Help Droid X Speaker - Design Flaw? Fixable?

[Uker]

Lot's of talk about the speaker volume/tone on the Droid X.

I too am a bit concerned with the speaker volume and tone on my Droid X.

I did a test. Droid X vs. Garmin Nuvi GPS - Google Nav vs. Garmin built in maps.

I plotted a route across town and fired up both units in my car. I turned on my car radio. I started to drive.

Results:
1. The Garmin was louder and clearer than the Droid X when speaking turn by turn instructions.

2. The Garmin was loud enough while listening to the radio.

3. The Droid X was not loud enough to be heard over the radio(volume set to max).

I don't want to plug my Droid X into the AUX on the radio because I then lose use of the radio.

Is this a hardware issue in the Droid X or something that can be fixed by a software update?

 

[ericnail]

I have a hunch its software because my Eris was louder.

Either way it is a design flaw because the speaker is located where your hand naturally goes, thus deminishing the sound. :/

 

[AJ_EVO]

Really? You're comparing the speaker on a Garmin GPS to the speaker on the DX? From my experience a GPS speaker is always going to be louder. I don't think this is a fair comparison at all. You can fit a much larger speaker in a GPS than a smart phone.

 

[sodaboy581]

I don't want to plug my Droid X into the AUX on the radio because I then lose use of the radio.

Is this a hardware flaw in the Droid X or something that can be fixed by a software update?

Solution? Pandora/Slacker/Native Music Player/FM Radio App + Google Maps + AUX in.

That's what I use.

 

[Fabolous]

Solution? Pandora/Slacker/Native Music Player/FM Radio App + Google Maps + AUX in.

That's what I use.

Exactly. That's how I make it through the 5 hour drive to visit my family, Pandora + Google Nav

 

[Uker]

So are you happy with the Droid X speaker's volume and tone?

 

[bobomatic]

i hear its the same speaker as the incredible, and from what ive read the DI is louder. some say it my be the hole covering the speaker or its default isnt set as high. BTW is there a way to set the default higher?

 

[Gareee]

Speaker? Not Speaker(s)?? The DX doesn't have stereo output speakers?
Even our two year old ENV2s had stereo sound output!

 

[Uker]

Where is the speaker located?

If it's a tiny hole problem, Motorola can offer a new cover with the correct sized hole. Apple is offering a rubber bumper for their antenna problems.

If Motorola sees this as a flaw they can alter the manufacturing process/design to enlarge the hole. The new Droid X's off the assemble line will be fine. The originals can get a new cover.

 

[ericnail]

The speaker itself is mono, however, the 3.5mm output jack and the HDMI out both output stereo/surround sound.

 

[Gareee]

I suppose you don't really get any separation from a small unit anyway, but still for something that can play multimedia well, I'd have thought they would have included stereo speakers.

We'll probably be using our stereo BT headsets anyway.

 

[bobomatic]

Where is the speaker located?

If it's a tiny hole problem, Motorola can offer a new cover with the correct sized hole. Apple is offering a rubber bumper for their antenna problems.

If Motorola sees this as a flaw they can alter the manufacturing process/design to enlarge the hole. The new Droid X's off the assemble line will be fine. The originals can get a new cover.

i keep repeating to my self. "dont touch the dremel tool, dont touch the dremel tool"
at least till i google how to take the phone apart!

 

[kwest12]

Well I just got a glimmer of hope that I won't have to exchange my DX b/c of the "low-than-my-old-LG enV-volume" issue...

Special Post on How to Make Progress with the Alleged Low Volume Speaker Problem - Page 2 - Droid Forum - Verizon Droid & the Motorola Droid Forum

If you're too lazy to click the link, then #1) shame on you and #2) basically it's someone saying that when they called Verizon, the person they were talking to said Verizon is acknowledging this as a problem and is working on a fix which should be released soon. That to me sounds like an OTA soonish? I know what you're thinking: ".604" Well if you notice, the person posted the comment on 8/4/10 so it's obviously not that OTA that the VZW rep was talking about.

Here's the thing though: not all the Verizon ppl are acknowledging this yet, so it could have been a single misinformed rep.

Here comes me begging: Please please please pleeeeaaasse take a few minutes and call VZW and complain about the speaker issue. The more people that (civilly) notify Verizon that this is an actual issue, the better chance of getting it fixed.

Please note, you need to contact VZW, not Motorola: if there is to be a software fix, it will be b/c VZW recognizes the problem and contacts Moto to ask them to create an update.

 

[Gareee]

I read elsewhere the issue isn't the speaker, but in the sounds on the phone itself. evidently they are too quiet, and if you put louder ones on, it resolves the issue.

 

[OrderFromChaos]

Solution? Pandora/Slacker/Native Music Player/FM Radio App + Google Maps + AUX in.

That's what I use.

+1

I like the fact that the music will stop when the navigation is giving directions or if I call comes in, and then picks right back up when the other stuff gets done.

To the OP: If the stations you listen to are owned by Clear Channel then download the IHeartRadio app.

 

[Veritech]

I read elsewhere the issue isn't the speaker, but in the sounds on the phone itself. evidently they are too quiet, and if you put louder ones on, it resolves the issue.

That's what I've found so far. If I put on my own ringtones they come through nice and loud but many of the stock ones seem too low in volume.

 

[WalmartSecurity]

For me, the problem isn't the speaker but where it's located. When I put my DX on a hard surface or hold it in my hand, the speaker resonates. But when I leave it on a soft surface like my bed, car seat, or sofa, the sound is dampened quite a bit.

It doesn't seem to be an issue though. "Noisey One" and "tinkerbell" are quite loud, and Zedge (app market) has a lot of "business tones" that shriek.

 

[kwest12]

Seems like theres a general consensus that the speaker can handle much louder volumes than it shows off with the stock sounds...

Think about what you're leaving out when you say "use louder ringtones: problem fixed".

Things not being addressed (can't be fixed and/or would take TONS of time to fix):
> youtube
> pandora/slacker/grooveshark/etc
> your entire mp3 library
> videos you load onto your phone
> speakerphone calls

Places you can't use the above features comfortably:
> The car
> The airport
> Restaurants
> Outside
> In public (I think you get the picture)


The point is, since we know the speaker can handle louder volumes, Motorola should be able to easily release software that increases how loud EVERYTHING can be set BY DEFAULT. The only way that will happen is if people make calls to Verizon and report this issue. Make sure they record it as an issue and don't just brush you off (but be polite about it at the same time).

 

[Gareee]

Seems like theres a general consensus that the speaker can handle much louder volumes than it shows off with the stock sounds...

Think about what you're leaving out when you say "use louder ringtones: problem fixed".

Things not being addressed (can't be fixed and/or would take TONS of time to fix):
> youtube
> pandora/slacker/grooveshark/etc
> your entire mp3 library
> videos you load onto your phone
> speakerphone calls

Places you can't use the above features comfortably:
> The car
> The airport
> Restaurants
> Outside
> In public (I think you get the picture)


The point is, since we know the speaker can handle louder volumes, Motorola should be able to easily release software that increases how loud EVERYTHING can be set BY DEFAULT. The only way that will happen is if people make calls to Verizon and report this issue. Make sure they record it as an issue and don't just brush you off (but be polite about it at the same time).

Personally I think the speak is plenty loud enough. If I'm watching a movie, playing a game, or listening to music on my phone, I use our BT stereo headsets 95% of the time. After all, the phone itself isn't even stereo, having only one tiny speaker. Why would I want to listen to quality audio that way?

There is nothing worst than sitting next to an @$$hat blaring some loud crap off his phone. Try sitting on the other side of your phone with it turned up all the way.. you get 50% more sound coming from it than just holding it in your hand watching.

If you are in a noisy crowded situation, you need to use your headset anyway, unless you want a 30 or 40 watt speaker system attached to your phone.

Have some common courtesy, and wear your headset if you want to listen to something loudly.

I DID think about what I meant when I said "use louder ringtones: problem fixed". All the alert and alarm sounds are easily replaced or enhanced by making them louder, so that is really a non issue. If you are using your phone as an alarm clock, then you need a stand for it, so it isn't laying flat on a table, drowning out 50% of the volume.

And using a headset resolves all other issues, because the volume control for them is perfect.

 

[jbass350z]

sometimes i cant hear my X ring.. the speaker is weak IMO

 

[Gareee]

sometimes i cant hear my X ring.. the speaker is weak IMO

Increase the volume of the ringtone, or select a louder one.

 

[Paycer]

I don't think it really matters whether or not you should be using your speaker in certain environments. If someone wants to use their phone speaker in public to listen to media, then they have the right to as far as I'm concerned. I would prefer that some didn't at certain times, but it's their decision. Our freedom to choose when to use our device shouldn't be limited by any possible faults of the manufacturer.

The fact remains that we've paid for a device that comes with a speaker. Part of the amount we paid went toward that speaker. It's only right that it should work correctly. Yes, we can modify the audio files in order to balance the issue and correct the problem to an extent, but I guess my point is that we shouldn't have to. Depending on how well my speaker works, I myself will probably modify some files when my phone arrives. I'll also increase the audio on whatever ringtones and alarms that I decide to add, but I wish I didn't have to. I guess it's just a hassle that I could do without.

I haven't been able to test the speaker on my own phone yet, but I'm sure I'll post back here with my experiences when it arrives. I hope it works alright.

Regardless of any potential issues with the speaker, we should all keep in mind just how awesome this phone is. One very slight defect shouldn't make us wary of using this truly incredible piece of technology.

 

[OrderFromChaos]

I don't think it really matters whether or not you should be using your speaker in certain environments. If someone wants to use their phone speaker in public to listen to media, then they have the right to as far as I'm concerned. I would prefer that some didn't at certain times, but it's their decision. Our freedom to choose when to use our device shouldn't be limited by any possible faults of the manufacturer.

The fact remains that we've paid for a device that comes with a speaker. Part of the amount we paid went toward that speaker. It's only right that it should work correctly. Yes, we can modify the audio files in order to balance the issue and correct the problem to an extent, but I guess my point is that we shouldn't have to. Depending on how well my speaker works, I myself will probably modify some files when my phone arrives. I'll also increase the audio on whatever ringtones and alarms that I decide to add, but I wish I didn't have to. I guess it's just a hassle that I could do without.

I haven't been able to test the speaker on my own phone yet, but I'm sure I'll post back here with my experiences when it arrives. I hope it works alright.

Regardless of any potential issues with the speaker, we should all keep in mind just how awesome this phone is. One very slight defect shouldn't make us wary of using this truly incredible piece of technology.

Personally, I have had no issues with the volume when listening to streaming audio or my mp3 files. The only thing that I have found is yes, the stock ringtones are low in volume, but that's it.

People can use their device anyway they see fit, but if you're complaining (not you specifically) about low volume and set the phone face up, that is your problem. You know where the speaker is located as it didn't magically move to a new location after purchasing it. Same thing with using your phone as a speaker in a public place. IMO, the phone was never made to be a loud-speaker or radio in a crowded environment, but rather a personal media device, keyword here is personal.

The speaker works just fine. Perhaps Motorola chose to make ringtones that were not loud, that is their right, and you have the right to change the ringtones to something else.

In the end, I see not fault really for Motorola other than making their stock ringtone low in volume. Heh, I could careless about this one aspect of the phone as I've already change my ringtones, and agree with you on how awesome this device is.

 

[Gareee]

The speaker does work correctly. Odds are Motorola development figured that anyone seriously using multimedia, gaming, or stereo music would be using a headset, or a exernal powered speaker system, since the unit does not have stero speakers. (Which DID surprise me coming off a 2 year old ENV2 with stereo speakers.)

So the only real volume needed for the speaker was alerts, and alarms, whch is fine. Motorola already stated in their own forums that the alerts were en fact released with too low a volume, and that the next update would include replacements for them which would be higher volume replacements.

I don't think it is a defect at all, but intended developement. While playing some audio from some apps, or music, you find the volume is plenty loud enough, and in some cases needs to be turned down to hear comfortably.

Since this an issue, does anyone know how to pull all the stock ringtones off, and replace them? If so, I'll pull all of them off, increase the volume on them, zip them back up, and make that download available for everyone.

It takes almost no time at all, and once you have the setup, I think I can even do it as a batch thing.

 

[Paycer]

Right, sorry. I've actually already read that the speaker is fine, and that it's the stock audio files that came with the phone that are lacking in, "umph." It was actually in a thread on this very forum. I guess I'm being spacey today.

I don't think that I will leave my device laying down on a flat surface, screen up, while watching videos or listening to music though. I will either have it in the dock or in my hands so that I can properly see the screen. Even with my alarm, I flip the phone over so that the screen is facing down. I do it because I don't like any blinking LEDs when I'm trying to sleep, but I've also always done it because the alarm tends to be louder, regardless of how loud it was before. Nonetheless, I completely agree with you, Garee, about the device having been meant as more of a personal media device. It doesn't really come across as being something that you can easily show off audio-wise in a crowded bar.

I also now remember reading a user's comment on Motorola/Verizon possibly being able to fix this problem in the Froyo update. It seems like a fair argument, and I hope that it happens. It wouldn't surprise me if it doesn't happen, but it would be nice to know that they're actually hearing what we have to say about the device's performance. Even if the defect isn't physical, they should still be handing out bug fixes. I think that a fix for this problem would be really nice.

EDIT: Here's a tip actually. I do this with literally every media device that has and uses a speaker on the backside.

Cup or, "cusp," your hand around the edge of the device and redirect the audio toward you. It might sound weird or stupid, but it works rather well for me.

The position that this guy's hand is in is similar to what I'm talking about, but he's doing a much more loose fashion of it. Basically, place the tips of your fingers slightly past the speaker hole on the back of the device, then do a, "curve," of sorts with the rest of your hand until you nearly make a 90