Mic volume issues - Galaxy S II Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting

I've owned the galaxy s2 since the international version release date. I've always had this issue where people have trouble hearing me they say it sounds like im whispering and I usually have to talk very loudly or yell.
I've been through many different modems and still have this issue. I have tried turning off the noise reduction which helps a bit but it is very annoying having to tell the other party to hold on while I turn it off everytime I make the call. I also do not have a case on my phone atm.
I am looking for any suggestions that could help hopefully it isn't a hardware issue because the warranty date has passed

Related

Serious microfone problem

Hi all
Am I the only one experiencing microfone problems on my new galaxy S3?? Im on my third I9300, because of this issue...
People complaining about that the mic vol goes up and down...
I'm also facing similar issues. I'm going to get mine replaced also.
First of all guys make sure 100% it's not the mic. Record some song and see if you still have the problem. I was facing similar issues with the mic going up and down durring calls.
In my case it was the simcard. Don't ask me why, because the same simcard was working fine in another phone, but after getting a replacement everybody said that they can hear me a whole lot better.
mikesoftwiz said:
First of all guys make sure 100% it's not the mic. Record some song and see if you still have the problem. I was facing similar issues with the mic going up and down durring calls.
In my case it was the simcard. Don't ask me why, because the same simcard was working fine in another phone, but after getting a replacement everybody said that they can hear me a whole lot better.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am going through the very same issues.
I had a mic problem with my first S3 during phone calls. It was really annoying me because I couldn't do anything about it everyone was saying they couldn't hear me etc.
The sim I am using is an British UK O2 micro simcard that I used in a iphone 4, cheap samsung, and samsung S2 previously with no problems at all.
I then returned the phone to the T-mobile shop retailers, they said it was rare and not a common fault.
My new one is doing the exact same thing, I didn't update it nor is there a new update.
Can someone please help. Thank you.
I am getting the same issue but not everytime. I am sure that it is not the fault in mic that is causing this problem, as i recorded my voice (using both mics, the one at the top and at the bottom) and it was crytal clear.
turn off Noise Cancelling... fixed my problems
same problem
Had the same issue ,also with the s 2 , but the trick then (witch also worked now ) was to turn off the noise cancellation .
During a call just take the phone away from your ear and under the callers picture there u will find the option to do so
I have literally just started having the same issue today.
Am on FoxHound Rom 1.4 with Siyah Kernel. Had no problems, even made calls last night, perfect.
Then I tried switching Fast Dormancy on, flashed stock kernel and this morning I find when I made calls to Orange customer services, they were saying they couldn't hear me.
Tried testing it myself, and no matter who I call no-one can hear me.
I've tried:
re-flashing rom, kernel
Tried latest stock roms such as I9300XXBLG8_I9300OXABLG8_I9300XXLG8_HOME.tar.md5, none have made a difference. Even Roms I had backed up in clockworkmod that were working perfectly, like CM10 preview and CM9 have stopped working.
I've tried disabling Noise reduction, which has had no effect. Tried factory reset, flashing modems, kernels, roms, stock roms, nothing has made a difference. I can record video, google talk, anything else fine, just not get anything from the mic when making phone calls.
Tried putting a friends 3 SIM in, and the same thing, so it's definitely not network related either. I definately hope it isn't a hardware fault, as I bought mine on ebay and it isn't insured. Was kinda hoping for more than 2 mores usage out of a phone :crying:

[Q] Is it possible to get an unlocked phone replaced?

In Canada, I bought a GS3 used from someone who was locked to Bell and unlocked it so I could use it on my current contract with Telus.
The phone has the audio issue that has been widely discussed in the sound quality thread, the crackling and popping sound while playing music through headphones. However, most people have been saying they only hear the crackling when the screen is off and not connected to a power source. I've been hearing it in all situations, and in addition I hear it when streaming over Bluetooth. It's actually significantly worse over Bluetooth, pretty much unbearable. This makes me wonder if my phone has further issues to the one others seem to have.
Before attempting some of the solutions offered in the sound quality thread, all of which require root (mine's not), I'd like to attempt getting a replacement, if I could.
If anyone had any information or tips about getting an unlocked phone replaced, I guess through Samsung (?), it would be much appreciated.
Thanks!
Anyone have any ideas?
Second user warranty may proof difficult .
Locked is nothing to do with Samsung warranty .
jje

Bad call quality

Hi...
I got a xperia z2 prototye. model 6503.
Everything is working fine, except the call quality. i can hear and understand very well, but the other person has echoes, and very bad sound..
When I use a heatset, there is no problem. and it is almost good, when I put the phone on the table, with speaker on. The problem is worst, when I hold the phone on my ear..
Is it a hard- or software related problem?
I´m now on 17.1.A.2.55
THX
Since others have not complained about this issue, it looks like a hardware issue. Maybe your microphone is faulty?
Take it to Sony and get it checked.
I did some voice recording, and it is brilliant.
Try turning off the noise cancellation feature during calls, and see if there's a difference.
Well it's a prototype so who knows...
Sent from my C6903 using Tapatalk
I have a very similar issue I posted about in my thread...
kuass said:
I did some voice recording, and it is brilliant.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As you read in my thread my voice recording is anything but brilliant......what did you use for your testing?
g4rvd4 said:
Try turning off the noise cancellation feature during calls, and see if there's a difference.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I first became concerned when I recorded an outgoing message for the phone's default answering machine...As a test I download a voice recording app that let me turn off noise suppression/cancellation.
It brought it from unusable to usable, still not good. But I think your suggestion is a good one, I just don't see why a software tweak improves on something that seems more like a hardware problem. I say that because I can't find a single thing on the web aside from these two posts stating any concerns about it.
This is killing me...turning off noise cancellation only improves the quality in that particular app. Turning it off in the Call settings didn't change anything. I can't record an acceptable answering machine greeting no matter what I do.
EDIT- I also have unlocked my bootloader and thusly lost my DRM Keys... OP has a prototype Z2, perhaps something there?
Same problem here, and mine is not a proto
my nephew and my gf got Z2 too, and same problem...
we hear wel, they can't hear us clearly
Considering that the quality of sound that comes out of the speakers when we hear music, it sure is software problem! In Xperia Z was the same thing in its release!
non proto:
when I'm on earpiece, the caller will always be breaking up. I'll have to disconnect and return the call before everything's crispy again. though there are times they'll complain of not hearing me properly. turning off the "background noise" option seems to help but they'll tell me it's noisy as fuuu.
lol hoping for a software fix I guess.
Sent from my D6503 using Tapatalk
i have had a problem with people being able to hear me clearly ! if i let the phone even drift slightly away from my mouth people say they cant hear me or im breaking up ! ! i had a GS2 before this phone and never had a problem like this . this to me is a hell of a major flaw ... if you struggle to use a mobile phone as what it is designed to do .. then it aint worth a s**t ! i have to keep the phone pressed up against the side of my face all the time im using it ... i cant just wedge it under my chin like i used to do with the old phone. maybe if i root and install a custom ROM it would help this issue ???
strommy1966 said:
i have had a problem with people being able to hear me clearly ! if i let the phone even drift slightly away from my mouth people say they cant hear me or im breaking up ! ! i had a GS2 before this phone and never had a problem like this . this to me is a hell of a major flaw ... if you struggle to use a mobile phone as what it is designed to do .. then it aint worth a s**t ! i have to keep the phone pressed up against the side of my face all the time im using it ... i cant just wedge it under my chin like i used to do with the old phone. maybe if i root and install a custom ROM it would help this issue ???
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
First time I've seen my problem described to the letter. It's especially bad when I hold the phone with my chin and no hands. I turned off noise cancelation under phone settings and people stopped complaining however a few people complained of an echo... Lose, lose. Btw, I'm rooted with a custom ROM and nothing has changed.
Sent from my D6503 using Tapatalk
jiggyb21 said:
First time I've seen my problem described to the letter. It's especially bad when I hold the phone with my chin and no hands. I turned off noise cancelation under phone settings and people stopped complaining however a few people complained of an echo... Lose, lose. Btw, I'm rooted with a custom ROM and nothing has changed.
Sent from my D6503 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
oh .. i thought rooting and a custom ROM would solve this problem ! i also have noise cancellation switched off .. but still if i let this phone drift even slightly away from my mouth , immediately people say im breaking up or they just cant hear me ? what the hell good is a damm phone that people cant hear you on ! i can hear them very clearly .. it must just be a crap microphone in the phone
strommy1966 said:
oh .. i thought rooting and a custom ROM would solve this problem ! i also have noise cancellation switched off .. but still if i let this phone drift even slightly away from my mouth , immediately people say im breaking up or they just cant hear me ? what the hell good is a damm phone that people cant hear you on ! i can hear them very clearly .. it must just be a crap microphone in the phone
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This worries me. I'm planning to buy the z2 but if people in the other end have issues hearing you then I might pass. It's a shame.
Sent from my SGH-T959V using XDA Free mobile app
There should be a speaker voice enhancement option in the call settings menu, not sure whether you've tried this or not but might be worth a shot
neotoky said:
This worries me. I'm planning to buy the z2 but if people in the other end have issues hearing you then I might pass. It's a shame.
Sent from my SGH-T959V using XDA Free mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i wouldn't of bought this phone .. trouble is you don't get to test the call quality or anything like that before you buy the phone ! yes now its easy to read this forum about the problems people are having . so wish i had waited and read this forum before i ordered mine. think i will be buying something else in the near future, and try and sell this one
Maybe people should report this to Sony as I don't get any complaints from the receiving end so far. My only complaint is the sound quality of the voice in the earpiece is not rich. The voice lacks low frequency.
goodpenguin said:
Maybe people should report this to Sony as I don't get any complaints from the receiving end so far. My only complaint is the sound quality of the voice in the earpiece is not rich. The voice lacks low frequency.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
On my handset I constantly have hissing noises during a call and voice breaking up intermittently, but not when I'm on speaker or headphones then it's all crystal clear.
Mine is 14W16 and I've already had it replaced but the problem is still there (replacement device also 14W16).
Does anyone else experience this?
I've already disabled/enabled microphone noise suppression and speaker voice enhancement, but to no effect.
EDIT: My third device (also 14W16) still has this problem, maybe a faulty batch or is it probably a software problem?
EDIT2: Seems to be a software related problem. I have flashed the new 17.1.1.A.0.402 rom and it's almost perfect now.
It seems like a recurring problem...
Hi Guys,
Here's my post on Xperia Care (3 threads dealing with this specific issue):
"I've had the exact same issues since my very first call. I am pretty sure it is a hardware issue and not software or use-related (my phone has never been in contact with water, the issue started in an "out-of-the-box" context and ALL the people I've had over the phone guessed that I changed for a new one just because they could not hear me as clearly as with my former HTC HD2 which I'm starting to deeply regret for this basic use of calling for a phone!).
Searching over the web and through this forum, you can find many people complaining about this problem and saying that a standard exchange did not solve it: would it be a batch problem?? For info, mine is a simlock-free purple model bought in Germany.
Another thing, using noise cancellation is even worse according to my callees so I guess I'll never use this feature, then... All details provided by you guys are described by my friends when I have them on the phone: hissing, hearing me in the distance (muffled sound), hearing their voice in echo (bad Z2 speaker=>mic interaction), vibration (resonance/vibration due to the phone design itself??), hearing like intermittent wind gusts and very very bad sound when I hold the phone between my cheek and shoulder...
As if this would not be bad enough, now the camera application does not record sound anymore when filming (it used to be OK before updating to newer version through PC Companion). Instead of proper sound you hear constant hissing. After a lot of tests I've realised that it now uses the noise cancellation mic instead of the primary one. When running a mic test through Xperia diagnostics menu you can hear back that hissing and no sound at all. Doing the same test through the *#*#7378423#*#* menu gives a different result since I can hear the recording perfectly well (because it is using primary microphone)."
After rebooting my phone, the secondary mic is now working. This leaves me very puzzled now: would it be a software issue in he end??
I'm phoning French Xperia Car hotline tomorrow, keep you posted.
Cheers
Guillaume59000 said:
Hi Guys,
Here's my post on Xperia Care (3 threads dealing with this specific issue):
"I've had the exact same issues since my very first call. I am pretty sure it is a hardware issue and not software or use-related (my phone has never been in contact with water, the issue started in an "out-of-the-box" context and ALL the people I've had over the phone guessed that I changed for a new one just because they could not hear me as clearly as with my former HTC HD2 which I'm starting to deeply regret for this basic use of calling for a phone!).
Searching over the web and through this forum, you can find many people complaining about this problem and saying that a standard exchange did not solve it: would it be a batch problem?? For info, mine is a simlock-free purple model bought in Germany.
Another thing, using noise cancellation is even worse according to my callees so I guess I'll never use this feature, then... All details provided by you guys are described by my friends when I have them on the phone: hissing, hearing me in the distance (muffled sound), hearing their voice in echo (bad Z2 speaker=>mic interaction), vibration (resonance/vibration due to the phone design itself??), hearing like intermittent wind gusts and very very bad sound when I hold the phone between my cheek and shoulder...
As if this would not be bad enough, now the camera application does not record sound anymore when filming (it used to be OK before updating to newer version through PC Companion). Instead of proper sound you hear constant hissing. After a lot of tests I've realised that it now uses the noise cancellation mic instead of the primary one. When running a mic test through Xperia diagnostics menu you can hear back that hissing and no sound at all. Doing the same test through the *#*#7378423#*#* menu gives a different result since I can hear the recording perfectly well (because it is using primary microphone)."
After rebooting my phone, the secondary mic is now working. This leaves me very puzzled now: would it be a software issue in he end??
I'm phoning French Xperia Car hotline tomorrow, keep you posted.
Cheers
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Any update on this? I just got this phone for my fiancé and it seems that she's having the same issue. I can't hear well.
Must have something to do with positioning the mic and how far it is from the mouth. More than a design problem than a hardware one methinks.
SooSpecial said:
Any update on this? I just got this phone for my fiancé and it seems that she's having the same issue. I can't hear well.
Must have something to do with positioning the mic and how far it is from the mouth. More than a design problem than a hardware one methinks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi SooSpecial,
Xperia Care had no explanation about this; they advised me to file a standard exchange procedure with the seller, which I did.
I'm now waiting for my new device, hoping I won't have the same problem anymore.
If not, I would ask for a refund and go for a G3 instead. That would be a pity because I really like the Z2.
I'd advise you to have your girlfriend's handset changed asap, otherwise you would have to go for a repair procedure w/ Sony, which may take approx. 1 month, leaving you without any replacement smartphone if it was a simlock-free one...
FYI, this problem has also been reported on Xperia Care Forum in 3 threads on Frandroid (french forum) and on some customer reviews on Amazon (as far as I know).
Good luck with that

Voice echoing on other end of phone call?

EDIT: Read the other comments in this thread to see what I've tried and what hasn't worked. Thank you!
I love my Galaxy S5 so far, but currently it's sucking at being an actual phone. On the other end of the phone line, the people I've talked to have complained of the audio sort of cutting in and out like someone is interrupting me. This happens when I'm in quiet rooms alone, so I'm confused. At first I though it was the case on my phone (Supcase), but after replicating the problem for myself, that doesn't seem to be the case. So at this point I'm not really sure if my phone is possessed or if it's a hardware problem. For reference, I'm running XtreSoLite rom and I have a few Viper4Android audio things running. I'm not sure if that could be the problem. Anyway, if someone could help me solve this issue, I'd really appreciate it. Thank you!
jtc276 said:
I love my Galaxy S5 so far, but currently it's sucking at being an actual phone. On the other end of the phone line, the people I've talked to have complained of the audio sort of cutting in and out like someone is interrupting me. This happens when I'm in quiet rooms alone, so I'm confused. At first I though it was the case on my phone (Supcase), but after replicating the problem for myself, that doesn't seem to be the case. So at this point I'm not really sure if my phone is possessed or if it's a hardware problem. For reference, I'm running XtreSoLite rom and I have a few Viper4Android audio things running. I'm not sure if that could be the problem. Anyway, if someone could help me solve this issue, I'd really appreciate it. Thank you!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's certainly not normal. Not with stock firmware or custom ROMs like Phoenix. I have no idea if your custom ROM is a factor, bit it seems unlikely.
Possibly your problems are reflective of being in a location with a weak and tenuous signal strength. Generally speaking dropouts and feedback are data latency issues seen more with Voip and VoLTE calls. You don't have nearly enough information to do more than guess yet.. but I would make your audio app (Viper) to be the prime suspect.
See if you can exempt voice calls from Viper or temporarily uninstall it. Also find out if any background apps are using high CPU and in particular if any audio apps are set to high priority. Find out if you arwe using VoLTE. CPU (power saving) apps?
If you can't narrow it down, make a backup and then revert to 100% stock to rule out hardware issues. Then install apps one at a time, watching for the issue to return. You could also open a carrier support ticket to see if your account is misconfigured, using a low grade codec, etc.
.
fffft said:
It's certainly not normal. Not with stock firmware or custom ROMs like Phoenix. I have no idea if your custom ROM is a factor, bit it seems unlikely.
Possibly your problems are reflective of being in a location with a weak and tenuous signal strength. Generally speaking dropouts and feedback are data latency issues seen more with Voip and VoLTE calls. You don't have nearly enough information to do more than guess yet.. but I would make your audio app (Viper) to be the prime suspect.
See if you can exempt voice calls from Viper or temporarily uninstall it. Also find out if any background apps are using high CPU and in particular if any audio apps are set to high priority. Find out if you arwe using VoLTE. CPU (power saving) apps?
If you can't narrow it down, make a backup and then revert to 100% stock to rule out hardware issues. Then install apps one at a time, watching for the issue to return. You could also open a carrier support ticket to see if your account is misconfigured, using a low grade codec, etc.
.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you for all of this! I'm having an unfortunate week because I'm actually away from home and have very limited internet access, so factory resetting my phone isn't currently an option. However, I did turn VoLTE off and I'll be wiping my cache because I read somewhere that might work. I'll also be watching my apps, but I'm not sure that's the problem. I generally have the same apps on all of the phones I use and this is the only phone people have said I sound bad on. And I don't think Viper is the culprit either because I've disabled it and nothing has changed. So hopefully turning off VoLTE works or simply wiping the cache does the trick. If not, I'll definitely do everything that you recommended because I want to avoid RMAing this device at all costs.
It seems that a factory reset solved the problem. I still have no idea what the problem was, though, but I'm happy it seems to be gone.
So the problem has returned. I factory reset once again and it hasn't done the trick. Everyone is describing it as an echo and telling me they can hear themselves echoing when they speak, although it sounds fine on my end. I don't know what else to do. I have:
Factory reset
Taken the sim out and put it back in
Changed APNs
I don't know what else I can do. Really hoping I don't have to RMA this device. Does anyone know how Samsung is with RMAs?
Bump
Still having this problem. I hope there's someone out there who knows how to fix it.
you ain't alone mine was fine for a while then after the new update it came back i call t-mobile.they put in a open repair tickets as others around my town also complain.my signal is always -114 to -119.they have heard it it when i call them.i get the echo or it brakes up or call turns into noise and then calls drop and they have to call me back on house phone they claim it is a tower/signal issue.??
jtc276 said:
Still having this problem. I hope there's someone out there who knows how to fix it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i had this on my first two handsets it happened in the first 14 days so i had no trouble going into tmo store and exchanging it twice. people could not hear me and the echo was really bad. third s5 call quality super clear now.
been you had exchange the phone and new one working fine what software is it on NF6 or the new NG3 that would tell us a lot???before i downgrade back to the nf6
420soljah808 said:
i had this on my first two handsets it happened in the first 14 days so i had no trouble going into tmo store and exchanging it twice. people could not hear me and the echo was really bad. third s5 call quality super clear now.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I had this same issue as well. I could hear people jsut fine, but when they tried to talk to me, be it over tmo network or through wifi calling, they heard bad echoes and noise. I even did as you did; factory reset and it sorta worked. When it happened again, I cleared caches (the official fix from tmo 611) and that worked for a couple hours. Eventually, they told me to take it back to the store and get a replacement.
I believe it's a hardware issue related to the mic; here's why:
When I'm in my car and on bluetooth people on other end hear me just fine and crystal clear. When I used a bluetooth headset, same thing. As soon as I disconnect from BT and go to just the normal mic, echo pops in.
One thing you can do is call 611 and use the voice prompts. It was so bad on my end that the voice prompts picked up itself (well the echoes from the voice prompts). If you do and the voice prompt system routs you even when you don't say anything (it routes your call because of the echoes) then you definitely have a bad handset.
I was rooted, custom recovery, knox tripped and mailed my phone in. Nothing happened. But they did charge me $20 for a return/replacement fee. The new phone I got works no problem.

[Q] Noise/hissing in speaker during calls (quiet)

Hi, everyone!
I'm G850F owner, and I have quiet noise/hissing in top speaker during calls. It's there all the time GSM is working, including tones before pickup.
It sounds like old radio receiver between stations. Doesn't disturb phone calls, however it's still very annoying. Not everyone hears it.
It's constant volume level, independent of call volume, so it's best heard when volume is at minimum and between dial tones. Same sim-card sounds ok in other phones.
I've heard about "Comfort noise" thing, but not sure that is it: I've tried 10+ different phones and smartphones, and only 1 old Nokia sounded like that. And it's not comforting at all
I've even went to shop and they gave me another device to test - same result. Device was from same batch as mine, however.
So... the question is: do you hear it, how is it comparing to other devices, and do you have some more information?
P.S. When recording call and then listen to recording using same speaker - no noise. So it's either interference from GSM module to speaker, or I don't know what ) Maybe it's software? Then there should be a way to remove/lower it.
SnipER.UA said:
Hi, everyone!
I'm G850F owner, and I have quiet noise/hissing in top speaker during calls. It's there all the time GSM is working, including tones before pickup.
It sounds like old radio receiver between stations. Doesn't disturb phone calls, however it's still very annoying. Not everyone hears it.
It's constant volume level, independent of call volume, so it's best heard when volume is at minimum and between dial tones. Same sim-card sounds ok in other phones.
I've heard about "Comfort noise" thing, but not sure that is it: I've tried 10+ different phones and smartphones, and only 1 old Nokia sounded like that. And it's not comforting at all
I've even went to shop and they gave me another device to test - same result. Device was from same batch as mine, however.
So... the question is: do you hear it, how is it comparing to other devices, and do you have some more information?
P.S. When recording call and then listen to recording using same speaker - no noise. So it's either interference from GSM module to speaker, or I don't know what ) Maybe it's software? Then there should be a way to remove/lower it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hmmm i do not know what it is. But just FYI I have come across a few threads about this issue for the Alpha on a Swedish Android forum (Swedroid) . A couple of people there are having this issue. So far I have not seen any solution.
Interesting! Just got mine and I have the same problem. So it's just us or everyone has that problem? When I use the earphones it gets a whole better! Is it common or I should return mine asap?
Common unfortunately. I've got used to it ) Not all people hear it at all.
SnipER.UA said:
Common unfortunately. I've got used to it ) Not all people hear it at all.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's a pity coz I was almost sure that I got the perfect phone except from that apparently! that sound of a frying pan drives me nuts! Anyway since everyone has the same issue and I don't have a faulty one I can get used to it! Thanks a lot for replying!

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