Help Headphone jack hiss?

[good_guy5000HD]

I've come from Apple devices and never had this problem, but in Android (my Galaxy S4), it seems like the headphone jack completely disengages (electrically) when no audio is playing.

This is a problem when connecting to a stereo/amplifier via the headphone jack. It's fine when there's music playing, but as soon as the music is paused (or between songs!), it causes hiss (as though nothing is connected to the jack).

Another thread suggests this may be due to software sound processing in my music player (equalizer, effects), but I seem to get it on all sources.

Has anyone come across a work-around (besides using low-quality BT)? I usually connect my GS4 to my car stereo using the AUX in port.

thanks!

GG

 

[Crashumbc]

I know what your talking about. My guess would be no

 

[Szadzik]

If the device you are connecting it to has a DAC (Digital to Analog Converter) you can use USB to connect to it and that should solve your problem. Read up on Android and USB audio.

 

[AdmSuvvuk]

I've come from Apple devices and never had this problem, but in Android (my Galaxy S4), it seems like the headphone jack completely disengages (electrically) when no audio is playing.

This is a problem when connecting to a stereo/amplifier via the headphone jack. It's fine when there's music playing, but as soon as the music is paused (or between songs!), it causes hiss (as though nothing is connected to the jack).

Another thread suggests this may be due to software sound processing in my music player (equalizer, effects), but I seem to get it on all sources.

Has anyone come across a work-around (besides using low-quality BT)? I usually connect my GS4 to my car stereo using the AUX in port.

thanks!

GG

Purchase a ground loop isolator (under $10) from amazon.com and plug it in between the aux port and the phone. It totally solved the problem for me.

 

[good_guy5000HD]

Thanks for the feedback. I have a RND dock that has an audio out port, but that too leaves the line floating and buzzing as soon as the music is paused (not sure if the RND doc has a USB DAC inside).

I thought ground-loop-isolators were for power noise getting in through a connected power cord (e.g., a charging android phone). Since the hum comes from an unconnected audio cord (and when plugged in to a non-playing GS4 that isn't charging) and is likely just picking up noise from nearby electric outlets, the GLI shouldn't make a difference.

AdmSuvvuk: is your experience just in a vehicle while the phone is charging or connecting your non-charging phone to a powered speaker (when the music isn't playing)?

I'm starting to regret not getting an iPhone. This seems like a very basic usability issue the likes of which Apple is known for forecasting and engineering. I'm surprised that Samsung and/or Google hasn't noticed or designed for this.

 

[AdmSuvvuk]

Thanks for the feedback. I have a RND dock that has an audio out port, but that too leaves the line floating and buzzing as soon as the music is paused (not sure if the RND doc has a USB DAC inside).

I thought ground-loop-isolators were for power noise getting in through a connected power cord (e.g., a charging android phone). Since the hum comes from an unconnected audio cord (and when plugged in to a non-playing GS4 that isn't charging) and is likely just picking up noise from nearby electric outlets, the GLI shouldn't make a difference.

AdmSuvvuk: is your experience just in a vehicle while the phone is charging or connecting your non-charging phone to a powered speaker (when the music isn't playing)?

I'm starting to regret not getting an iPhone. This seems like a very basic usability issue the likes of which Apple is known for forecasting and engineering. I'm surprised that Samsung and/or Google hasn't noticed or designed for this.

I may have misunderstood your problem. Yes, the feedback I was having was any time I had it plugged in (charging) while using the headphone jack. I first thought it was in the car's circuitry but found it happened using powered speakers while charging. I assume it's some sort of feedback from the charging circuit.

However, what you are describing would be akin to an open channel on a mixing board. A ground loop isolator cleans that hum right up, so it may work.

I don't experience any hum at all, even during paused/silent parts unless the charger is connected.

 

[Szadzik]

If it is a dock you are using and it has USB, it has a DAC for sure too.