I just acquired a Cricket Zio yesterday and have been playing around with it for the past 24 hours or so. Got the CWM "easy" working, reset it to the factory 2.2.1 stock Cricket ROM (from this thread) and then installed OpenZio 2.1.2 without any issues. Runs fine at 729 MHz, again without issues.
But the one thing that's disappointing me - and I mean seriously disappointing me - is the absurdly low audio volume. Videos, music, streams, doesn't matter, it's just insanely low. Now, before anyone jumps to conclusions, I've got an HD2 that I've tweaked to hell and back oh, hundreds of times (currently the one listed in my sig), and we all know the HD2 can really crank out the sounds without problems. I have a set of Koss earbuds (IEMs, they go into the ear canal and seal it off), and I've got a set of Koss KSC-75 earclips (my primary listening device).
With either of those plugged into the HD2 or any other device I own, like my Dell Axim X51v, my original Motorola Droid, and several other devices including an iPod touch too, those earbuds and earclips bring out all the sound quality the device is capable of, without issues.
But I plug them into the Zio and it's... well... meh. With bleh on top of that...
I located the Louder Volume Hack in the hopes it would help, but it doesn't matter which version I try or on either ROM (stock Cricket or OpenZio) it just FCs and never runs.
So my question is: for those people that I've read posts by that say the Zio has 'excellent audio quality' I have to ask: am I missing something someplace?
I've enabled Stagefright (on the stock Cricket ROM and on OpenZio also), makes zero difference in audio quality or audio volume, although it does seem to smooth things out a bit. Let's face it: I don't know why people keep calling this phone "a beast" 'cause I see no evidence of it. But for $50 and a pure fully working fully functional Android phone, it's doing just fine.
Yes, I wish it had multitouch, yes I wish it was bigger, and yes, I wish it was faster (even overclocked and with all the tweaks I've been reading about it's still rather perversely sluggish even though the Quadrant scores put it above the original Nexus One, go figure).
But what I'd really love is to do something about that audio, boost it up in some manner that I might not be aware of just yet. The HD2? Oh, man that can push my KSC-75 earclips so high I can't tolerate it.
And again, I understand this is actually a very low quality Android phone, but can anyone make any suggestions that might help with the low audio volume issue? All the settings are maxed out and it's still just incredibly low (and yes, it's fairly tinny with hardly any bass at all but that's secondary to the actual volume itself needing some healthy raising).
If anyone has any advice, I'm listening... figuratively speaking.
I have noticed that after i flashed to openzio, awesome rom btw my volume is lower then what it was with the stock rom. Like for an example if i put the ringer volume to one notch below half way the ringer will not sound and the phone just vibrates. With the stock rom i can turn the ringer all the way down to it activates the vibrate only mode and then go up 2 notches and the phone would still play the ring tone on the incoming call. With openzio the volume meter has to be at least half way or over half way for the ringtone to sound.
So this is a really common problem and I see a lot of solutions to it on the forums, but none which seem to actually target the actual source of the problem. I have a pair of good to excellent quality monitor headphones, and the volume when using them is really, really low. I've other headphones too (normal earbuds) which are a little louder but nowhere near where they should be.
I've tried the recommended options (using EQ settings, compression and ramping up the EQ), and some Apps to boost volume, but these seem to be boosting gain in software which results in really bad distortion. My guess is that the hardware gain is limited somehow.
There's an Audio section in service mode (*#*#197328640#*#*) which supposedly allows you to change the default gain but on my phone there's no submenu, it just throws back to the original menu. (Could this have something to do with kernel version..?)
I've also heard that on some phones (or maybe kernel / rom versions?) there's a file like default_gain.conf or similar which allows you to change the settings, but there's nothing like that on mine, even after extensive searching.
I'm looking for a proper solution instead of a software gain booster approach as it just leaves audio distorted.. maybe someone with a little more knowledge of how Android handles sound would help..?
For the record, and just in case it's rom / kernel related, I'm using Paranoid Android 2.57.2-Utacka and kernel 3.0.15-cm.. (I thought I'd flashed Hydracore v7, maybe I have but it's not there in system settings).
It'd be really cool to solve this problem once and for all... so if anyone can even hint at a solution it'd be much appreciated..
chemeleon said:
So this is a really common problem and I see a lot of solutions to it on the forums, but none which seem to actually target the actual source of the problem. I have a pair of good to excellent quality monitor headphones, and the volume when using them is really, really low. I've other headphones too (normal earbuds) which are a little louder but nowhere near where they should be.
I've tried the recommended options (using EQ settings, compression and ramping up the EQ), and some Apps to boost volume, but these seem to be boosting gain in software which results in really bad distortion. My guess is that the hardware gain is limited somehow.
There's an Audio section in service mode (*#*#197328640#*#*) which supposedly allows you to change the default gain but on my phone there's no submenu, it just throws back to the original menu. (Could this have something to do with kernel version..?)
I've also heard that on some phones (or maybe kernel / rom versions?) there's a file like default_gain.conf or similar which allows you to change the settings, but there's nothing like that on mine, even after extensive searching.
I'm looking for a proper solution instead of a software gain booster approach as it just leaves audio distorted.. maybe someone with a little more knowledge of how Android handles sound would help..?
For the record, and just in case it's rom / kernel related, I'm using Paranoid Android 2.57.2-Utacka and kernel 3.0.15-cm.. (I thought I'd flashed Hydracore v7, maybe I have but it's not there in system settings).
It'd be really cool to solve this problem once and for all... so if anyone can even hint at a solution it'd be much appreciated..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
try doing a factory reset and clear all cache memory to bring every thing to default.. if that doesn't get u the expected results then u have to use the software or apps to boost it.. if there is a serious problem then get the 3.5 mm jack replaced..
Actually.. I found multiple solutions that seem to work together.. first, I bought a small device (FiiO E3) which is basically a tiny battery powered headphone amp (it sucks in terms of volume boost, something like 3db, but does the trick..). .. then I found the *one* app that actually seems to work with my device, Voodoo Louder.. these in tandem seem to get the desired result, albeit I still have to enable Compression in the eq to get sound loud enough to hear over the noise of the busy street, but there's little distortion. I'd definately recommend the amp seeing as of the countless I've tried it's the only one that actually does the trick...
The Galaxy S9 is an audio powerhouse. It has the first set of stereo speakers on a Samsung flagship, and it even comes standard with a set of AKG-tuned earbuds that would normally cost $99. But if you want to further enhance your audio experience, there's a feature that will customize audio output to your own specific hearing.
The feature, aptly called Adapt Sound, is hidden deep within the settings menu on your S9 or S9+, but will make a world of difference in audio quality once enabled. As its name implies, Adapt Sound will fine tune your S9's audio and customize it to perfectly match your hearing, which dramatically enhances the perceived quality of any set of headphones.
Step 1 Find the 'Adapt Sound' Menu
To start, head to your phone's main Settings menu, then select "Sounds and Vibration." From there, scroll down and tap on "Sound quality and effects" found along the bottom half of the menu.
Now, tap on "Adapt Sound" near the bottom of the screen. You'll be asked to grant phone call related permissions, so tap "Allow" on the prompt. Within "Adapt Sound," leave the available age-based sound profiles alone, and tap on "Add Personalized Sound Profile."
Step 2 Take the Hearing Test
Now, go to a totally quiet location and plug in your headphones. Tap on the "Start" button on the bottom when you're ready. Adapt Sound will now run a hearing test, which consists of a series of beeps of varying frequencies from the left and right earbuds. It'll ask if you can hear each tone along the way, so take your time and answer honestly in order to create an accurate profile.
Once the test reaches 100%, you'll now notice a personalized equalizer catered to each ear. Now that you've completed the test, you're free to move on to the final step.
Step 3 Finalize Your Audio Profile
After finishing the tests, Adapt Sound will ask for you to choose your preferred ear for phone calls. Once you've made your decision, your custom audio profile will be activated and made available for preview. So tap on "Preview" and check out the difference Adapt Sound makes by toggling between "Personalized" and "Original," along with "Left," "Right," and "Both" ears.
In addition to this, you have the option of naming your sound profile — simply tap on "Profile name" and enter your desired label when prompted. After that, tap on "Save" in the upper-right corner to save your profile and finish up with setup.
With Adapt Sound enabled, we highly recommend playing your favorite song to determine exactly how much of an impact it's made on sound quality. It'll make a huge difference on how you hear audio, especially if your hearing isn't great to begin with.
Xperience Z said:
The Galaxy S9 is an audio powerhouse. It has the first set of stereo speakers on a Samsung flagship, and it even comes standard with a set of AKG-tuned earbuds that would normally cost $99. But if you want to further enhance your audio experience, there's a feature that will customize audio output to your own specific hearing.
The feature, aptly called Adapt Sound, is hidden deep within the settings menu on your S9 or S9+, but will make a world of difference in audio quality once enabled. As its name implies, Adapt Sound will fine tune your S9's audio and customize it to perfectly match your hearing, which dramatically enhances the perceived quality of any set of headphones.
Step 1 Find the 'Adapt Sound' Menu
To start, head to your phone's main Settings menu, then select "Sounds and Vibration." From there, scroll down and tap on "Sound quality and effects" found along the bottom half of the menu.
Now, tap on "Adapt Sound" near the bottom of the screen. You'll be asked to grant phone call related permissions, so tap "Allow" on the prompt. Within "Adapt Sound," leave the available age-based sound profiles alone, and tap on "Add Personalized Sound Profile."
Step 2 Take the Hearing Test
Now, go to a totally quiet location and plug in your headphones. Tap on the "Start" button on the bottom when you're ready. Adapt Sound will now run a hearing test, which consists of a series of beeps of varying frequencies from the left and right earbuds. It'll ask if you can hear each tone along the way, so take your time and answer honestly in order to create an accurate profile.
Once the test reaches 100%, you'll now notice a personalized equalizer catered to each ear. Now that you've completed the test, you're free to move on to the final step.
Step 3 Finalize Your Audio Profile
After finishing the tests, Adapt Sound will ask for you to choose your preferred ear for phone calls. Once you've made your decision, your custom audio profile will be activated and made available for preview. So tap on "Preview" and check out the difference Adapt Sound makes by toggling between "Personalized" and "Original," along with "Left," "Right," and "Both" ears.
In addition to this, you have the option of naming your sound profile — simply tap on "Profile name" and enter your desired label when prompted. After that, tap on "Save" in the upper-right corner to save your profile and finish up with setup.
With Adapt Sound enabled, we highly recommend playing your favorite song to determine exactly how much of an impact it's made on sound quality. It'll make a huge difference on how you hear audio, especially if your hearing isn't great to begin with.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How is the audio over head/ear phones? I previously had the Galaxy S7 and while it was a great device, I found the audio output via the 3.5mm socket to be pretty underwhelming. And I had tuned it using the similar software function above, but it was still under par for me. I haven't tried the S8 but seen a review that said the audio/earphone quality still wasn't that great. So hoping the S9 has been improved, as they have been focusing on improving audio albeit via the external speakers. Im in the UK so believe it would be the Exynos model if that makes any difference.
Sent from my Redmi Note 4 using Tapatalk
I just did this and it made quite a difference. Thanks for sharing this.
gsmyth said:
How is the audio over head/ear phones? I previously had the Galaxy S7 and while it was a great device, I found the audio output via the 3.5mm socket to be pretty underwhelming. And I had tuned it using the similar software function above, but it was still under par for me. I haven't tried the S8 but seen a review that said the audio/earphone quality still wasn't that great. So hoping the S9 has been improved, as they have been focusing on improving audio albeit via the external speakers. Im in the UK so believe it would be the Exynos model if that makes any difference.
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Click to collapse
Juice3250 said:
I just did this and it made quite a difference. Thanks for sharing this.
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Click to collapse
For me made it a quite difference also.
The sound is very nice. And with this small trick much better.
I turned on the Atmos setting, and immediately noticed the difference, just on speakers as the headset is in the car.
Dolby Atmos is terrible
wmharley said:
I turned on the Atmos setting, and immediately noticed the difference, just on speakers as the headset is in the car.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
if you use high quality headphones, you can noticeably tell that atmos is terrible. it compresses the sound and gives it an unnatural vibe. I find that none of the extra features actually enhances, so i leave everything off. fellow members at head-fi have found the same results I have.
I need to try this with my beats x
adapt sound is also dependent on your headphones. you may think you have lost some hearing if you use headphones that have narrower frequencies, because that pair is just unable to output certain frequencies, so do this test with headphones that can output more, if you want a more accurate result of your current hearing.
radiohead14 said:
if you use high quality headphones, you can noticeably tell that atmos is terrible. it compresses the sound and gives it an unnatural vibe. I find that none of the extra features actually enhances, so i leave everything off. fellow members at head-fi have found the same results I have.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
For me the phones amp is kind of weak so atoms gives it a volume boost in a conveniently easy push of 1 button.
Without it over ear headphones that are 32 ohms are slightly below my preferred listening volume. With ear buds the volume is fine as long as I have a great seal. I find the included AKG's decent in sound quality but not very compatible with my ears shape so I'm constantly pushing them in.
I did the Headphine Sound setup but didn't find it to have made a vast difference in my listening experience. Maybe if toggling between profiles I could notice a little difference but nothing that makes me feel like a whole new world has opened up to me.
I've used the SHPS 9500s over ears, Westone w40 IEM, and the included AKG IEM.
I listened to a HiRes Flac 192/24 and felt like the track lacked life without the Atmos turned on, this was especially the case when using over ear headphones.
Will try with my PSB M4U 1 closed back over ear phones soon.
mc_365 said:
For me the phones amp is kind of weak so atoms gives it a volume boost in a conveniently easy push of 1 button.
Without it over ear headphones that are 32 ohms are slightly below my preferred listening volume. With ear buds the volume is fine as long as I have a great seal. I find the included AKG's decent in sound quality but not very compatible with my ears shape so I'm constantly pushing them in.
I did the Headphine Sound setup but didn't find it to have made a vast difference in my listening experience. Maybe if toggling between profiles I could notice a little difference but nothing that makes me feel like a whole new world has opened up to me.
I've used the SHPS 9500s over ears, Westone w40 IEM, and the included AKG IEM.
I listened to a HiRes Flac 192/24 and felt like the track lacked life without the Atmos turned on, this was especially the case when using over ear headphones.
Will try with my PSB M4U 1 closed back over ear phones soon.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
agree that the phone's amp is weak. the earphone i used for testing, a Sennheiser IE80, doesn't have any issues, but the stock AKG and various Sony I tried were on the weaker side. Atmos, I found, also varies on the track played, but the increase in volume you hear is probably due to the compression, so it'll give you that increase in volume, but you may also not notice that certain frequencies have been dampened. Testing various tracks with different earphones, I found that in most cases, Atmos just muddies songs.. almost like a blanket was put over it. The only times I found Atmos to be preferable was when playing older tracks that weren't mixed well and were on the trebly side. Atmos hid some sibilance due to my previous finding of Atmos just kinda putting a dampen on most tracks.
also agree on the stock AKG's not being the ideal in-ear fit, as i too have found myself constantly having to adjust (i commute in NYC transit, so this was a good test of isolation). the littlest movement, and you lose a lot of low end and volume.
i suggest you do the adapt sound test with the headphones you will use the most with the phone, as it is highly dependent on the frequencies. and if your hearing is still really good, then you may not find much benefit to it. it's mainly pushing frequencies higher if your hearing has lost some ability to discern those. so if your hearing is great, then you may not find much difference.
gsmyth said:
How is the audio over head/ear phones? I previously had the Galaxy S7 and while it was a great device, I found the audio output via the 3.5mm socket to be pretty underwhelming. And I had tuned it using the similar software function above, but it was still under par for me. I haven't tried the S8 but seen a review that said the audio/earphone quality still wasn't that great. So hoping the S9 has been improved, as they have been focusing on improving audio albeit via the external speakers. Im in the UK so believe it would be the Exynos model if that makes any difference.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I seriously feel like my S7 was way louder... Im even considering to root this device just to edit the mixer gains xml for more volume... this is really dissapointing.
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I play pubg mobile a good bit.
I was thrilled they added this feature.
After a fresh factory reset after upgrading to pie I was severely disappointed.
The sound is all over the place. You have to turn the volume up and down or you will suffer hearing loss when the plane flies overhead or no suppressed gunfire erupts.
I've tinkered around with in game and all the Samsung settings and have unfortunately had to leave it turned off during gameplay.
Anyone else have any issues?
Atmos requires multiple speakers to achieve the effect. I don't know what your setup is and whether it is compatible with Atmos, but you should look into what it takes to make it work. It's one thing for your phone to have the ability to decode Atmos, it's quite another to have the required hardware to actually hear it.
I'm experiencing audio compression in YouTube using V2.7 V4A on latest A9. Basically, when bass hits in music the volume lowers on the bass unlike my OnePlus 5T which doesn't. Am i the one who's experiencing this thing? It bugs me. Are there any solutions? Please let me know if any out there.
V4A is not that great for our phone. try using james dsp, you won't have that problem. i even made a few presets to bring out the bass
dvijetrecine said:
V4A is not that great for our phone. try using james dsp, you won't have that problem. i even made a few presets to bring out the bass
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Even though i have used James DSP before, the compression issue is still there. You can feel the bass getting limited. I'm the type of guy who likes really that low bass rumble. And i'm more used to handle V4A because it's easier to navigate and use.
VRXZ said:
Even though i have used James DSP before, the compression issue is still there. You can feel the bass getting limited. I'm the type of guy who likes really that low bass rumble. And i'm more used to handle V4A because it's easier to navigate and use.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
you need to adjust the equalizer correctly to get the punchier bass. also, you could download convolvers from V4A. there are few that give even better sound than what you can do with equalizers.
also i'm on android 10 so maybe that's why i have no compression issues
dvijetrecine said:
you need to adjust the equalizer correctly to get the punchier bass. also, you could download convolvers from V4A. there are few that give even better sound than what you can do with equalizers.
also i'm on android 10 so maybe that's why i have no compression issues
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Maybe i need to go A10? Idk, I'm still holding on A9 cause A10 many said still buggy and have a lot of issues.
VRXZ said:
Maybe i need to go A10? Idk, I'm still holding on A9 cause A10 many said still buggy and have a lot of issues.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
a10 beta is buggy, but i'm on stable release. no bugs for me, and it's even more modifiable. better battery life too.
i added the convolver i use with james dsp if you wanna give it a go. also worth noting is that v4a and james dsp process convolver files differently. the one i attached gives pretty punchy sound in james dsp but was nothing special in v4a.
just unzip it and put the file in sdcard/JamesDSP/Convolver
Latest A10
Even now, latest A10 2007.27 audio compression issue still persists. Idk if this because audio wizard or not. Even my OnePlus 5T doesn't even get limited bass. I really starting get irritated. All the music player will get limited. Only audio source from internet doesn't get limited.
i have zero problems with compression. sometimes bass even gets distorted. rog phone has some audio limits so maybe that's the reason they compressed the output to remove distortion?
btw, did you try the attached convolver?
edit: could you name some songs that get compression problems? i'd like to give them a try and listen with my tweaks