I am using a ZE551KL while waiting on my ZE551ML to return from RMA. The ZE551KL is a decent phone but it does not measure up to the ZE551ML, but I am sticking with it while Asus takes their merry time on repairing my phone.
Anyway, has anyone had any success in increasing the volume levels of the back speaker? The loudness of the ringtones and notifications leaves much to be desired, at least for me. I have everything maxed and the Audio Wizard is on and set to Smart but I seldom catch my email notification and I carry my phone in my shirt's chest pocket. These are the same tones I used on my ZE551ML so they are recorded/saved loud enough.
Any help would be appreciated as I will passing this phone down to a family member once I get mine back from Asus... whatever year that occurs.
Yeah it's pretty pathetic. When i try to listen to a podcast out of the back speaker while I'm washing my face or doing other things where I can't have headphones in, I can't hear it over the sound of the water running.
I put it on "voice" and turn on "dialouge enhancement" and turn up all frequencies to the max and it makes it maybe a third louder, but it still leaves a lot to be desired. I guess you have to cut some corners with a 200 dollar phone. Skimping on the engineering and materials it would take to make an impressively loud compact speaker seems to be one of the places they tried to save money.
I wondered about buying an after market speaker replacement. And swapping it out.
Sent from my A1R using XDA-Developers mobile app
this is a software issue with the Asus stock ROM.
Flash the Cyanogenmod ROM, and the sound output from both the external speaker and the headphone port is way, WAY better.
nujaxx said:
I wondered about buying an after market speaker replacement. And swapping it out.
Sent from my A1R using XDA-Developers mobile app
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That might be possible, actually. I had to replace the screen on my ZE551KL and unlike the models with Intel hardware, the speaker unit seems to be connected by what looks like a miniature version of a 3.5 mm headphone plug. Seems like the vibration motor and speaker might be housed in the same rubber unit, though. I did a successful screen replacement, but I wasn't always certain exactly what I was looking at. :silly:
There's ZERO documentation or videos about the internals of the ZE551KL available online, but you can get a good luck at the audio plug leading into the speaker just by removing the 8 to 12 tiny screws that secure the backplate of the phone on. Keep in mind that will void your warranty though.
The speaker itself would be an easy switch. I've replaced some before and it was relatively easy. Can't see the Asus being different. It's nearly identical to the lgg3 in placement, interestingly enough.
Sent from my ASUS_Z00TD using XDA-Developers mobile app
argblah said:
Yeah it's pretty pathetic. When i try to listen to a podcast out of the back speaker while I'm washing my face or doing other things where I can't have headphones in, I can't hear it over the sound of the water running.
I put it on "voice" and turn on "dialouge enhancement" and turn up all frequencies to the max and it makes it maybe a third louder, but it still leaves a lot to be desired. I guess you have to cut some corners with a 200 dollar phone. Skimping on the engineering and materials it would take to make an impressively loud compact speaker seems to be one of the places they tried to save money.
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Seems to have made a big difference. Much appreciated, mate.
Install custom audio mods such as viper4android, dolby atmos, or biohazard sound mod
Related
Everyone here is probably familiar with the DHD speaker volume issue.
The GSM Hero also suffers from a similar problem except that hardly anyone complains because the battery cover acts as a passive diaphragm which amplifies the audio from the tiny speaker. Removing the cover makes the Hero sound just like the DHD.
That got me thinking... a properly designed or modified case may be able to do the same for the DHD that the battery cover does for the Hero.
I'd be interested to hear feedback especially if someone has a DHD case that they think would make a good candidate. Mods might include patching the speaker hole and etching a speaker port.
if you have the design and wanted to make it happen. Why don't you try kickstarter? I am sure there are a lot of DHD owner will support you (if your case really works)
I've experimented with several materials but am unable to reproduce the effect seen on the HTC Hero. My best guess is that the Hero's plastic body transmits speaker vibrations efficiently to the large battery cover diaphragm whereas the DHD's solid unibody construction dampens vibrations needed to produce sound from a case.
Another solution may be to build a larger case with a thin film speaker via the headphone jack. A juice pack and kick stand might be cool too.
Has anyone noticed it is twice as loud when laid on its back on a hard surface, like a table? Probably the same idea of reflected sound that Bose engineers dine out on.
Sent from my Desire HD using XDA App
It's made to be placed screen down when using the speaker, for music anyway.
I use Tasker to turn off the notification sounds at night when phone plugged in (so I can sleep).
I too have very low/bad speaker sound but noticed something weird yesterday and today, if I remove the power (therefore automatically reverting notification volume to 100%) BEFORE dismissing the alarm then the alarm temporarily got very much louder (for maybe a second).
This makes me think the issue is actually software/firmware, particularly as some people seem to think the speak volume is OK. I've tried turning off pocket mode etc, so far no good
Yes, I too observed the same. if i start any game, the initial sound for may be 2 secs is very louder and then fades away to usual self. It might be a firmware issue, but no one from HTC seems to be acknowledging this or trying to provide a fix.
This hasn't got anything to do with the 'make my phone louder when it's in my pocket ' setting has it? Perhaps it knows its on your desk so doesn't crank up the volume?
Just a thought ......
Sent from my Desire HD using XDA App
I actually places the speaker on the table to bounce the volume up. It works somehow.
Just thought I'd add that I've been watching videos in bed lately. I prop it up by making a dip in the covers, which bounces the sound back. The sound, especially in dolby, goes from being awful to being really good. In fact I find it better than putting it on a hard surface...
MisterBuggie said:
Just thought I'd add that I've been watching videos in bed lately. I prop it up by making a dip in the covers, which bounces the sound back. The sound, especially in dolby, goes from being awful to being really good. In fact I find it better than putting it on a hard surface...
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Any picture?
Sent from my Desire HD using XDA App
just use a custom rom they have increase the volume...
or wait for offical GB that will maybe increase too.
i think 1.84... has an boost?
Those of you that have gotten your phone, what's your speaker quality like for the front speaker? I noticed that mine is scratchy for higher pitched sounds like a girl talking, but sounds okay for lower pitched sounds. Does anyone else have the same issue? I might try going to the AT&T store tomorrow and seeing if they have any in stock I can exchange mine for.
Well... supposedly going into the store to pick one up might be a longshot, especially on launch day, if it's to be as popular a phone as it appears it will be. As for the scratchiness of the earpiece.... it could be a defect, or it could just be the volume. Hard to say, really.
Didn't engadget say it was that the speaker were really good?
elementaldragon said:
Well... supposedly going into the store to pick one up might be a longshot, especially on launch day, if it's to be as popular a phone as it appears it will be. As for the scratchiness of the earpiece.... it could be a defect, or it could just be the volume. Hard to say, really.
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Yah, I figured it'd be a long shot. If they don't have one perhaps they can order a new one for me. I tried turning the volume down and that only made a difference if it was 1/4 or lower.
Phone mode audio quality and volume.
Well, my Atrix has decent audio on speaker phone mode, but the audio out on the ear piece is a bit scratchy on the highs if turned up to what most would consider a mid volume level. I have to keep the volume down lower than I would like to avoid the scratch.
The phone mic is also very bass heavy. This phone is a great computer, but as a phone it has audio issues, and is bass heavy on TX and RX audio, regardless of EQ settings.
Currently considering if it should go back, as I need a good sounding phone.
Anyone else underwhelmed with the phone audio clarity?
**FIXED**
EDIT: Under settings, Call settings, "Noise suppression" was defaulted to "normal" Turning this to "off" made a massive improvement in all call audio (in a normal non-noisy environment). Now phone has decent call audio.
Hope this helps someone else... This had me concerned.
I had tried changing the option for Noise Suppression to 'Off', but it didn't make any difference for me. I took the phone into ATT and they replaced it without hassle. The new phone sounds much clearer.
I had the exact same problem with my pre-ordered unit. Went into a AT&T store today, and they were reluctant to replace it. After trying to sell accessories, they opened another one, and it sounded the same, so I left.
I went to a larger store and tried their floor model, which was perfect. The rep mentioned that they just received an e-mail about bad speakers, and replaced it without a problem (except trying to push more accessories).
So if you're picking one up, try the speaker first.
Just wanting to clarify, are those with the scratchy audio problem referring to the "earpiece" speaker or the hands free "speaker phone" speaker?
My speaker phone mode sounds great, only had earpiece issues.
And, does anyone know to which speaker the emailed "bad batch" notice was about?
Earpiece speaker
secretlevel said:
Earpiece speaker
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Thanks for that.
I had the same problem. After reading the response, went back to Radioshack and got my phone replaced. Now it sounds good.
I had the same problem with mine as well. Very bad scratchy/rattle sound at high volumes. Had the phone swapped out and the new one is perfect.
Sound quality isn't quite as good as my Samsung Focus; Motorola seems to make things unnecessarily bassy but its clear and usable.
I replaced the loud speaker on my evo with an oem i ordered online. It was a very easy fix and everything is good now. As I was putting in the new speaker I started to think of how good my TP2 sounded when I used the loud speaker. It just had a nice crisp sound that I havent been able to get out of my Evo. I searched and found a TP2 replacement and from what I can see, it looks just like it! I am about to order one to try it just wanted to get some feedback on this before i waste money. Why is the sound on tp2 better? Thanks.
http://www.globaldirectparts.com/HTC-Touch-Pro2-Loud-Speaker-p/htc737530.htm
via EVO.
Wouldn't the case itself make a difference in this? The TP2 had a pretty open back panel to allow sound to pass through. Or at least I remember that being the case. All the holes could have been fake. I gave mine to a family member when I got my Evo so can't check.
Might be a better speaker, but I doubt it will ever sound as good.
mobius999 said:
Wouldn't the case itself make a difference in this? The TP2 had a pretty open back panel to allow sound to pass through. Or at least I remember that being the case. All the holes could have been fake. I gave mine to a family member when I got my Evo so can't check.
Might be a better speaker, but I doubt it will ever sound as good.
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You are probably right. I gave mine away also and havent looked at one in a while. Thanks.
via EVO.
Tp2 had two speakers from what i remember
Sent from my PC36100 using XDA App
Blackcircle said:
...http://www.globaldirectparts.com/HTC-Touch-Pro2-Loud-Speaker-p/htc737530.htm
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It looks like that site has a minimum quantity required for ordering items. Is there a way around that or are you going to order the minimum and resell them?
bill875 said:
It looks like that site has a minimum quantity required for ordering items. Is there a way around that or are you going to order the minimum and resell them?
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I must have missed that. I was only using the site to show the photo. I will find it somewhere else.
via EVO.
cor4twenty said:
Tp2 had two speakers from what i remember
Sent from my PC36100 using XDA App
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If thats the case i guess that kills the idea then.
via EVO.
They both use the same parts...same thing with the headset speaker
Sent from my PC36100 using XDA App
iitreatedii said:
They both use the same parts...same thing with the headset speaker
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So I guess mobius999 was right then. It is the back cover that makes all the difference.
via EVO.
Yuppers...different cases produce different soubds
Sent from my PC36100 using XDA App
The sound doesn't look like it travels directly out of the speaker from what I saw when I took my 0003 apart, that plastic gasket makes me thing an attempt to "BOSE" it up...
Touch Pro 2 | TP2 | Rhodium | Speaker
cor4twenty said:
Tp2 had two speakers from what i remember
Sent from my PC36100 using XDA App
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I'm not sure if the TP2 has 2 speakers or just 2 speaker ports, but sound is definitely emitted from both holes to the left & right of the camera. (see attached photos) I can confirm it sounds much, much better than my Evo, it is louder and reproduces a wider range of frequencies.
It looks like sound quality on the Evo may have been sacrificed for the dual flash. (TP2 always took horrible photos for me.) If the TP2 and Evo share the same single speaker, the improvements are likely attributable to the case. Perhaps some modifications to the speaker / camera housing and the battery cover could yield an improvement.
If the current speaker porting on the Evo restricts airflow excessively it would lower the volume and could cause additional stress on the speaker itself causing them to fail prematurely and / or sound like crap. I am no expert in this specific speaker technology but at a basic level there is a physical mechanism moving which in turn moves the air (aka sound). If the air flow is constricted it will provide increased resistance against the speaker.
From what I remember the TP2 had two speakers. Not for stereo but for different ranges...one was lows and the other was highs. You could cover up each speaker while music was playing and hear the difference as you moved your finger from speaker to speaker.
dafunk60 said:
I'm not sure if the TP2 has 2 speakers or just 2 speaker ports, but sound is definitely emitted from both holes to the left & right of the camera. (see attached photos) I can confirm it sounds much, much better than my Evo, it is louder and reproduces a wider range of frequencies.
It looks like sound quality on the Evo may have been sacrificed for the dual flash. (TP2 always took horrible photos for me.) If the TP2 and Evo share the same single speaker, the improvements are likely attributable to the case. Perhaps some modifications to the speaker / camera housing and the battery cover could yield an improvement.
If the current speaker porting on the Evo restricts airflow excessively it would lower the volume and could cause additional stress on the speaker itself causing them to fail prematurely and / or sound like crap. I am no expert in this specific speaker technology but at a basic level there is a physical mechanism moving which in turn moves the air (aka sound). If the air flow is constricted it will provide increased resistance against the speaker.
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This is exactly what I gathered after reading some of peoples input including yours. Even if the speakers are the same, I don't think it will make a difference. The back cover and housing are the key I think. Im going to play around with it this weekend see what I can come up with.
via EVO.
Thanks all for taking the time to read. I have a Verizon Galaxy Note 3, 4.4.2 NC2, Rooted with stock rom. The earpiece sound is playing however, and I know this sounds strange, the sounds is playing mostly opposite to the front side of the phone. It is much louder on the back side. It is as if the normal front firing side of a speaker has been reversed to fire sound in the opposite direction. The sound is neither garbled, nor distorted, it is however to low for me to hear properly from the front which has two effects, the 1st being that calls without headphones plugged in are useless, 2nd and vastly more important, is that I am unable to convince onlookers that I am not entirely retarded as they watch me hold the back side of the phone to my face while the shiny bright screen illuminates, and thereby alerts all in the vicinity to snap photos. Under normal circumstances I would be embarrassed, but 3-5 times a week a few good souls walk by and drop money near me or offer kinds words of encouragement like "Limitations only go so far son, you keep trying" or "You keep playing the hand your dealt, one day you will think the game was worth the while" or my personal favorite " Good job buddy, there are no disabilities, only people with other abilities"
Things have tried so far:
Factory reset - No help
Changed Rom - No help
Changed speaker module - No help
If anyone has any suggestions I would be most appreciative.
What are you using to play your media? Stock player? There is an equalizer and also adaptive sound to change your listening pleasure. There are also various other apps, with better equalizers, you can download and use. I'm not sure what else you can do. My note 5 and Droid RAZR have better sound quality externally than my note3, but my note 3, using the headphone jack, never let's me down.
Careful with the photo stalking. Gl!
Sent from my SM-N900V using Tapatalk
Thanks Dravekx,
I am sure that I wrote was I was trying to say in a very confusing manor. What I was trying to say was that the earpiece itself (the one you listen through when on a call) is low in volume from the front but mostly normal sounding coming inexplicably out of the back of the phone, inexplicable because there is of course no speaker on the opposite backside of the phones front earpiece speaker. It's just the weirdest thing ever. I do appreciate your suggestions though!
Cheers
Dravekx said:
What are you using to play your media? Stock player? There is an equalizer and also adaptive sound to change your listening pleasure. There are also various other apps, with better equalizers, you can download and use. I'm not sure what else you can do. My note 5 and Droid RAZR have better sound quality externally than my note3, but my note 3, using the headphone jack, never let's me down.
Careful with the photo stalking. Gl!
Sent from my SM-N900V using Tapatalk
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Yes, I have V4A installed, but it doesn't seem to do much volumewise.
Even if there was, I don't think it would help much. The 10j update helped make mine a little clearer but the sad matter of the fact is the speaker is lame. Can't niece LG brought the A game to the headphone jack but could t make a better external speaker. What is even sadder is that it isn't waterproof which usually bring speaker quality down in some way or another. I'm guessing we are going to have to live with it. For shame for shame.
@rbiter said:
Even if there was, I don't think it would help much. The 10j update helped make mine a little clearer but the sad matter of the fact is the speaker is lame. Can't niece LG brought the A game to the headphone jack but could t make a better external speaker. What is even sadder is that it isn't waterproof which usually bring speaker quality down in some way or another. I'm guessing we are going to have to live with it. For shame for shame.
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So dramatic
joewoo said:
So dramatic
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Not really.. The non-stereo single speaker sounds awful when comparing it to any phone, even my old S5 Active just because it had 2 speakers. And that phone only cost me $200 out right.
But yeah besides using v4a, WETA offers the most audio mods as far as ROMs go.
I noticed if Im playing music, and then record a video with snapchat while the music is playing, once it goes into playback mode, my speaker audio jumps to double the loudness, even after i close snapchat.
You can mess with the media_profile.xml files
Keep a look out for my post, I'm putting it in the Guides, News, and Discussion section. It's a small hardware mod for the speaker. Nothing major, but it helps.
Yeah I can understand the frustration it makes no sense that the G4 speaker is better than the current models. The g4 speaker sucked but in comparison to the v20 it's louder and doesn't sound like its going to blow.
I don't depend on the external speaker at all (I use a clip on felt speaker that is 10x better) but it does suck that LG skims on the external speaker when audio is a big feature of the phone.
Sent from my LG-H918 using XDA-Developers Legacy app
I can guide anyone with a rooted V20 to make the audio output through wired headphones be so loud it hurts. Using myself as an example, Ive loved LOUD music my whole life. I have never been able to find a portable music device that was as loud as I wanted it to go, and the battle to be loud without distortion was constant. I am sure in those 25 years doing that I have a bit of hearing damage, so what I have now is even more impressive. Today, with this V20 I have, and the hacks/tweaks I put together on it, I cannot listen to music through ear buds over ~70& volume for more than a few songs before a migraine comes, and I have to spend the rest of the day half deaf because of the ringing in my ears.
But as far as sound through the built in speaker inside the phone, I would never expect to use it for anything but regular random sounds like youtube clips or podcasts. The speaker is the size of two dimes stacked together, and there isnt any sort of chamber or cabinet like bigger music speakers use, which is maybe most important.
If you want to play music without headphones, I would suggest getting a portable bluetooth speaker or something like that. They are impressively good these days and arent very expensive