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Mytouch 4G Back Speaker Sounds Terrible

I think I can deal with the screen problem I posted about, but I just don't know if I can get over the back speaker. Playing music through it sounds absolutely horrible.
I use my phone as an alarm clock in the morning which will play music. The terrible sound quality of the music coming from the phone is enough to wake me up and wanna just smash the phone. And no that, just because it wakes me up does not mean its a good thing. I really don't know what there is to do about this problem.
The actual problem is it sounds like there is no bass at all. I know that commonly phone speakers have yet to really add any kind of subwoofer into phones, but I don't think I have come across any speaker that sounds quite like this. It isn't enjoyable to listen to at all. It sounds like screeching. Its like the speaker just has the treble levels all the way up and the bass all the way down. So all I hear are high pitched shreeks instead of singing.
For the most part I load high quality music (320kbps) onto my phone, so I know that's not the problem. I have enjoyed listening to the exact same music files on my old Mytouch3G and also a Nokia 5310 and both sound much better. I don't know what it is that is making the music and speaker setting while in a phone call sound so bad.
I don't think HTC would put a terrible speaker back there. Is anyone else having this issue or should I take back my phone and see if the next one sounds better?

plugged_in_now said:
I think I can deal with the screen problem I posted about, but I just don't know if I can get over the back speaker. Playing music through it sounds absolutely horrible.
I use my phone as an alarm clock in the morning which will play music. The terrible sound quality of the music coming from the phone is enough to wake me up and wanna just smash the phone. And no that, just because it wakes me up does not mean its a good thing. I really don't know what there is to do about this problem.
The actual problem is it sounds like there is no bass at all. I know that commonly phone speakers have yet to really add any kind of subwoofer into phones, but I don't think I have come across any speaker that sounds quite like this. It isn't enjoyable to listen to at all. It sounds like screeching. Its like the speaker just has the treble levels all the way up and the bass all the way down. So all I hear are high pitched shreeks instead of singing.
For the most part I load high quality music (320kbps) onto my phone, so I know that's not the problem. I have enjoyed listening to the exact same music files on my old Mytouch3G and also a Nokia 5310 and both sound much better. I don't know what it is that is making the music and speaker setting while in a phone call sound so bad.
I don't think HTC would put a terrible speaker back there. Is anyone else having this issue or should I take back my phone and see if the next one sounds better?
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I think it is not the best speaker but still better than the N1 loudspeaker. I think it's an HTC problem not with your phone. But feel free to go to a t-mobile store and compare yours to another MT4G.

I agree it's a problem with the MT4G line and not individual phones, but HTC has made quality speakers on their phones. The Evo 4G is a perfect example of this.
CM6 comes with an equalizer you can use for sound so that might make things better. Personally I think sound drivers might be the issue more than hardware b/c if you listen to music on the MT4G thru headphones it sounds like listening to a recording of a recording.

itmustbejj said:
I agree it's a problem with the MT4G line and not individual phones, but HTC has made quality speakers on their phones. The Evo 4G is a perfect example of this.
CM6 comes with an equalizer you can use for sound so that might make things better. Personally I think sound drivers might be the issue more than hardware b/c if you listen to music on the MT4G thru headphones it sounds like listening to a recording of a recording.
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But I thought that the equalizer mod only worked for music through headphones and not through the actual speaker.

Wrong
Sent from my HTC Glacier using XDA App

ESKIMOn00b said:
Wrong
Sent from my HTC Glacier using XDA App
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What do you mean? Or are you just being a douche and trolling....

The speaker is kinda crappy I agree. But a little better than the G2. If you lower the volume it is a little better but then hard to here. This is one issue I wish was better.

Have to agree....speaker sucked on the G 2 also
Sent from my HTC Glacier using XDA App

Don't know if it is just me but my speaker seems to have gotten better with use. Maybe broken in, who knows maybe it is just me settling for not perfect but i think it has gotten better with use. Maybe it is just wishful thinking.

speaker stinks on this phone and the G2. period. i have yet to use it for music thru headphones yet. but i dont use my phone as a media player unless its on the airplane or something like that.

I agree the speaker isn't great but it isn't that bad. Though I have to admit, the Vibrant had a great speaker. VERY loud and very clear.

Have you tried playing it thru external speakers? like ihome thru the 3.5mm jack? the sounds good enough, but every now and then it sends the phone haywire skipping track after track every two seconds and randomly dialing??

with the stock ROM its very ehh
once i fully rooted & installed Evil Desire HD port my speaker was really loud & clear!

It's good to have bluetooth speakers handy especially for both phone calls and audio.
(Creative T12w is the best bet for home use, but it doesn't have HSP/HFP)

jayizzbakk said:
with the stock ROM its very ehh
once i fully rooted & installed Evil Desire HD port my speaker was really loud & clear!
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Can anyone confirm that this fixes the speaker? And if so, can we isolate the setting that fixes it to apply separately?

mingkee said:
It's good to have bluetooth speakers handy especially for both phone calls and audio.
(Creative T12w is the best bet for home use, but it doesn't have HSP/HFP)
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I have the Jawbone JAMBOX and love it. I use it in places where I used to listen to the speaker.
As for using the speaker, I guess I haven't used a phone where I was like "that's awesome!" The best it's sounded is having all my music adjusted to 95dB using MP3Gain, and the volume about 1 or 2 steps away from max.

That the only thing i hate about the Mytouch 4G... its not that big of a deal, but switching from the Touch Pro 2 (dual speaker) to the Mytouch 4g (one speaker) was a downgrade for me but hey you have to admit the phone freaking awesome!

tackleberry said:
speaker stinks on this phone and the G2. period. i have yet to use it for music thru headphones yet. but i dont use my phone as a media player unless its on the airplane or something like that.
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The G2 sounds way worse than the MT4G. Side by side, there is a HUGE difference.

alphakronik said:
The G2 sounds way worse than the MT4G. Side by side, there is a HUGE difference.
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I totally agree. I tried both side by side. Was still stuck on wanting a g2 but I had the choice to pay 200 for a g2 or 70 for mt4g. I'm glad I got this phone. I'm very satisfied with it.
Sent from my rooted iced glacier rom mt4g via XDA app

Its ok not that HORRIBLE, coming from a mytouch slide
Sent from my HTC Glacier using Tapatalk

[Q] Loudspeaker hardware mod?

No matter how much we try to deny it, or try not to talk about it- we must all admit that the speaker output of the Sensation isn't amongst the best we've come across. I've missed calls numerous times (especially in a crowded street or so) just because I couldn't hear the ringer.
Yes, we do have apps such as Volume+ and PowerAmp which does seem to do an alright job- but still doesn't satisfy our need.
Here's my Q- Would installing a speaker from a different model/ phone have a better output? I understand that it might need additional software tweaks as well ( not to mention finding a suitable speaker which fits )- but is it possible?
PS. I'm not a sound crazy noob who just wants to impress people with a loud phone, I honestly can't hear it half the time.
Regards,
Tony

Would be interesting! This is my chief complaint with my phone.

I dont understand why this has not been touched yet. Its been the number one issue since day one, volume+ only helps with media.

Dacoit said:
I dont understand why this has not been touched yet. Its been the number one issue since day one, volume+ only helps with media.
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Sure has been. Any input from someone who has a better understanding of the internals of a Sensation would definitely be helpful. And I for one definitely wouldn't mind risking the warranty if it actually seems possible.
Which one of the HTC line would have the most powerful loudspeaker? I suppose those within the HTC family maybe an easier fit.

I think HTC Sensation has the same speaker as the HTC Droid Incredible 2, HTC Evo 3d(expected),HTC Freestyle & HTC Incredible S based to how they used the same picture for these phones speakers on www.repairsuniverse.com. Anybody know about the sound quality from these phones?

I've heard that the Evo 3D stores a pretty powerful sound output. Judging by the link, I'd say it might be a good fit on the sensation as well.
But I sure hope it isn't exactly the same speaker. That'd be like installing a Sensation XE speaker on the Sensation- Foolish.

The only thing i fear is that our phones have a weak speaker because of the design of the case. The hole for the speaker on the sensation is small and off center of the actual speaker. The Evo3d has a seemingly larger slits for the speaker and it seems to be on center so that might be the difference. Has anybody opened the phone and used the speaker without the plastic body and the battery cover in the way?

kevinliu2336 said:
The only thing i fear is that our phones have a weak speaker because of the design of the case. The hole for the speaker on the sensation is small and off center of the actual speaker. The Evo3d has a seemingly larger slits for the speaker and it seems to be on center so that might be the difference. Has anybody opened the phone and used the speaker without the plastic body and the battery cover in the way?
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I had that suspicion earlier today as well. And I did try it out with the rear housing off. There really wasn't much of a difference- it might seem a bit louder with the back off, but at the same time it seems to pump more bass with it on.
I wouldn't mind trying out an EVO 3D speaker on mine to figure if it does make a difference, but I'd need someone to confirm that they aren't the same speakers as the sensation. Any additional info/ tips would be appreciated- Let me get this done and make myself a bit useful to the forum

If you are using an mp3 as a ringtone, that can be re-recorded at a higher output level. Not sure if there is an Android audio app that would let you do that directly on the phone, but certainly there are lots of audio apps for Mac and PC that will do the job.

stroobach said:
If you are using an mp3 as a ringtone, that can be re-recorded at a higher output level. Not sure if there is an Android audio app that would let you do that directly on the phone, but certainly there are lots of audio apps for Mac and PC that will do the job.
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Sure there are apps which would help increase output to a certain level, but still does't reach expected levels. For all having issues with the loudspeaker output- I'd recommend this thread for now: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1389756
All credits go to the OP of that thread- that sure was an amazing find! Worked well for me, and editing that particular file whilst installing a different speaker might help even better. Will get back on that as soon as I'm done with a project deadline.

I guess we all agree that the loudspeaker on the Sensation is woeful. I own a Touch Pro 2 and the dual speakers are LOUD. They are probably the loudest speaker phone that you can ever find from the entire HTC product line. Interestingly, the dual speakers are also designed such that the left speaker is behaving like the tweeter (higher pitch sounds) while the right speaker is the woofer (lower pitch sounds). It is very apparent when you cover up one and then the other while some music is playing.
I have ordered a spare speaker (meant for repairs) for the Touch Pro 2 and will be playing around with it to see if some hardware mods are possible to improve the Sensation's speakers. The delivery is expected to take 3 weeks to arrive.

I don't wish to dig up zombies, but I thought it better to continue an old thread than start a new one due to others insights.
Has anyone tried other speakers to see if they fit in the Sensation? I too have come from the Touch Pro2, and there was a tweak on it which made the speaker even louder (it was already quite loud!). I could hold a conversation, hands-free, in my car with the window down on the motorway no problem. And now, coming to the Senny, I'm almost embarrased to play music to anyone (unless using the headphones). I realise we can't get the TP2 speakers on the Senny (as there is more involved than just swapping a speaker - even if there was room for 2 larger speakers in the Senny).
Anyway. @darkytoothpaste, or anyone else, has there been any progress with the speaker hardware?

Recording at concert

Ok so I remember going to a nickleback concert a few months back and I recorded it on my galaxy nexus and the sound quality was crap...Now I went to a Linkin Park concert and the quality is still crap. So I guess my question is if there is anything different I can do to get any semi decent sound quality?

Nickleback and Linkin Park? The phone did u a favor. LOL!
But seriously Ive never had a phone that recorded live audio well. To much low end and way to loud especially if ur any where near the stage. I record with sound off most of the concerts I go to.

TokedUp said:
Nickleback and Linkin Park? The phone did u a favor. LOL!
But seriously Ive never had a phone that recorded live audio well. To much low end and way to loud especially if ur any where near the stage. I record with sound off most of the concerts I go to.
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Lmao! haha funny one =p and ya that probably makes sense seeing how I was at the very front for both of them =/ bleh oh well wish there was a way to get better quality but then again I didn't really expect much in the first place haha

External mic. Phone mics really aren't equipped to handle the sound levels at a concert.

bobloblaw1 said:
External mic. Phone mics really aren't equipped to handle the sound levels at a concert.
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So what is a good type of external mic that I can use for concerts?

This is going beyond what I know but maybe this link will help you: http://android.stackexchange.com/qu...e-an-external-microphone-with-my-galaxy-nexus
Then use amazon reviews or whatever to pick a good quality wired mic.
Be aware that many artists, (especially mainstream ones) aren't "taper" friendly and will sic security on you if you are spotted recording.

Maybe not, but it can/should be better
bobloblaw1 said:
External mic. Phone mics really aren't equipped to handle the sound levels at a concert.
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Went to a concert. Used my Verizon S3 to record a video. My buddy standing next to me with the iphone recorded the same video. Mine is completely inaudible. His is absolutely fine.
Can anyone inform us how to fix the terrible audio recording capability of the Verizon Galaxy S3?

I used to take video at concerts with my little handheld Canon camera. It seemed to help to actually cover the mic hole with a finger in order to dampen the volume as much as possible. I haven't tried this at all with a smart phone but might help.

It would be interesting to learn if using an app made for allowing high fidelity, uncompressed recordings might help, such as Rehearsal Assistant. If so, then perhaps that would imply it was the codec or some other issue used by the stock video recorder on our phone.
iPhones that can record halfway decent concert footage seem to record at a consistently high quality (i.e., my old Incredible sampled around 8-13KHz/sec . . . ouch) and minimizes most of the bass. The recording sound tinny, but at least it can sometimes avoid the overwhelming saturation from large bass sounds or high volume in general.
- ooofest

why is recording live music audio terrible but my friends iphones are good

Whenever we video record live bands my audio is just distorted and choppy but my friends audio is good on their iphones. I've compared three events. I figured it would happen to all of us because its death metal so it's super loud. But because it didn't happen with theirs I'm super envious.

augoza said:
Whenever we video record live bands my audio is just distorted and choppy but my friends audio is good on their iphones. I've compared three events. I figured it would happen to all of us because its death metal so it's super loud. But because it didn't happen with theirs I'm super envious.
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I guess this is a common issue! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vlzotUTrd1Q
Recording live music is always tough I suppose as the microphones have to be capable of hearing you say "OK Google" pretty quietly... clearly in decibel terms that is mile away from volumes at a concert.
If the iPhone does it well that's probably kudos to Apple rather than a big red mark against LG. It does cost half as much afterall!

surrealjam said:
I guess this is a common issue! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vlzotUTrd1Q
Recording live music is always tough I suppose as the microphones have to be capable of hearing you say "OK Google" pretty quietly... clearly in decibel terms that is mile away from volumes at a concert.
If the iPhone does it well that's probably kudos to Apple rather than a big red mark against LG. It does cost half as much afterall!
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Yeah good points. I wonder if I turn off google now, it'll make a difference.

There is a microphone issue n the N5. You'll never get goo results. You my improve them by covering up the noise cancellation microphone.

I'm curious if this is kernel related. I know I had the problem when I was on stock. I just played a video that I recorded while on franco kernel and the sound seemed fine.

Its likely just better quality mics on the iPhone, or designed mic just like how Nokia made their phone able to record loud audio concerts over 100 db. Nexus 5 just didn't cover that function.
Or as said perhaps blocking the noise canceling mic may be a work around. A kernel could perhaps fix it but that depends on many things so I doubt that would happen.

Sony MDR-NC750 High Resolution Audio Headset

Just received these yesterday and they are excellent. Crystal clear sound and noise cancellation works well with Z5. Like most Sony earbuds, slightly lacking in bass response but I can get past that considering the music I listen to. Purchased from Clove UK.
http://www.sonymobile.com/global-en/products/accessories/high-resolution-audio-headset-mdr-nc750/
https://www.clove.co.uk/sony-mdr-nc750-high-resolution-audio-headset

Do they have any in-line controls?

simbloke said:
Do they have any in-line controls?
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No, they don't.

Can the headset be used for hands-free phone calls, or are the built-in microphones solely for noise cancelling purposes?

dd23 said:
Can the headset be used for hands-free phone calls, or are the built-in microphones solely for noise cancelling purposes?
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No call functionality at all. They sound fantastic listening to FLAC recordings. I have parked my JBL's and using these exclusively for music. I would think they would improve with break in as well.

You can talk in to the back of the headphones, the mic is dual purpose so works with calls as well as noise cancelling.
Another cool feature is if you have this headset plugged in when recording video the phone records in stereo. Keep them in your ears though to get better stereoscopic sound whilst recording.)
It's odd how Sony don't market these features.

vermania said:
You can talk in to the back of the headphones, the mic is dual purpose so works with calls as well as noise cancelling.
Another cool feature is if you have this headset plugged in when recording video the phone records in stereo. Keep them in your ears though to get better stereoscopic sound whilst recording.)
It's odd how Sony don't market these features.
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Sony did market the feature for the older NC31EM. However, this comment is missing form the MC750 product page.
I wonder what the differences between the two really are, except price and design, obviously.

Upon further investigation, it looks like they can be used for calls:
http://www.sonymobile.co.jp/product/accessories/mdr-nc750/

Whats the difference between Sony MDR-NC750(70GBP) and Sony MDR-EX750(130GBP) ??

MDR-EX750 are rechargeable with in-line controls. MDR-NC750 have neither of these features.

Sh4rkill3r said:
Whats the difference between Sony MDR-NC750(70GBP) and Sony MDR-EX750(130GBP) ??
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Sony MDR-EX750 has Active Noise cancellation (doesn't require Z5), the Sony MDR-NC750 is basically a headphone with a microphone to take in background noise, but relies on the Z5 (or Z-series) phone to provide the noise cancellation -- meaning NC750's noise cancellation doesn't work on anything else but Sony products.

Just got a pair in today (via ebay seller - he never used them. The box was still sealed!) I already had the NC31EM's which I also enjoy and kinda bid on these assuming I wouldn't win them. Oops They are a little more comfortable and the cable is Y-split vs the right side requiring wrapping around the back of the head. I'll be breaking them in over the weekend and seeing how they sound and do with noise cancelation. I already found the NC31's did a fair job.

So, can anyone can confirm calls can be made though this ? That was the main problem for me in the NC31EM, I know that workes (But not always, don't ask me why) but the correspond wasn't prone to understand me correctly :/
Thanks !

Hey,
Just came here to say that the mic is functionnal for the NC750 and worked well during some calls. No control on the remote but I don't mind

Hi i can confirm that it works well and main button on remote works as to answer or finnish the call

doclloyd said:
Just got a pair in today (via ebay seller - he never used them. The box was still sealed!) I already had the NC31EM's which I also enjoy and kinda bid on these assuming I wouldn't win them. Oops They are a little more comfortable and the cable is Y-split vs the right side requiring wrapping around the back of the head. I'll be breaking them in over the weekend and seeing how they sound and do with noise cancelation. I already found the NC31's did a fair job.
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Hi, i know this is a very old post, however I'm curious if f what's the difference from NC31 and 750 in terms of audio quality, any significant difference? thanks

The difference is that NC750 are high resolution and the 31 are not (aside of some more audio improvements). And while it doesnt seem like much, i have both of them and the difference in audio quality is so high it cannot be described in words.
However, in order to fully utilize their potential i would recommend downloading a different music app other than the built in walkman because honestly the walkman is kind of crappy.

TheBanana said:
The difference is that NC750 are high resolution and the 31 are not (aside of some more audio improvements). And while it doesnt seem like much, i have both of them and the difference in audio quality is so high it cannot be described in words.
However, in order to fully utilize their potential i would recommend downloading a different music app other than the built in walkman because honestly the walkman is kind of crappy.
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thanks for the feedback and advise, I'm using spotify premium at extreme quality, guess NC750 does make a good upgrade

TheBanana said:
The difference is that NC750 are high resolution and the 31 are not (aside of some more audio improvements). And while it doesnt seem like much, i have both of them and the difference in audio quality is so high it cannot be described in words.
However, in order to fully utilize their potential i would recommend downloading a different music app other than the built in walkman because honestly the walkman is kind of crappy.
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Click to collapse
Hi, what about the sound quality of ex750 and nc750?