Anything related to Sound: features or fix requests. v10: Bass Boost

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tomasitoc

Senior Member
Aug 21, 2008
872
52
California
@supercurio,
any update ,
I think it was mentioned in this thread that the sound enhancements will be
made available in the market.
I am eager to try the sound enhancements.
 

raphy972

Member
Nov 10, 2010
43
1
Toulouse
something to remind us of what's possible :

zoukout, a massive annual beach party with over 50,000 people, and thats the audio quality you hear with yes, an iphone. =p

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DpLYLyvsNnM

Yeah, no other phone I had can beat the sound quality of this video taken with my old Nokia N97 phone (all NSeries in fact)!! Just check the bass restitution, not too much high-frequency and I was very close to the stage! Crazy quality compared to my Galaxy S! :mad:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MfY3cYVsdbQ
 

freakfingers12

Senior Member
Oct 4, 2010
502
56
Don't have much time so here's a small sample:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TlDd9R0DHbE

Recorded using stock camera, no audioboost or things like that. Holding a phone right in front of the speaker (which you can see lying horizontally). Volume is quite high.

Music played:

Blind Guardian - Sacred Worlds
Dio - Rainbow in the Dark
Blind Guardian - Curse My Name
Manowar - Battle Hymns

By no means I wanna say that the quality is ideal; far from it. But, from my point of view, it's a great improvement compared to what has been before; much less distortion. Actually, distortion can be clearly heard mostly in battle hymns only.
Pretty good choice of music! The sound definitely improved a lot. Try recording outdoors, I am on JPY and the sound is still pretty bad with all the wind and road noises.

agreed. i'm gonna go for a huge end of year beach party, and try recording with the SGS...the comparison between that vid and the one above should be quite stunning =p

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Panxnk61Hok and this vid by rafal still keeps me hoping that we can achieve the same sound quality without tapemachine =o
Wow, that is impressive. How did he record the audio using tapemachine and video using camera at the same time? It's high time the SGS sound gets fixed. All of it, lag issues, GPS issues are already fixed. I'd like to see the sound recording get fixed too.
 

Grashoper

Senior Member
Mar 10, 2008
125
3
Maritimes
Pretty good choice of music! The sound definitely improved a lot. Try recording outdoors, I am on JPY and the sound is still pretty bad with all the wind and road noises.


Wow, that is impressive. How did he record the audio using tapemachine and video using camera at the same time? It's high time the SGS sound gets fixed. All of it, lag issues, GPS issues are already fixed. I'd like to see the sound recording get fixed too.

I believe, if I read his post correct... That video sample was a sample form his Nokia Phone... not his Galaxy... he was merly showing how nice of quality his Nokia was.
 

dagrim1

Senior Member
Sep 1, 2008
1,710
369
I believe, if I read his post correct... That video sample was a sample form his Nokia Phone... not his Galaxy... he was merly showing how nice of quality his Nokia was.

Actually, both seem to be recorded with galaxy s where the 2nd one (by rafalense) had the audio recorded with TapeMachine (as mentioned in the video description)
 

supercurio

Retired Senior Recognized Developer
May 31, 2010
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WANTED:

(1) In speech calls, reduce noise-gate filter, which cuts off natural aspiration sounds in speech and makes speech harder to understand. $5
I believe this processing is done by the Baseband on Galaxy S phones except on the Captivate (additional audiance chip).
It maybe won't be possible, but I'll take a look at the each registers during call to verify.

I wasn't aware of the issue. Maybe I don't use enough my phone as.. you know, a phone :D

(2) Improve sound quality in speech calls coming from certain specific phone models (iPhone 3GS and some Nokias being on the list). The incoming sound quality is extremely band limited (high/low pass filtered) and hard to understand. Similar problem is NOT apparent listening to the same phone models on non-Galaxy S phones. $5
Do you think there are special filter modes for specific models. Or is it just "too much processing" ?

(3) Optimize the frequency output on low-impedance loads (16-40 Ohm), which is currently auto-detected and only linear on very high impedance loads (i.e. line out type connections). $5

All fixes must be permanent and survive reboots without being re-applied and not require a resident battery-consuming application in the background.

No battery consuming application in the background, you can count on it. I take care of the battery usage during the dev, this is also why I take the "hardware" approach first.

Actually the impedance detection is used to configure the Android system but don't affect the codec or amplifier configuration.
During the design of the codec, it has been targeted mainly for loads like 16-32Ohms, but it behaves extremely well with a very wider spectrum of devices attached.

Also, on the topic of a "true line out". It's important to note that the headphone output is rating are really similar to the line out level one:


DAC to stereo line output:
SNR (A-weighted): 97 dB
THD: -76 dB
THD+N: -75 dB

DAC to headphone output: (32 Ohms load)
SNR (A-weighted): 100 dB
THD 20mW: -74 dB
THD+N 20mW: -72 dB
THD 5mW: -76 dB
THD+N 5mW: -74 dB

DAC to headphone output: (16 Ohms load)
SNR (A-weighted): 100 dB
THD 20mW: -82 dB
THD+N 20mW: -80 dB
THD 5mW: -83 dB
THD+N 5mW: -81 dB

The datasheet don't tell about the headphone amp used as a line-out driver, but one word qualifying this low power DAC and headphone amp circuit: WOW.

If you want to convert this THD db values into percentages: http://www.sengpielaudio.com/calculator-thd.htm
 

supercurio

Retired Senior Recognized Developer
May 31, 2010
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I don't know if this is actually fixable but I own a captivate running a I9000 rom and ever since I have switched my 3.5 mm headphone jack seems way quieter when I hook it up to the aux in line in my car, then when I was stock. If this is fixable I would definitely throw in 15 for the cause. I really hope this is fixed because the I9000 roms do so much better for everything I care about except this volume problem.

Sent from my GT-I9000 using XDA App

Yes, more recent kernels have a lower output gain than kernel based on older sources.
This is why you experience a lower level. Far to quiet I guess!

Yes this is fixable, hopefully
 
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supercurio

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Now that the CyanogenMod is in its near complete years, what's the possibility of getting all these fixes within the CM framework? Or has Samsung done something on a much deeper level to make it more challenging to hack?

All the modification I do now are in the Kernel, and designed to be controlled by any standard Android app.

It means it will work for Galaxy S, Nexus S, Galaxy Tab, CyanogenMod or not as long as it uses a kernel including my audio driver extensions.
 

supercurio

Retired Senior Recognized Developer
May 31, 2010
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its true the mic is sensitive, mic sensitivy can be set on most devices, although there is a mecanical issue, over a certain volume the mic will clip unless somthing is put in front of it to block the sound.
in fact this appraoch would work regardless - but of course you cannot tell how well somehting is working when it records. So a sound level meter would be very usefull....especially if it worked with the video camera mode.

Elegant solutions to this issue are already widely adopted by... you know, about every device capturing videos with sound except the Galaxy S :D

Its: a low input gain, and use of a digital auto-level or dynamics compression (better, and that's a capability our great audio codec hardware has!)
 

ragin

Senior Member
Dec 17, 2007
1,743
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Hubli
hey guys, SGS is being phased out. NO PRODUCTION for the past 2 weeks. Check it out on my thread in general.
 

xan

Retired Recognized Developer
May 21, 2006
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hey guys, SGS is being phased out. NO PRODUCTION for the past 2 weeks. Check it out on my thread in general.

Yess lets all just ebay it.
Moving on...
(will stick to it for another half a year, unless it breaks)

This month will bring us some breakthroughs like CM7.0 and voodoo sound with correct FM output ;]
Wifi is still a no-go though.
 

eeyunopper

Senior Member
Oct 12, 2010
195
14
The problem I find with audio is it is a bit messy. When listening to acoustic music, with lots of space the sound quality is very good. For more intense music, opeth or aesop rock for example, things sound a bit confused, when compared to using a stereo proper. Is this what others have found?
(Flac files or aac used, audio technica ad700 headphones).

Sent from my GT-I9000 using XDA App
 

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  • 200
    Update: Kernel driver source is also released now!
    for Kernel and App developers: https://github.com/project-voodoo/sound_kernel_patches
    Full Kernels repositories: https://github.com/project-voodoo

    Models supported in sources: GT-I9000, Captivate, Vibrant, Epic 4G, Fascinate, M110S, Galaxy Tab and Nexus S!

    GT-I9003 board and audio hardware are entirely different and not supported.

    28/03/2011 : 5.5.3 release: includes Voodoo sound v7 :definite fix for the DAC direct call issue with much better audio path management, lagfix code updated.
    21/03/2011 : 5.5.1 release: includes Voodoo sound v6 (fixes reported by some users muted earpiece during calls with DAC direct option enabled: proved inefficient)
    17/03/2011 : 5.5 release: includes Voodoo sound v5 and a new kind of 16GB Galaxy S.
    02/03/2011 : 5.4.2 maintenance release added support to Samsung Froyo 2.2, Ext4 conversion for some new Spanish 8GB phones.
    31/01/2011 : 5.4.1 release: added missing cifs.ko
    31/01/2011 : 5.4 release: includes Voodoo sound driver version 4!
    27/01/2011 : 5.3 release

    FROYO kernels:
    Flash with ClockWorkMod recovery or SGS Kernel Flasher App (available in Market - needs root)
    Voodoo-stable-5.5.3-Froyo-GT-I9000-unsigned-update.zip

    Flash with Odin or Heimdall.
    Voodoo-stable-5.5.3-Froyo-GT-I9000-odin-pda.tar

    Note: This Kernel is the reference implementation for Galaxy S GT-I9000 (will work also on GT-I9000M GT-I9000T). Other Galaxy S variants will have issues or won't boot.
    It also contains the usual stable Voodoo lagfix, and ClockWorkMod as default recovery.
    If you don't know how to flash kernels, I recommend the community written guide, updated by Eitam Doodai

    Don't forget to support my development effort so I can continue working hard on it :)

    You can also take a look at an additional list of potential features


    Other kernels implementing Voodoo sound:

    You'll find plenty of other kernels implementing Voodoo sound for your device in this forum ;)


    "Voodoo Control" in market screenshots:

    A few countries miss Market, so I put also a download link. Downloading through market is still strongly recommended if you can:
    http://dl.project-voodoo.org/apps/


    VoodooControlApp-0.3.png
    VoodooControlApp-0.3-headphone-amp.png
    VoodooControlApp-0.3-recording-options.png



    FAQ:

    How to get the best sound quality ?

    The best quality for headphone is obtained:
    1/ by setting the Android digital sound level to the maximum or close to it
    2/ then using the new analog level to choose the sound pressure that suits your needs
    This way, you will get the lowest hiss, best signal-to-noise ratio and lowest distortion.

    Original post:

    Hello:)
    My first bounty, lagfix is a success so here I am again!

    Galaxy S line phone have a few sound issues and as a sound junkie I'm working on improving things with Voodoo sound

    Here is what I'm implementing for the first Voodoo sound release:

    Headphone amp analog gain:
    Reduce the hiss or give you a much louder output. Configurable from very low levels to very high.
    Already tested with sensitive in-ear very prone to hiss and brilliantly confirmed with Sennheiser high-end 300 Ohms headphones.

    Hardware Parametric equalizer:
    Change the frequency response to correct your headphone deficiencies or to adjust the sound how you like. Use 0 battery and work on every sound source. 100% configurable

    Hardware 3D effect:
    Finally, a good specialization effect. Can improve sound-stage if used wisely. Configurable.

    Here is the link to Voodoo sound source repository if you are curious about it.
    Those are new features, exciting capabilities your phone didn't had before :D
    Galaxy S phone is at the top of the line about sound capabilities because it uses a high end Wolfson WM8994 sound codec.
    That's why it's worth it.

    I receive already a lot of a few feature asking to fix things, and it's not what i intended to do.

    If you have a feature request or suggestion please
    • explain it in this topic
    • tell how much you can support the dev effort.


    I can be crazy features request. Who knows, sometimes crazy stuff can be done ;)
    Then I'll do my best to work on it and you'll vote with donations if you are satisfied with it.
    Your turn!
    13
    I digress... but hey supercurio are you developing/ planning to develop an app similar to voodoo sound for the Galaxy Nexus? Publish it and I will be the first to grab it from market. :)

    Yes Galaxy Nexus will receive Voodoo Sound improvements!
    I started the research phase but didn't actually developed it yet.

    Features planned:
    - Analog headphone amp
    - Mono switch
    - DAC high performance mode (instead of default: low power)
    - Speaker tuning: a bit more bass.

    As usual: no ETA so please don't count too much on it as long as it's not actually released ;)
    9
    Hi dear sound lovers.

    The compilation of your feature request was so promising for me that I suddenly couldn't resist to write some Voodoo sound code :)
    So there are already 2 commits related to Voodoo sound:

    Headphone amp gain :
    http://github.com/project-voodoo/linux_gt-i9000/commit/62e580cd4de97ec0039bf22a297d415f0f986a95
    First usage of the parametric EQ: an anti-alias filter for bright headphones
    http://github.com/project-voodoo/linux_gt-i9000/commit/df44533e336c5fde76a0912ad1c68d5f08f38e08

    The second one may become obsolete once I'll get total knowledge of the WM8994 sound codec, sound driver and Android sound system internals.
    And, you guessed, i very much plan to do that!


    Now about the Bounty

    1/ Mic sensitivity

    This is the big winner of this bounty contest ;)
    Both in term of requests and amount. Logically, I'll work on this one first.
    Expect it to be included in first or second Voodoo sound release.

    Of course this enhancement will need to be done very carefully. I'll take the highest care not disturbing voice calls, voice memos, Shazam/Shoudhound song recognition.
    Because I already studied the subject, I can tell you that people who know code may find the patch very short.
    Most of the work will consist to elaborate ideal settings for every possible situation.

    From filming insect's buzz :
    RTEmagicC_Mouche-Macro-Condylostylus_Opo-Terser-CC-by.jpg.jpg


    To capturing music video during the latest Deftones live show
    5.jpg


    If default are not good enough, I'll implement more complex code but will propose a usable interface to control it.
    ETA 2 weeks
    asked by: crossbone85, BronzedDroid, crossbone85, BronzedDroid, mike.sw, webcrtor, darkflyer1983, efegue, nsgtr34, rafalense, Anduru, Cazador-, GwynBleidd


    2/ True line-out

    18rca12foot.jpg

    I don't have yet the confirmation it can be done yet, but as it's a requested feature I'll study it and you know that if it can be done... it will !
    If the hardware don't allow a direct line out from the DAC bypassing the headphone amplifier, I will improve the sound quality of the output anyway.

    The very first release will already allow you to set the output gain to the standard level you expect from a Line-Out. This will resolve most headaches currently caused by the fact that the default output is very quiet.
    asked by: morfic, eeyunopper, NeronLux

    3/ Headphone amplifier gain

    hd650.jpg
    UltimateEars_Marshall_WhiteSM.jpg


    Yes, some headphones needs special capabilities because
    - Their impedance is high, sound is too quiet
    - Their sensitivity is very high, and you hear too much hiss.

    Sensitive in-ear tend to become the norm and because of their isolating nature you hear even more this annoying hiss.

    Headphone amplifier gain is the adequate answer to these 2 problems, and if it appear very simple, device in our digital era are extremely rare!
    Now Galaxy S will be part of this ultra-elite club.


    You planned to buy an expensive external amp because you thought your beloved headphones sound bad? Think again !
    − however you can think about my donation link :p


    4/ 5-band Hardware Parametric EQ

    This one will be totally awesome. Too bad a system-wide EQ is not part of Android.
    Will combine
    - sound quality: +-12db adjustment without saturation or distortion
    - with the best power efficiency: use no battery.


    5/ Radio Noise
    62_thumb_2.jpg

    Will probably be the most difficult to archive, but I already have some ideas about it.
    However, don't expect a "perfect" solution.
    asked by: stranger812, Aj12


    6/ iPhone headset support

    133445-etymotic%20hf2.jpg

    Want to use iPhone IEM+mic on your GT-I9000? You're not alone!
    asked by: many people.


    7/ Call through headphones

    I don't understand why you cannot do that. Do you?
    Looks obvious but may require some profound changes in several software and hardware layer... or not.
    Not studied yet.
    asked by mcmac7, darkstar2k77. Maybe more people.


    8/ General sound quality

    2006_150.jpg


    Optimizing the sound quality and squeezing the best performance out of the top-notch WM8994 hifi audio codec is the main essence of this project, by a sound lover for sound lovers.

    Count on me to make this phone the best Android phone to enjoy music, if not one of the best mobile audio source in all categories.
    Is it ambitious ? Yes but thanks with the Wolfson Micro high end hardware present in this phone you could be surprised ;)
    asked by dsellers2

    8/ Bluetooth gain & A2DP streaming issues

    330px-Bluetooth_logo.png


    Bluetooth stereo is not audiophile's favourite but sometimes it's so much more convenient!
    I'll study and also improve this way of listening to music.
    asked by FloridaK and TheTodFather .


    9/ Specialization effect for headphones & Crossfeed

    One of the first version will include support of the hardware 3D effect.
    In my opinion, most effect called "3D" something are pure crap. This one is the exception because it's able to improve soundstage and preserve musicality at the same time.

    True crossfeed will be trickier to get done, but nothing is impossible. Once again, this is a bout system-wide solution that work on every sound source.
    asked by cbdrift


    10/ Other various requests

    - Multi-track recording support by thurtig
    - VOIP fixes by magpolson


    PS : remember it's a Bounty thread.

    Format:
    - Feature requested + description
    - development contribution

    Thanks :)
    6
    Voodoo sound v8 driver sources pushed on the 14 Kernel supported as template!
    Just tell me if I forgot one.

    Sample commit with Changelog:

    https://github.com/project-voodoo/a...mmit/19f3a63c06b43cc938e6bde8ec9e505bb688337c
    6
    The problem I see is that's how you like it.and not all developer do that way.
    I don't mind to share code, but I don't like to share code that I don't tested and controlled for bugs. What you like is to share bugs to. That's the main different between us.
    You think that real time sharing is a good thing, but I don't like it at all.
    That lower the quality of sharing code and it's a wast of time.
    Also if I want to put others code in my code I want to know what it does.
    That's how you make quality code/program that works and have little bugs in them. The way you think is good is just Alfa/beta code that never will be good.

    Standard practice when you develop in the open:

    - dev branches, where you publish work in progress as often as you want
    - stable branches, where you publish what correspond to stable releases, distributed for other people who can reuse your code safely.

    Benefit with dev branches is that you get comments and suggestions, even sometimes bug reports from developers following your work, well if the work in question is worth it of course. But there are a lot of people in forums, including silent people who only send mails after reading code.

    In stable branches, you publish tested validated code for releases.
    Publishing work with SCM with git and an open development model help improving quality and security of stable releases, ask Linus!