear anything on calls and Google music.
Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

tropical cactus said:
I have a very unusual problem. About a week ago, I noticed that the left speaker was very soft. I tried wiping everything, changing Android version. I did fiddle with mixer paths XML earlier and reduced left speaker gain. It should have been replaced many times by now. I've also been using viper, Dolby and trying out other sound mods.
Thinking it might be a hardware problem, I had it replaced. However, the technician did say if the speaker is broken, it will either be no sound or a cracked sound. Not soft. He cleaned the whole area as well.
No improvement at all. Just now, I tried a pair of external speakers. The left was extremely soft. So it is pretty much confirmed software related. For the life of me, I can't figure it out. I'm on stock Oreo now with no mods or apps installed. Can still barely hear anything on calls and Google music.
Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have been facing the same issue.

Bump.

tropical cactus said:
I have a very unusual problem. About a week ago, I noticed that the left speaker was very soft. I tried wiping everything, changing Android version. I did fiddle with mixer paths XML earlier and reduced left speaker gain. It should have been replaced many times by now. I've also been using viper, Dolby and trying out other sound mods.
Thinking it might be a hardware problem, I had it replaced. However, the technician did say if the speaker is broken, it will either be no sound or a cracked sound. Not soft. He cleaned the whole area as well.
No improvement at all. Just now, I tried a pair of external speakers. The left was extremely soft. So it is pretty much confirmed software related. For the life of me, I can't figure it out. I'm on stock Oreo now with no mods or apps installed. Can still barely hear anything on calls and Google music.
Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I found this solution on XDA. It works for me. But unfortunately after modified xml file battery drain faster than before. https://www.google.com.kh/amp/s/for.../mod-boost-call-handset-volume-t3329419/page1

Bondeth hun said:
I found this solution on XDA. It works for me. But unfortunately after modified xml file battery drain faster than before. https://www.google.com.kh/amp/s/for.../mod-boost-call-handset-volume-t3329419/page1
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you so much. At first there wasn't any difference. After a short ride in the car using Bluetooth audio, the left speaker is now back to 80℅. Better than nothing. The YouTube stereo speaker test sounds a near balance between left and right. A little more experimentation and I'll see if it can be back to the same. Thanks again.

[GUIDE] Fix front speaker distortion in Pixel 2 XL (no root)

Hello my friends!!
I actually found a way to fix front speaker distortion without root.
1) Disable Google's MusixFx App (com.android.musicfx)
2) Install an equalizer app (In my case i used Equalizer FX. Pro Free version)
3) Open the app (if you haven't disabled yet Google's MusicFx app, it will told you to do so)
4) Depending on how is affected your speaker because the bad mounting (Google's fault) you will have to play lowering the frequencies. In my case I only needed to lower 910Hz to -7db
5) No more distortion!!!....
The only down side it's that you will get a less louder speaker, but 100% enjoyable sound!
I had to return 4 devices until I decided to find a way to "fix it" without rooting... I think Google was already trying to fix it because MusicFX app was updated in latest February update. Let's see if they officially release a fix. I think I will ask for RMA again anyway...

I will try this! My RMA has the same distortion, especially during a video call. I was debating doing another RMA, but the screen seems good so I am not so pressed to do so. Thanks for the info!

ridenickel9 said:
I will try this! My RMA has the same distortion, especially during a video call. I was debating doing another RMA, but the screen seems good so I am not so pressed to do so. Thanks for the info!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hello!!... It works... But sometimes the equalizer stops working and I have to uninstall and install again... Maybe someone could find a better Equalizer app.
I did also wrote Google about this... They told me to wait and to be patient ... Because they are working "day by day" to solve this issue... That I will receive a notification when the fix is ready... Let's see... If not I will have to do RMA again...

RealCaracas said:
Hello!!... It works... But sometimes the equalizer stops working and I have to uninstall and install again... Maybe someone could find a better Equalizer app.
I did also wrote Google about this... They told me to wait and to be patient ... Because they are working "day by day" to solve this issue... That I will receive a notification when the fix is ready... Let's see... If not I will have to do RMA again...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Keep me posted please! I'm in the same boat, I was debating contacting them, but now I won't as I know I'll get the same canned message. The USB C adapter quality sucks too, I use an AuX cable in my VW and man distortion, no sound, feedback at times unsure if you guys have any issues there too?

ridenickel9 said:
Keep me posted please! I'm in the same boat, I was debating contacting them, but now I won't as I know I'll get the same canned message. The USB C adapter quality sucks too, I use an AuX cable in my VW and man distortion, no sound, feedback at times unsure if you guys have any issues there too?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have used the USB C adapter with headphones without problem (for now at least)...
If I receive any message from Google I'll update this post.

This doesn't fix the distortion for calls on speakerphone. Any idea how to achieve that without root?

The only thing I'm doing to keep the distortion at bay is by pushing the speaker grills slightly every now and then with my nails. That seems to be working. Nonetheless, these speaker combination is still better than bottom speakers. I'm enjoying way more content than I used to with my OnePlus 3T. Myy wife's OnePlus 5T speakers are louder, but still this one experiences better for me. I hope Google made them right !! But what can we do, they took a greedy mofo for CEO.

RealCaracas said:
Hello my friends!!
I actually found a way to fix front speaker distortion without root.
1) Disable Google's MusixFx App (com.android.musicfx)
2) Install an equalizer app (In my case i used Equalizer FX. Pro Free version)
3) Open the app (if you haven't disabled yet Google's MusicFx app, it will told you to do so)
4) Depending on how is affected your speaker because the bad mounting (Google's fault) you will have to play lowering the frequencies. In my case I only needed to lower 910Hz to -7db
5) No more distortion!!!....
The only down side it's that you will get a less louder speaker, but 100% enjoyable sound!
I had to return 4 devices until I decided to find a way to "fix it" without rooting... I think Google was already trying to fix it because MusicFX app was updated in latest February update. Let's see if they officially release a fix. I think I will ask for RMA again anyway...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is the solution please dude try to share it with others that they dont know how to fix it. thanks

works for pixel 3 as well
Thanks for the solution. It works for pixel 3 as well!

the best post I've seen, I had not noticed until I made the change although I notice it even if I disable the google one thanksss (You can also increase the volume from the same application and the result is maintained)

The difference in audio quality is really noticeable.. But doesn't seem to work on apps like youtube (Vanced)... Does this only work for dedicated music apps? Works flawlessly on Spotify but would love it to work at least for YouTube...

RealCaracas said:
Hello my friends!!
I actually found a way to fix front speaker distortion without root.
1) Disable Google's MusixFx App (com.android.musicfx)
2) Install an equalizer app (In my case i used Equalizer FX. Pro Free version)
3) Open the app (if you haven't disabled yet Google's MusicFx app, it will told you to do so)
4) Depending on how is affected your speaker because the bad mounting (Google's fault) you will have to play lowering the frequencies. In my case I only needed to lower 910Hz to -7db
5) No more distortion!!!....
The only down side it's that you will get a less louder speaker, but 100% enjoyable sound!
I had to return 4 devices until I decided to find a way to "fix it" without rooting... I think Google was already trying to fix it because MusicFX app was updated in latest February update. Let's see if they officially release a fix. I think I will ask for RMA again anyway...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How do I disable the app? It's not in the settings menu.
Sent from my [device_name] using XDA-Developers Legacy app

zombolt said:
How do I disable the app? It's not in the settings menu.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Go to settings, search for MusicFX. The app will come up. Click on it and select disable.

My sound quality dropped massively from one day to the next. Does anyone know if this has been an issue on the 3XL lately?
I wanted to try this did but I couldn't find the MusicFX app.