Audio only recording quality feedback? - Asus ZenFone 3 Zoom Questions & Answers

I was wondering what people have found with the audio recording quality (16bit 44khz up). I am very tempted to get the phone, but I do make casual recordings of music with my phone, and while I don't expect a lot would like a reasonable result with clarity and capturing lows, mids and highs.
The reason I'm asking is that when I've checked out video samples of the zoom, the audio at times seems very compressed and the bass squeezed out of it. I don't know though, if this might be the result of the video recording/encoding process (which I'm not so fussed about).
Feedback really appreciated!

It's definitely not great, I'd rate it as "okay".

Related

dont understand crappy audio

I dont understand it.. samsung sells video cameras ... if they sold one with the crapy audio of our phone no one would buy it and they wouldnt sell any.
So they know how to record acceptable audio.. Why cannot they tweek the audio settings when you start camera to record acceptable audio (assuming they need to be different than for a phone) and change back when exiting/using phone?
What are you comparing the audio recording to. I've seen people compare it to other phones online, and many reckoned it was quite good..
Also, you do realise that video cameras have a lot more space to work with right? The quality of todays smartphones video/audio/photos is magic considering the limited space available for sensors.
andrewluecke said:
What are you comparing the audio recording to. I've seen people compare it to other phones online, and many reckoned it was quite good..
Also, you do realise that video cameras have a lot more space to work with right? The quality of todays smartphones video/audio/photos is magic considering the limited space available for sensors.
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It's way too sensitive... I recorded a concert (and a drive in teh car) and the audio was crap. Distorted in the car, unbearable in concert (way distorted/nosiy... literally couldn't hear the actual music).
Saw other videos with phones and they were MUCH better (audio wise). And no, it wasn't an extremely loud concert.
I think the audio is really good for a phone this size. Are you comparing it to a bose system or what? Lol
Sent from my GT-I9000 using XDA App
I had the same problem with Omnia HD. The sound of videos was so poor too. It was resolved by firmware update, where the audio codec was updated.
Anyone knows if exists any firmware with an acceptable sound quality of recorded videos on i9000??
Sent from my GT-I9000 using XDA App
Playback is great, it is the recording that is a bit crazy, the mic is super sensitive.. hopefully they can adjust this in a firmware.
True i was in rally few days ago and recorded some videos from there , video quality was awesome but sound was terrible. Too sensitive mic!
Impressed by 720p capture, very disappointed with the audio.
Case in point: Recording as of today: youtube.com/watch?v=oQPov5mUTm8
not loud inside at all, just some general background noise.
Using latest official firmware from Samsung JG4 (Optus Aus)
It has one mic, designed for minimising out ambient noise during a phone call, you can't really expect it to be good at recording a concert.
Bs my kids 5800 an my wives n 85 and other Nokia phones all recorded acceptable audio.
Sent from my GT-I9000 using XDA App
OP, your meaning of "audio" should be more carefully explained.
DO you mean:
1) Audio playback?
or
2) Audio recording?
My guess is #2. Yes, the microphone is quite sensitive. There were tons of people using the Samsung Omnia ( the prior generation android smartphone) who complained about the microphone NOT being sensitive enough. So Samsung decided to make the mic more sensitive.

Extremely sound at video recording

I know it was discussed before but I just wanted to ask if there is a fix. I have turned all volume options to full and also used Audio Manager to set all of them to full. I can get good video recording quality but the sound is extremely low even if the external environment sound is too high.
I recorded my son at a concert where the volume was too high (of course) and I can hardly hear the music on the video. too bad.
I believe that the DHD records audio form the front of the device and so it misses some quality but still it's unacceptable to be that low.
Also the microphone records video audio at 32kbps bit rate, mono and 8KHz sampling rate, but the mic can record in better quality outside video recording with other software but for some reason it's like that while recording.
I think it could be to improve performance of video recording but who knows. I know it's really low and sub-standard but I don't think there's anything we can do......yet.
I think HTC follows their motto: "QUIETLY BRILLIANT"
Quiet everywhere.
That's the only thing that ****s me.
andreasy said:
I think HTC follows their motto: "QUIETLY BRILLIANT"
Quiet everywhere.
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jajajaj +1
stupid question, is this a hardware fault or a software fault?
kalairn said:
stupid question, is this a hardware fault or a software fault?
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Click to collapse
I would say software because the actual microphone can record in much better quality when you're just recording audio with some sort of a program.

M8 - Audiophile thread

We seriously need a sound quality-related thread for this phone.
I'll start first.
I think this phone's audio is OK, best I've seen by far, but not as detailed as I'd like it. I seldom change phones, so I will compare it (very neutrally) with my previous phone: Note 3.
The Note supports 24-bit/192 kHz, while this phone's international model supports 24-bit/96 kHz.
This phone's Boomsound software is actually a pretty good feature and raises just the right frequencies to the right extent, without distorting the authentic experience. But it was so loud/wild that it started to blow even my studio monitor Audio-Technica M50, which was something purely related to not up-to-the-mark coding, blowing off relatively neutral headphones.
But I just updated to 4.4.3 firmware, and they have actually improved a lot on that software deficiency. The headphones do not feel blown even at full volume, which is a giant leap considering how "sensitive" audio equalizers like BoomSound are to reach perfection. Sure, they still haven't reached perfection; audio loses detail nearly last 2 steps of volume, but it's nice to see they are actually improving on that.
Of course, I can turn off Boomsound anytime and be as authentic as anything, but for me boomsound is just a priceless software I'm yet to find in any mobile yet.
Note 3 had Adapt Sound, which is a great equalizer to tweak sound to the best too. But I like how you don't have to take an audiometry-like test just to improve sound on your phone in M8. (Not bashing Note 3's audio at all, just my preference).
I think I read in the official features of Android L that external DAC will be natively supported (correct me if I'm wrong), so I'm really looking forward to the future of audio in this phone.
P.s. I would give an arm and leg to try out Harmon Kardon mod for this phone, but I can't because of no S-Off. I really can't wait to hear the difference between Boomsound and Harmon Kardon myself. Well, until the day I can get the mod!
Sent from my HTC One_M8 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
Pay the 25 dollars...
OP, I think this thread is a good idea :good:
I hope that we will get some good input and development info here
P.S. HK on 4.4.3 is awesome!
Link: http://forum.xda-developers.com/htc...-harman-kardon-conversion-htc-one-m8-t2827439
erapmicks said:
Pay the 25 dollars...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Willing to pay, even tried all I could to pay them in *any* way but my country has no PayPal, and even a live chat with the developers could not find a workaround for the issue
I'm just refreshing their page everyday to see if new payment methods become available.
09Ram said:
OP, I think this thread is a good idea :good:
I hope that we will get some good input and development info here
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As a really really really enthusiastic audiophile who is trying all his can to learn music and stuff, I wanted views of everyone, pro or not, on this phone's audio. Can't wait to see how the feedback/discussions help us!!!
Sent from my HTC One_M8 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
Good stuff, you sound like you know your stuff What is your opinion of the stock earbuds that come with the phone?
WarCow said:
Good stuff, you sound like you know your stuff What is your opinion of the stock earbuds that come with the phone?
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Just like HTC's previous ear buds which came with M7, they lean towards a more bass-y sound. The sound is hence easier on the ears, and the best point about these earplugs is that they are at least able to playback all (OK, not all, but a lot more than any I've seen come from any phone) frequencies. This is most noticeable as the lower frequencies, the bass, is actually *booming* at lower volumes with these earplugs. Which is relatively hard to attain in earphones.
But apart from bass being good (which targets a more encompassing audience which likes bass-y music), the sound maintains its balance. It's not obsessively bass-y, and not too peaked at higher frequencies too.
The new 4.4.3 update made the audio more "muddier/bass-y/low frequency-focused", than I'd like though. It is, in my opinion, a downgrade from previous version. But yes, an upgrade in the part that the crucial frequencies aren't "blown" like the previous one.
Let me give you my point of view. How *I* like my music. I like it as authentic as possible. I'm what you might call an audio purist/fundamentalist person.
One last point about the earphones. The earphones are a bit fatiguing. They fatigue my ear more than other earphones I've tried, despite the easier, softer audio focus.
Sent from my HTC One_M8 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
Great thread! I do really enjoy good audio myself!
What I regret is that I converted my phone to Google Play Edition and that really changes how boomsound works. I am going back to Sense.
In my case, and I do not know why I am the only one that notices, but the soundstage goes on and off when listening to music and touching the home button. Stay away from GPE people.
In regards to the headphones I think they're pretty good too considering they're $6 earbuds. Lots of people say "Hey this earbuds suck" but what they do not know is that the plug size really MATTERS!!! If you don't choose the correct plug size any earbuds sound like crap.
I would really like to test the V-Moda Crossfade m-100 headphones on my phone, but I spent the money on a Samsung Gear Live I had the V-Moda Crossfade LP2s and sold them, they are great but bass-y (I don't have much time to use headphones), I use my car audio and my home theater system (MartinLogan speakers + Denon A/V receiver).
I converted my m8 to EU stock rom so I haven't tested it thoroughly yet. I did like the sound on .2 minus boomsound. BS was OK on some hip hop but overpowering on other genres. I've been working too much OT to test but has the mono USB audio out been fixed? I don't think many people noticed that that use external DAC s. Output through my JDS labs CD5 was mono but headphone out was still awesome. Has anybody noticed if it's been fixed?
Sent from HTC One_M8 using hofo app.
Sry in advance, too long post :<
Jamal Ahmed said:
This phone's Boomsound software is actually a pretty good feature and raises just the right frequencies to the right extent, without distorting the authentic experience. But it was so loud/wild that it started to blow even my studio monitor Audio-Technica M50, which was something purely related to not up-to-the-mark coding, blowing off relatively neutral headphones.
But I just updated to 4.4.3 firmware, and they have actually improved a lot on that software deficiency. The headphones do not feel blown even at full volume, which is a giant leap considering how "sensitive" audio equalizers like BoomSound are to reach perfection. Sure, they still haven't reached perfection; audio loses detail nearly last 2 steps of volume, but it's nice to see they are actually improving on that.
Of course, I can turn off Boomsound anytime and be as authentic as anything, but for me boomsound is just a priceless software I'm yet to find in any mobile yet.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How can you call this an Audiophile thread with these claims? (no offense tho).
Boomsound is the by far most horrible crap, you can use for headphones, if you truly want a high audio quality.
And i am not talking about, that you might "like" the different sounding, when the bass/treble is raised, and the mids are lowered.
I talk about the PURE quality of the sound. Its worse. It is. Noise and distortion are by worlds higher. With my Beyerdynamic T90 (yes, treble peak.. but still) and also with my pretty neutal Logitech UE 900 it was not listenable. The treble distorted in alot songs, it hurts in the ears etc.
I still DO think, if Boomsound would do the same, but NOT raise the treble, if would be by miles better as a "fun-setting". But like this, its not usable, tbh.
Also, if you want a sorce besides my ears: http://www.anandtech.com/show/8078/smartphone-audio-testing-htc-one-m8-and-samsung-galaxy-s5/2
Scroll down.
Comparing the THD+N ratio of BoomSound On to Off shows far more noise and distortion as well. If you want boomy bass, a harsh top-end, and no midrange, then use BoomSound. A better choice is to find headphones that suit your listening preferences more.
Click to expand...
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Jamal Ahmed said:
I think I read in the official features of Android L that external DAC will be natively supported (correct me if I'm wrong), so I'm really looking forward to the future of audio in this phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If I am not mistaken, this feature is supported by Android from version 4.3 onwards. So, witha Fiio E07k, E18~ you should be able to use it as a DAC. In the M8 audio quality thread on head-fi.org, one User uses the E18 with this, and can't disable Boomsound, while using an external DAC.
Jamal Ahmed said:
P.s. I would give an arm and leg to try out Harmon Kardon mod for this phone, but I can't because of no S-Off. I really can't wait to hear the difference between Boomsound and Harmon Kardon myself. Well, until the day I can get the mod!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Even if i do absolutely not share your opinion about Boomsound via Headphones, you might still be interested in my opinion in this comparison.
Boomsound:
Just a cheap EQ setting. Works well together with the external speakers, but is pretty crap for Headphones (maybe its fine with dull headphones, which dont have good treble/clarity. Maybe Shure SE 215, or some other basshead headphones).
I truly cant recommend it. And like i said, its NOT because the EQ setting changes the "true sound" (i like the Use of EQs to do some fine tuning if needed), but because using this raises the noise AND distortion by a good bunch. You can hear that strongly. At least i can.
PLUS, theres one big thing: This is just ONE strong agressive Preset of an EQ. Bass below 120 hz gets +5db, lower mids (120-1000 Hz) gets lowered by up to -5 dB, while the frequencies from 2000 up to 10k+ Hz) gets raised by 4,5db. Above 10k Hz its even above 5 dB).
This makes the difference Bass/treble, to the Mids from 0 dB to 10 dB, since +5 and -5 adds to 10. Thats a really hard difference.
So, in conclusion: Depending on headphones, this might sound better, or actually MUCH worse.
Bassy headphones, lets take your M50s, already have strong bass. Depending on frequency response, that bass could even "overlap" the mids, if the bass is too strong. you can see that on beats headphones. With Boomsound, the bass gets even more stronger, and the mids will get even more back in the background. Alot Headphones, that have a V-curve (and so naturally weaks in the mids) gets even weaker mids.
Also, depending on your headphones also as with the Audio files, the distortion gets raised by a little, or maybe by A LOT.
If you are not happy with your Headphone sounding, you should maybe try another Headphone.
If you just need some fine tuning, then you are by MILES better, if you just use PowerAmp, and its Equalizer, since it can react like a million times better to the individual frequency response of the headphones, and to your own personal taste. Boomsound here is more like "boom in your face. be happy with it, or cry"
Harman & Kardon Soundmod:
Now, this thing is alot different. This is actually Not an Equalizer, like Boomsound. H&K's "Clear-Fi" technology tries to take a strongly compressed Audiofile, and tries to recreate the missing parts.
So, it tries to raise the pure "compressed" audioquality of bad audiofiles.
I personally have mostly 256+ kbit/s MP3s, and Flacs. So, this technology wont help much. it sounds almost the exact same --> not really usefull. You just wont hear much of a difference, unless your Files have a bad quality. And if they do, then get better quality files, instead of such a software, that might not even work well enough.
But, this Soundmod disables Boomsound. Yes, you can find a "trick", where you change the Boomsound parameter from false to true in a script, and enabling it back in the menu. But, it will NOT be active. its like just menu decoration. The "boomsound" sign in the task bar will not be there - Not even with external speakers.
Boomsound is made ONLY for the External speakers, they work together quite well. Without Boomsound (ergo, with H&K soundmod flashed), the External speakers will sound much more thin/tinny. I have yet to find a way to have Boomsound for the speakers, and H&K Soundmod for headphones. Unless theres something new here, this is not possible together.
Lets go a bit deeper into the Audiophile theorycrafting:
H&K's "Clear-Fi", and its purpose might sound awesome. But it has its negative sights:
- It only helps on Crappy Audiophiles. Someone, who cares about audio quality will not use <128 kbit/s mp3s. At LEAST 192, but more 256-320 Kbit/s or even flac. So this will not help you, as the compression on 256+ is not strong enough, to make a difference (also, because most songs have a crappy quality from beeing badly mastered)
- The thoughts behind clear-fi are adressing the "problem" at the totally wrong spot. On most songs, it just does not matter, what file quality (bitrate etc) you use, because most songs are just really really crappy mastered in the studio. Its because alot people dont care about audio quality. so they use cheap crap, like beats headphones, logitech speakers for 30 bucks, and 10 bucks earphones etc. Crappy mastered/produced music sounds better on cheap devices, than a high quality master.
I mean, how are you supposed to "guess" the higher quality, if the artists arent producing high quality music?
I think, the following is a perfect comparison:
You create a 480p Movie, and try to upscale it into 1080p using a cheap software... Do you honestly think, that will raise the quality? I personally don't..
So, to make it pretty short: The worse your File quality is (and higher the file compression), the more "Clear-Fi" might make a difference.
The higher the file quality, the less difference this will make.
To get a high audio quality into your ears, you need a different priority:
1. The Song must be produced in a good/high quality. Much more important, than Bitrate. For example: Michael Jackson's Thriller album at 128 kbit/s will sound much better, than the new Linkin Park Album in 320 kbit+. (i like linkin park, but the new album has such an incredible low quality... its like zero fun listening to it, when you have really good headphones)
2. You need good headphones (Besides the master quality headphones are responsible for like 70-90% of the Audioquality. The REST comes from the DAC/AMP)
3. DAC / AMP Quality
The "Chain" is important. If just one part of it has a low quality, the whole chain will sound low.
good thread, I like quality audio too and use my M8 for music player, stream music at home etc
have a few high quality headphones like Sennheiser On Ear momentum, shure se215, hifiman re 400 and NAD HP50
with boomsound turned on, headphones sound awefull then I realised that it can be turned off with headpohone is connected, and with that off, sound quality is clean and crisp
I like neutral sound, true to source but maybe a bit high on treble....so far sound quality is good and is comparable to my previous note 3...note 3 was the best clean souding phone I hear so far though
any other suggestion to get a clean sound would be much helpfull
Long post (Darkseth), but ultimately just regurgitated from other audiophile nonsense. Boomsound is fine, and it's just elitist to claim it is anything else.
Most people like more bass in their music, most artists sound crap when played back without EQ. You can like it how it's meant to sound but artists want what THEY like, not what I like.
My favorite sound is poweramp music player with bass and treble cranked up, the mid tones almost removed as they sound rubbish with almost all music, and boomsound on top.
I am A1 qualified audiophile with qualifications from the school of knowing what I like
/bowing out and sorry if I derail anything.
The main reason for flashing the H/K mod is that it updates the adsp firmware to support 24bit 192kHz instead the 16bit 96kHz of the standard M8. Loaded up with hi-res flac files and through my Westone 4r's, the difference is night and day to me.
WESBAR said:
The main reason for flashing the H/K mod is that it updates the adsp firmware to support 24bit 192kHz instead the 16bit 96kHz of the standard M8. Loaded up with hi-res flac files and through my Westone 4r's, the difference is night and day to me.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
do you hear any difference bwn 192kHz and 96kHz ? tried myself but no difference in quality and head-fi also has many reviewers say no difference but file size just increase a lot
Hey everyone, I'll say I'm an audiophile just because I like good quality, not because I have any knowledge, so this being said what do you guys have to say about ProjectERA?
HtcOneJon said:
Long post (Darkseth), but ultimately just regurgitated from other audiophile nonsense. Boomsound is fine, and it's just elitist to claim it is anything else.
Most people like more bass in their music, most artists sound crap when played back without EQ. You can like it how it's meant to sound but artists want what THEY like, not what I like.
My favorite sound is poweramp music player with bass and treble cranked up, the mid tones almost removed as they sound rubbish with almost all music, and boomsound on top.
I am A1 qualified audiophile with qualifications from the school of knowing what I like
/bowing out and sorry if I derail anything.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sarcasm? If yes, then thx for that giggle mate
thecrab93 said:
Hey everyone, I'll say I'm an audiophile just because I like good quality, not because I have any knowledge, so this being said what do you guys have to say about ProjectERA?
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Click to collapse
Sounds like a good thing. I also had it flashed for a short time... Cant really claim, i heared a difference. But when you reboot into recovery, flash and reboot, thats too much time passed, to be able to really compare it.
You would need 2 devices, one with, one without ProjectERA mod, to really be able to compare it i think.
soo.... difficult to say.
Darkseth said:
Sry in advance, too long post :<
How can you call this an Audiophile thread with these claims? (no offense tho).
Boomsound is the by far most horrible crap, you can use for headphones, if you truly want a high audio quality.
And i am not talking about, that you might "like" the different sounding, when the bass/treble is raised, and the mids are lowered.
I talk about the PURE quality of the sound. Its worse. It is. Noise and distortion are by worlds higher. With my Beyerdynamic T90 (yes, treble peak.. but still) and also with my pretty neutal Logitech UE 900 it was not listenable. The treble distorted in alot songs, it hurts in the ears etc.
I still DO think, if Boomsound would do the same, but NOT raise the treble, if would be by miles better as a "fun-setting". But like this, its not usable, tbh.
Also, if you want a sorce besides my ears: http://www.anandtech.com/show/8078/smartphone-audio-testing-htc-one-m8-and-samsung-galaxy-s5/2
Scroll down.
If I am not mistaken, this feature is supported by Android from version 4.3 onwards. So, witha Fiio E07k, E18~ you should be able to use it as a DAC. In the M8 audio quality thread on head-fi.org, one User uses the E18 with this, and can't disable Boomsound, while using an external DAC.
Even if i do absolutely not share your opinion about Boomsound via Headphones, you might still be interested in my opinion in this comparison.
Boomsound:
Just a cheap EQ setting. Works well together with the external speakers, but is pretty crap for Headphones (maybe its fine with dull headphones, which dont have good treble/clarity. Maybe Shure SE 215, or some other basshead headphones).
I truly cant recommend it. And like i said, its NOT because the EQ setting changes the "true sound" (i like the Use of EQs to do some fine tuning if needed), but because using this raises the noise AND distortion by a good bunch. You can hear that strongly. At least i can.
PLUS, theres one big thing: This is just ONE strong agressive Preset of an EQ. Bass below 120 hz gets +5db, lower mids (120-1000 Hz) gets lowered by up to -5 dB, while the frequencies from 2000 up to 10k+ Hz) gets raised by 4,5db. Above 10k Hz its even above 5 dB).
This makes the difference Bass/treble, to the Mids from 0 dB to 10 dB, since +5 and -5 adds to 10. Thats a really hard difference.
So, in conclusion: Depending on headphones, this might sound better, or actually MUCH worse.
Bassy headphones, lets take your M50s, already have strong bass. Depending on frequency response, that bass could even "overlap" the mids, if the bass is too strong. you can see that on beats headphones. With Boomsound, the bass gets even more stronger, and the mids will get even more back in the background. Alot Headphones, that have a V-curve (and so naturally weaks in the mids) gets even weaker mids.
Also, depending on your headphones also as with the Audio files, the distortion gets raised by a little, or maybe by A LOT.
If you are not happy with your Headphone sounding, you should maybe try another Headphone.
If you just need some fine tuning, then you are by MILES better, if you just use PowerAmp, and its Equalizer, since it can react like a million times better to the individual frequency response of the headphones, and to your own personal taste. Boomsound here is more like "boom in your face. be happy with it, or cry"
Harman & Kardon Soundmod:
Now, this thing is alot different. This is actually Not an Equalizer, like Boomsound. H&K's "Clear-Fi" technology tries to take a strongly compressed Audiofile, and tries to recreate the missing parts.
So, it tries to raise the pure "compressed" audioquality of bad audiofiles.
I personally have mostly 256+ kbit/s MP3s, and Flacs. So, this technology wont help much. it sounds almost the exact same --> not really usefull. You just wont hear much of a difference, unless your Files have a bad quality. And if they do, then get better quality files, instead of such a software, that might not even work well enough.
But, this Soundmod disables Boomsound. Yes, you can find a "trick", where you change the Boomsound parameter from false to true in a script, and enabling it back in the menu. But, it will NOT be active. its like just menu decoration. The "boomsound" sign in the task bar will not be there - Not even with external speakers.
Boomsound is made ONLY for the External speakers, they work together quite well. Without Boomsound (ergo, with H&K soundmod flashed), the External speakers will sound much more thin/tinny. I have yet to find a way to have Boomsound for the speakers, and H&K Soundmod for headphones. Unless theres something new here, this is not possible together.
Lets go a bit deeper into the Audiophile theorycrafting:
H&K's "Clear-Fi", and its purpose might sound awesome. But it has its negative sights:
- It only helps on Crappy Audiophiles. Someone, who cares about audio quality will not use <128 kbit/s mp3s. At LEAST 192, but more 256-320 Kbit/s or even flac. So this will not help you, as the compression on 256+ is not strong enough, to make a difference (also, because most songs have a crappy quality from beeing badly mastered)
- The thoughts behind clear-fi are adressing the "problem" at the totally wrong spot. On most songs, it just does not matter, what file quality (bitrate etc) you use, because most songs are just really really crappy mastered in the studio. Its because alot people dont care about audio quality. so they use cheap crap, like beats headphones, logitech speakers for 30 bucks, and 10 bucks earphones etc. Crappy mastered/produced music sounds better on cheap devices, than a high quality master.
I mean, how are you supposed to "guess" the higher quality, if the artists arent producing high quality music?
I think, the following is a perfect comparison:
You create a 480p Movie, and try to upscale it into 1080p using a cheap software... Do you honestly think, that will raise the quality? I personally don't..
So, to make it pretty short: The worse your File quality is (and higher the file compression), the more "Clear-Fi" might make a difference.
The higher the file quality, the less difference this will make.
To get a high audio quality into your ears, you need a different priority:
1. The Song must be produced in a good/high quality. Much more important, than Bitrate. For example: Michael Jackson's Thriller album at 128 kbit/s will sound much better, than the new Linkin Park Album in 320 kbit+. (i like linkin park, but the new album has such an incredible low quality... its like zero fun listening to it, when you have really good headphones)
2. You need good headphones (Besides the master quality headphones are responsible for like 70-90% of the Audioquality. The REST comes from the DAC/AMP)
3. DAC / AMP Quality
The "Chain" is important. If just one part of it has a low quality, the whole chain will sound low.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I completely agree with you
best: H / K for MP3 and Boumsound for speakers
the speakers do have a bad sound without boumsound
Viper4Android is very good to improve the quality but I did not try on the M8
saj2001ind said:
do you hear any difference bwn 192kHz and 96kHz ? tried myself but no difference in quality and head-fi also has many reviewers say no difference but file size just increase a lot
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I can hear the difference. 192kHz has a little more sparkle to me, especially the highs. Probably an exagerration to say night and day but I can hear it.
I like 24 bit 192 kHz more because it is easier to use hi-end equipment on it, and still be as authentic as possible. Logically, low resolution would sound worse to worst as the quality of your equipment goes higher. Hi-res has one advantage, if any, that it assures you that if you have invested more in your equipment, it won't go to waste all the time you are listening to audio on mobile.
and AFAIK 24 bit 192 kHz is the max supported resolution by headphones of even a pretty high caliber.
Hey OP. What else did you notice out of the 4.4.3 updpate that is so diff from 4.4.2? Sorry for changing topic lol
I can't stand BoomSound as it makes the music sound horrible and unrealistic (it works for the external speakers though). It does very weird things with the sound with headphones. I did not like the Harman Kardon mod either. It just pumped up the highs and has too low bass. Ironically it too sounded very bad in my Harman Kardon CL headphones. Though better than BoomSound.
I rather go flat than use any of those mods and any "audiphile" would agree. It might be good for cheaper heaphones though.
However Viper4Android is another story. With it you can customise the sound without destroying it and give it a richer character. I am extremely happy with it.

Audio quality when recording video (especially very loud environments)?

I'm just comparing this to the One M8 which is my current phone, and to be honest this is almost as good, if not better than the M8 is almost all aspects. One thing which I'm curious about though, which is very under-reported in all media and all reviews, is how the audio quality is when recording very loud things during video recording. To me, there are only 3 phones which are capable of recording things like concerts, street music performances or other really loud things and not have the audio quality make you cringe - The Nokia 808, Nokia 1020 and the One/One M8. Those phones have special microphones which make recording things like music concerts absolutely possible without the sound distorting to a horrible degree.
So how is the Z3 in this respect? The Z2 was just as bad as any other phone other than the 3 I listed above, so I expect the Z3 is just as bad, but I'd like to find a definitive answer before passing judgement.
I GOT A Z2 AND WHEN I RECORD VIDEOS IN THE CLUB ( VERY LOUD BOOM) i use http://www.sonymobile.com/global-en/products/accessories/stereo-microphone-stm10/ and sound is better than any phone out there now if u try without it forget it bad hopefully it would work on the z3
Is the audio quality only bad with loud music /loud noise?? I wouldnt expect a camera phone to record a video at a concert with high quality audio to be fair but would be awesome if it could
To be honest man, with z2 forget about recording at really loud concerts, they somehow ****ed up software-wise recording mic gain...
I would love an answer to this as well...I'm excited for this device to be available stateside. I'm coming from owning galaxy phones since the SII and I would like a change. All the galaxy phones I've had were terrible at recording in very loud environments. My girlfriend's Iphone would do great.
[kEkA] said:
To be honest man, with z2 forget about recording at really loud concerts, they somehow ****ed up software-wise recording mic gain...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
almost any android sounds bad in loud environments( htc one m8 sounds decent) thats why sony came out the smp10 or whatever the name is for it using that microphone connect it to ur z2 sounds is amazing i show u i recorded this at a erasure concert http://youtu.be/Jj14G_-F24k and this one is in a club LOUD 4K btw http://youtu.be/4YRAmzn-APo all of those video were recorded using a z2 this one with a lumia 1520 http://youtu.be/5KVPxgIMwQU
Wondering about this one as well, read that the Z3 actually has different recording modes for audio including a concert one so it might actually finally be addressed! Usually the sensitivity is way too high for concerts with phones... But I haven't actually been able to find any results. Had the Lumia930 (and 920) which were also excellent for concerts...
And getting additional mics for me isn't really an option unfortunately...
Looked up the link: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=55458948&postcount=41
Yes, three audio recording modes now and auto. Not yet tried video in a loud environment, but have to assume it's better than the Z2 (not hard).
Smeghead_ said:
I'm just comparing this to the One M8 which is my current phone, and to be honest this is almost as good, if not better than the M8 is almost all aspects. One thing which I'm curious about though, which is very under-reported in all media and all reviews, is how the audio quality is when recording very loud things during video recording. To me, there are only 3 phones which are capable of recording things like concerts, street music performances or other really loud things and not have the audio quality make you cringe - The Nokia 808, Nokia 1020 and the One/One M8. Those phones have special microphones which make recording things like music concerts absolutely possible without the sound distorting to a horrible degree.
So how is the Z3 in this respect? The Z2 was just as bad as any other phone other than the 3 I listed above, so I expect the Z3 is just as bad, but I'd like to find a definitive answer before passing judgement.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Lol. Didn't you know htc had to change there audio capture setup as they copied a patent by nokia so only early htc one phones were good at capturing loud music. Htc had to revise mics and capture of audio got worst with newer models.
http://www.dailytech.com/Nokia+Wins...+to+Sink+Struggling+Handsets/article30403.htm
ipmanwck said:
Lol. Didn't you know htc had to change there audio capture setup as they copied a patent by nokia so only early htc one phones were good at capturing loud music. Htc had to revise mics and capture of audio got worst with newer models.
http://www.dailytech.com/Nokia+Wins...+to+Sink+Struggling+Handsets/article30403.htm
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I thought HTC eventually came to some sort of agreement with Nokia and it's all been sorted now?
I know the LG G3 made a big deal of recording in loud environments, and when I tested video recording on that earlier in the year, I noticed it's extremely directional too,
I can only hope Sony has improved things massively, to have even added a menu option to let you choose.
ajftl said:
almost any android sounds bad in loud environments( htc one m8 sounds decent) thats why sony came out the smp10 or whatever the name is for it using that microphone connect it to ur z2 sounds is amazing i show u i recorded this at a erasure concert http://youtu.be/Jj14G_-F24k and this one is in a club LOUD 4K btw http://youtu.be/4YRAmzn-APo all of those video were recorded using a z2 this one with a lumia 1520 http://youtu.be/5KVPxgIMwQU
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am sure that there is a way to fix that,
Few days ago I've been in a very very loud place, in a club. I wanted to send some recordings and since that person didn't have viber I did it via facebook messenger, I was more then surprised how good it recorded, and it made think that theres something wrong with software they are making, with the mic gain, but not with the OS or hardware itself.
I can't wait for someone to post their impressions of z3 in loud place.
I'm only gonna be sad that I won't be changing my z2 in next one or two years, which is perfect for me in any way, if z3 proves to be better and audio recording.
I would this weekend. I got a z3 in my hands I would try with and without the smp10
Don't forget to inform us please, if its gonna be positive im gonna think of selling z2 and getting z3 compact then.
Blaalad12 said:
Is the audio quality only bad with loud music /loud noise?? I wouldnt expect a camera phone to record a video at a concert with high quality audio to be fair but would be awesome if it could
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The M8 records concert sound absolutely great, and the M7 before it did it even better. I do not hold up too much hope of the Z3 doing the same as it is not quite the beast the M8 is.
As for Nokia patents, pretty sure that was sorted as M8 concert recordings sure sound like they use HDR mics.
After that I had a problem with distorted sound
Video shooting on my xperia z1
I solved it through PIMP MY XPERIA Z1
I reduced the microphone volume in five levels
And now he Recorder
Great
Before
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q9rTrkEnvjo
Listen to the recording quality in youtube
After
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q4Tf29RQXQE
pimp my z1...doest it work on...z3? (mic level volume control..?)
guybrush2099 said:
pimp my z1...doest it work on...z3? (mic level volume control..?)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No need to use any "pimping". Simply play only the sound from the right microphone (VLC player has this option for example). Sony did a **** job with mics. Left is much worse than right. So when you mix it to stereo the result is pure crap. But if you play the sound only from the right mic, it's pretty good, it's mono of course, but at least it sounds a little bit like real world
guybrush2099 said:
pimp my z1...doest it work on...z3? (mic level volume control..?)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yes new the mic is perfect
So..anyone tried to record in a loud environment with the Z3? How is it??
I record this video with Xperia Z3 , with low Sensitivity mic setting, and cinema fv-5 for touch focus, the audio output is low because i set mono recording (64kbps, 22khz), but if you put in stereo and aac-he, the output is (157kbps, 48khz), i think is very good in loud environments.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uqGVmbwmXqQ

Xperia Z2 FW 23.0.1.A.0.167: Sony Stock Headsets Review + Tips (MH410 / MDR-NC31EM)

DISCLAIMER: I'm no audiophile, but I have very good pitch, and a brain.
I also recommend against using ClearAudio+ (I'll explain why at the end) but instead using equalizer settings to tune music for a specific headset.
Hi everyone! When I first received my Sony Xperia Z2, I had just lost my favorite pair of in-ear headphones, a set of Kramer-modded JVC HA-FX35, and were stuck with the stock MH410c earbuds. Needless to say, these were very poor sounding, and only marginally improved with the Sony 5-band equalizer. I found the Digital Noise Cancelling MDR-NC31EM could be of use to me, so I ordered a pair.
________________________________________________
What I found in these two headsets is as follows:
MH410c - extremely forward, boxy (think cheap speakers playing in a cardboard box) and congested / stuffy sounding midrange, lacking bass extension below ~200 hz and heavy treble fall off after 8 khz, with instruments and voices bleeding over top of each other with cloudy attack (beginning of sounds are not sharp)
MDR-NC31EM - very bass heavy, full sounding, otherwise relatively flat from ~1khz into the upper midrange but lacking definition in sounds above the vocal range such as hi-hats and symbols with a smothered type sound. Some users prefer this kind of experience (think Dr. Dre Beats) but I'd rather stray away. Once I bought the noise cancelling headset, I proceeded to work on an equalizer to balance out the sound on Android 4.4.2. The old earbuds, I packed up in case I would need it someday. I found that even though I could correct the frequency response pretty well, but highs (hi-hat) were somewhat grainy and lacking true detail.
________________________________________________
Here's where the new update comes in. With the 4.4.4 update, Sony incorporated a new set of audio settings. Included with the new build, are preset equalizers for several Sony headsets.
{
"lightbox_close": "Close",
"lightbox_next": "Next",
"lightbox_previous": "Previous",
"lightbox_error": "The requested content cannot be loaded. Please try again later.",
"lightbox_start_slideshow": "Start slideshow",
"lightbox_stop_slideshow": "Stop slideshow",
"lightbox_full_screen": "Full screen",
"lightbox_thumbnails": "Thumbnails",
"lightbox_download": "Download",
"lightbox_share": "Share",
"lightbox_zoom": "Zoom",
"lightbox_new_window": "New window",
"lightbox_toggle_sidebar": "Toggle sidebar"
}
These are designed to give each headset a more flat frequency response curve to enhance the accuracy and sound quality. They work pretty well, however I found that both the MH410 and MDR-NC31EM presets make the headsets sound grainy and gritty in the highs due to the distortion created by heavily boosting these frequencies. Noise Cancellation is not available without selecting the MDR-NC31EM preset.
________________________________________________
The MH410 preset flattens sound out pretty well. Lower midrange is still a bit prevalent and there is some lingering harmonic distortion in the midrange with grainy highs above 12khz. I found the following equalizer settings to work well over top of the preset:
400 hz: -2
1 khz: -2
2.5 khz: -1
6 khz: +1
16 khz: -2
Clear Bass: +2
This helps further control the midrange and removes some grain out of the upper highs. Some depth is added to the sound without too much sibilance at 6 khz. Adding more bass is worthless, as it muddies the sound because Sony is already heavily boosting the bass in the preset.
The MDR-NC31EM preset instantly adds clarity and treble extension to the headset. Treble is increased, and treble now extends up closer to top-end 20 khz much better than it did before, albeit with some distortion and grain. The bass is very slightly reduced, and tightened up somewhat. The overall sound feels much less sloppy and more like something I would enjoy listening to, though mostly still feels full and warm.
My equalizer settings applied over the preset:
400 hz: -2
1 khz: +1
2.5 khz: +1
6 khz: +2
16 khz: -2
Clear Bass: 0
This helps bring out the midrange which felt somewhat recessed to me, and slightly reduces the grainy upper treble.
________________________________________________
ClearAudio+: Why not use it? It's supposed to optimize sound settings, but often does the opposite. ClearAudio+ I've found helps in only one situation, when you need to boost front-facing speaker volume in a loud area.
Regardless of what headphones you have plugged in, ClearAudio+ typically does two things: Boosts upper midrange and treble, and automatically reduces the stereo width (stereo sound) which you can also do separately by applying similar settings in the equalizer and setting the "Surround sound (VPT)" settings, specifically the "Studio" option.
ClearAudio+ in my opinion is nothing more than a gimmick, some people perceive extra treble as extra clarity, but this is not the case. You lose definition in lower voices such as guitars, trombones, baritone voices, or what else you may be listening to with this option enabled.
________________________________________________
In conclusion, I hope this thread helps other Xperia Z2 (as well as Z3, Z3v users, if they read it!) understand the new audio settings and the optimal way to use them. My example equalizer settings are nothing more than examples and what I prefer, you have different ears that were made a different way and you may prefer something slightly different. I'm a little deaf anyway from years of trumpet playing and concerts though I still have a pretty good ear.
I hope you find this helpful, and if you do or don't, feel free to input your thoughts and hit the thanks button!
Excellent post, shame that my Z2 doesn't work with my MDR-NC31EM anymore. My Z3TC does though so I will definitely use these settings on here!
Any idea whether the Newly implemented DSEE HX audio feature actually help the quality of the music playback or cause more harm instead?
Sent from my D6503 using XDA Free mobile app
Stalkalainen said:
Excellent post, shame that my Z2 doesn't work with my MDR-NC31EM anymore. My Z3TC does though so I will definitely use these settings on here!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Is there an issue with your Z2? That stinks.
chaud said:
Any idea whether the Newly implemented DSEE HX audio feature actually help the quality of the music playback or cause more harm instead?
Sent from my D6503 using XDA Free mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't use the Walkman app or play MP3s. I use Spotify on their highest quality setting, which is a 320 kbps Ogg Vorbis file at near-lossless quality. Get ready for a long, detailed and technical response, though.
The DSEE HX audio function is designed to replace lost information in low bitrate MP3 and AAC files.
MP3 is the most common compression codec as well as one of the worst in efficiency, though many are moving away from it.
AAC files are the standard compression format for iTunes downloads, for example. It has somewhat better sound at the same bitrate as MP3.
Before getting too much into the technical talk, it's important to understand that during music compression, information is lost or distorted. It's very similar to same as JPEG compression-
Obviously, the compression saves lots of space but reduces quality of the image. Audio compression works in pretty much the same way. Where JPEG compression loses detail in fine lines and details, audio compression, especially MP3, loses lots and lots of high treble and can muddy and distort sounds from base to midrange especially with attack. You end up with loose sounding bass notes, and a sort of metallic-ringing with midrange sounds.
For example, here's a listening comparison.
64 kbps MP3 / AAC
http://nigelcoldwell.co.uk/audio/mp3vbr/abr064.mp3
http://nigelcoldwell.co.uk/audio/aacs/aac-064.m4a
128 kbps MP3
http://nigelcoldwell.co.uk/audio/mp3vbr/abr128.mp3
320 kbps OGG (lets pretend this is the lossless source file)
http://nigelcoldwell.co.uk/audio/oggs/ogg-09-11(320).ogg
Source: http://nigelcoldwell.co.uk/audio/
You can tell that the compressed files don't actually sound too bad, but if you pay attention, you'll notice the 64 kbps files sound kind of sloppy in general and in all three compressed files, the drum track at 20 seconds, and the following clip too, sound very deflated because they're lacking the treble extension of the high bitrate file. The whole idea of DSEE HX is to reclaim this treble extension and bring the frequency response of the file back closer to the original lossless file. To be honest, there isn't much Sony can do with the rest of the distortion. Once data is totally lost, or, say, disfigured, it's pretty much there to stay. Trying to fix all of this might seem like a good idea in theory, and it makes a nice selling point for their marketing team, but I don't think it really helps anything.
First off, if you can't hear the difference in the files, or say, maybe you can't hear a difference between the 64 kbps MP3 and 320 kbps OGG Vorbis files, or possibly, you don't even care, then it's probably not going to make your entire collection of low bitrate MP3s sound any better to you.
Second, if you can hear the difference in the files, and you prefer the high quality audio, DSEE HX is not going to magically make the 64 kbps MP3 sound anything like the high bitrate file. What the software is going to do, is essentially listen to your music playback and plot out a frequency response graph. It will then say, "Hey, I think this is compressed too much because there is almost no treble beyond 14 khz." ... it will then take the almost-no-treble and boost it to a level it thinks would be closer to a high bitrate file. This sounds nifty, but I'd say "it's trying to make something out of nothing". What's left of the treble extension that would normally be in a high bitrate file is usually left very quiet and very distorted in a low-bitrate MP3. You just end up with lots of harsh metallic grainy sounds because it's trying to boost the treble from ridiculously silent to audible again.
Plus, the issue compounds on itself. The more compression you've used, the more DSEE HX has to compensate (read then see the 128 kbps MP3 graph below, It has almost zero information above 16 kHz...), and the less it has to work with. If you've got an entire library of 192 kbps MP3s or 160 kbps OGG / AAC with less dramatic compression artifacts and information loss, maybe it will help reclaim a little, but that's subjective and the scenario is unlikely. TL;DR, So no, DSEE HX will not help.
Here are some visual graphs that also explain what happens -
These are basically heat graphs of the frequencies over the length of the song. Y axis is frequency, X axis is time (song playing, beginning to end). Deep red means there is a lot of that frequency playing, purple is a little bit, and black is nothing.
(Source: http://www.torrentech.org/index.php?act=Help&CODE=01&HID=56)
FLAC (I Feel You, Depeche Mode) 31.2 MB filesize
As you see here, treble extends up to 21 kHz and there is a gradual fade from bass to top end treble. This is normal and corresponds with the way the music was meant to be heard. Nobody wants to hear a constant and harsh drone of noises in the 16-22 kHz range, because that's unnatural. However, it's important that those are there because sounds that we hear are typically made up of many harmonic frequencies that blend together to give the sound of whatever object. Hi-hats are good examples of an instrument that sounds much different without treble even though most of the sound from them occurs in the midrange.
Here's a 128 kbps MP3 file of the same song -
LAME mp3 128 kbps (I Feel You, Depeche Mode) 4.3 MB filesize
As you can see, even at 128 kbps, you've already lost almost all treble extension above 16 kHz. This is a trademark "feature" of the MP3 codec. DSEE HX tries to reclaim what you saw from the FLAC graph from this graph. How well do you think that works? If you look closely too, you'll see the graphs don't even look the same in the midrange and bass range. There is distortion due to the compression.
________________________________________________________
Also-
The High Resolution Audio function in the sound settings, only upsamples the system audio from 44.1 (CD standard) / 48 kHz (DVD standard) sampling rate to 96 / 192 kHz. This is useless unless you have a dedicated USB headphone amp and your source files are something like lossless FLAC encoded at 96 kHz.
What about Sony MDR-XB60/NC In Ear Earphones (Gold)? Anyone having it? Are they too noise cancelling?
any Equalizer setting for MH750 ? I had this when bought Z Ultra, now my zu damaged. Im comfortble using this earbud headset since earphone that inside Z2 box make my ear pain
try these silicon ear tips if you're using in ears
http://www.my-ear.com.tw/spinfit-tips/
i use them on my UE900 and they fit like a glove -- and sounds brilliant too thanks to better seal
The sound quality is truly amazing on 4.4.4
I bought the NC in ear headphones and yes they get the job done when it comes to canceling background noise, but I felt like I could get better audio quality with better earphones so I bought the supra nitro earphones and now I can finally say that the sound is superb!
So if you truly want to get a great audio experience get a pair of highend/decent headphones.
I must say that the MDR 10RC that came with the Z3 in some regions give you a rich sound experience too.
Btw thanks for the useful tips, I'll give my NC earphones another chance with your EQ settings.
Sent from my Xperia Z2
vikrant7027 said:
What about Sony MDR-XB60/NC In Ear Earphones (Gold)? Anyone having it? Are they too noise cancelling?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
They seem to be discontinued. They aren't Digital Noise Cancelling but they might reduce background noise some like most in-ear and over-the-ear headphones.
nazzier5463 said:
any Equalizer setting for MH750 ? I had this when bought Z Ultra, now my zu damaged. Im comfortble using this earbud headset since earphone that inside Z2 box make my ear pain
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, the preset should help a lot. I don't like the stock MH410 / MH410c either, I just wore them some when I first got the phone and for this analysis. The preset setting should make it so you only have to make smaller changes to arrive at an optimal setting for your MH750. The preset for MH410 and MDR-NC31EM were pretty good.
zegun said:
try these silicon ear tips if you're using in ears
http://www.my-ear.com.tw/spinfit-tips/
i use them on my UE900 and they fit like a glove -- and sounds brilliant too thanks to better seal
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks! For anyone that likes foam tips too, Comply Foam Tips are brilliant. I'm currently using the stock silicone tips because my old Comply don't fit, but I intend on purchasing new ones.
Jiyeon90 said:
The sound quality is truly amazing on 4.4.4
I bought the NC in ear headphones and yes they get the job done when it comes to canceling background noise, but I felt like I could get better audio quality with better earphones so I bought the supra nitro earphones and now I can finally say that the sound is superb!
So if you truly want to get a great audio experience get a pair of highend/decent headphones.
I must say that the MDR 10RC that came with the Z3 in some regions give you a rich sound experience too.
Btw thanks for the useful tips, I'll give my NC earphones another chance with your EQ settings.
Sent from my Xperia Z2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, I was rather disappointed with the sound quality of the MDR-NC31EM too but the noise cancelling feature was good. Now I have pretty good sound quality as well. It's not magic, but definitely passable and finally enjoyable listening.
What to choose between MDR-XB60/NC and mdr-nc31em? I'm music lover and want a good headphones...but attracted towards noise cancelling feature of mdr-nc31em...please tell me...You can also tell other headphones with superb music quality...
vikrant7027 said:
What to choose between MDR-XB60/NC and mdr-nc31em? I'm music lover and want a good headphones...but attracted towards noise cancelling feature of mdr-nc31em...please tell me...You can also tell other headphones with superb music quality...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah go with the NC31EM, for the price they give you pretty good sound and if you use the Walkman app you can turn DSEE HX on which improves the sound quality if you use these NC headphones. Oh and their mics used for cancelling the noise also work as regular mics so you can use them to make calls although they could have included an 'answer button'
Jiyeon90 said:
Yeah go with the NC31EM, for the price they give you pretty good sound and if you use the Walkman app you can turn DSEE HX on which improves the sound quality if you use these NC headphones. Oh and their mics used for cancelling the noise also work as regular mics so you can use them to make calls although they could have included an 'answer button'
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Do you own them?Many people are saying that the quality is average...
vikrant7027 said:
Do you own them?Many people are saying that the quality is average...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It is average. On 4.4.4, the preset I talked about in the first post helps some, and makes them sound pretty good. They're not excellent, but passable...somewhat decent. For the price though, not too bad when you consider the noise cancellation. DSEE HX really doesn't help anything...
The Sony MH1 and MH1C are very good if you can find them, but they won't have the noise cancellation. They are considered to be a great buy and one of the best IEM with in-line microphone around.
Other than that, for the best sound just for music listening, I'd personally stick to big circumaural full size headphones, such as the Audio Technica ATH-M50. :good:
sam_conrad said:
It is average. On 4.4.4, the preset I talked about in the first post helps some, and makes them sound pretty good. They're not excellent, but passable...somewhat decent. For the price though, not too bad when you consider the noise cancellation. DSEE HX really doesn't help anything...
The Sony MH1 and MH1C are very good if you can find them, but they won't have the noise cancellation. They are considered to be a great buy and one of the best IEM with in-line microphone around.
Other than that, for the best sound just for music listening, I'd personally stick to big circumaural full size headphones, such as the Audio Technica ATH-M50. :good:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
MH1 are too old,must be discontinued by company...any other option?
vikrant7027 said:
Do you own them?Many people are saying that the quality is average...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
They are pretty good for a walk outside where you want portability and the NC is pretty awesome. However if you are at home use more high-end headphones, I use a pair of akg on-ear at home and the NC ones outside.
vikrant7027 said:
Do you own them?Many people are saying that the quality is average...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah I do, I was kinda dissapointed because my expectations were quite high when I bought them since everyone was praising them but if you look at the price you actually get the sound quality you pay for (they are not bad at all, they are quite decent) the noice cancelling and the mic are just free bonuses.
I ended up getting another pair of headphones which have noticeable better audio quality but I had to pay almost 3x the price of the NC ones.
I'd say, for under 40$ the the NC earphones are the best choice, if you have a higher budget there's definitely better options
vikrant7027 said:
MH1 are too old,must be discontinued by company...any other option?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
They are old, and probably discontinued. But they are great IEMs at a very low price.
If you want to pay a little more, the Hifiman RE400 might be a good buy.

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