yashsingh1/xdaforums huggingface dataset:
[Acer Iconia A500] bluemax137:
I admit I didn't read the whole thread so maybe I am repeating something that has already been said. After months of frustration cause my mic was horrible I finally too the tablet to Acer assistance. They agreed on the fact there was something wrong and they sobstituted my a500 with a brand new one. Since I have the new one the pich works very well. I can use it with skype and all the others voice chat programs without problems, talking normally from 50 cm from the mic. At this point I believe is a hardware problem. The point is that tnot all our tablets have the same hardware inside.... and that's why there are so many different opinions about the way the mic works.
[Acer Iconia A500] MetaMs:
blu ema x137: Are you saying you shipped it back to Acer support? Or did you return it to the store where you purchased it? I've never heard of Acer assistance. Thanks!
[Acer Iconia A500] bluemax137:
I took it direcrly to Acer Italy Assistance. I have the luck it's 3 km from my home... so I didn't even ship it but I brought it there directly. 2 days and I had it back.
[Acer Iconia A500] caremd99:
I flashed Thors 14.2 rom and now skype and google voice work wonderfully. TALK and recorder still suck. I have used this all weekend.
[Acer Iconia A500] Akrillo:
still unsolved

Hey,

i have a a501 and need 3g support so i can't use thors ROM ;(

Acer want that i send my a501 back to her support center to check everything and maybe repair my device... but i dont think that they'll solve my problem...

need a solution for the very bad microphone ;(
[Acer Iconia A500] Moscow Desire:
@Akrillo, Try using this kernel;

http://xdaforums.com/showthread.php?t=1478223

Flash it through CWM, you shouldn't need any wipes, although I like to wipe Dalvik before flashing kernels.

Also, other kernels to try, Thor 3.7 (choose others).

I have tested it with your Alex III rom. See if that helps. It's a similar kernel.

MD
[Acer Iconia A500] HMG10:
I'm using this kernal, with basic headphones plugged in and Skype works fine.
[Acer Iconia A500] Animal_UK:
I've tried various Roms & Kernels and everytime with Skype I get a 'knocking'/'chopping' sound in the background of my voice.

Mic works great with other apps.

Gutted as the main reason I got rid of my Ipad 1 was to use Skype (and I couldn't justify the ipad2 expense). I like the tablet, just want to get this issue fixed.
[Acer Iconia A500] rivbx:
Acer ICONIA TAB A500 Microphone Problem - Failure - Issue

Hello there,

@zetheroo and @castafiore , I was looking into this, and I've found the model and manufacturer of those microphones. That would be unidirectional microphone made by GoerTek (witch made some quality microphones). Now, the flaws in my humble opinion, is the case that prevent sound to "get in". Changing those mic's with other ones with same diameter and shape may be a try, can't do it on mine (warranty...) , so I can't tell.

Some folks (I have read that on some forum) have removed the canceling microphone, the one that point to the back of the A500 Tablet (it has a detachable cable) and that solved the "noise" and "click" problem.

I have the same issues with my A500 16GB model witch run on Android 3.2 . Tested with Skype, Fring, Gtalk and sound recorder. More than 3 cm from mic hole the sound captured is barely heard. Send mine once to the store, come back with status on tech support return papers : "Factory reset, product tested, all is OK" . I tested the tablet in front of the store tech guy and the guy doesn't seems to see any issues, until I ask for a similar model to be put on the table and make the test on both (mine) and store's tablet. The result was off the chart. Mine: The static sound only, the store device crystal clear sound. Didn't check the Android version on the store's tablet, to see if it is software related (didn't have the information that could be software at the time) .

The tablet was send once more time to support to be "fix" . I mention that first time when the acer Iconia Tab A500 was send to support the problem was clearly described : "Sound recorded from microphone is inexistent and barely audible" . All that support do was "Factory reset".

Like I've said, I send it back, and I will send it back till it will come fixed. I have time, even if I had to send it over 100 times. People, don't sit on your @ss and complain, do something about and take actions. Acer will never admit that is a flaw in design , hardware or software. Go back if you are under warranty and complain, is your right to do so. The answers that Acer customer service give to customers, like: "This is a multimedia tablet, not a communication one" or "Use a external microphone" are UNACCEPTABLE ! The specifications clearly mention "2 X Microphones with noise canceling" . Since when human voice is noise to be canceled ? On a device that is to be used on move , on Internet and those days, communication is a must not a luxury .

Not to mention that Bluetooth stack drivers don't permit the use of a freehanded blue-tooth headset (tried the Motorola H500 , Samsung and Sony headset without success, device pair but not usable).

img714.imageshack.us/img714/7395/6279649850568.jpg

img688.imageshack.us/img688/8305/6279650850568.jpg
[Acer Iconia A500] tabasco22:
But, why when you plug a headphone or speaker, all (mic) work great?

I thing the plug disconect something. I don't know what.

I think that all work because the plug disconect the internal speakers.
[Acer Iconia A500] rivbx:
Didn't have the chance to test with 3.5mm jack microphone/headset . But if the jack plug disconnect speakers, so the noise canceling is disabled and that point out that the noise canceling software is faulty , getting me back to my previous post where I related the "cutting off" the noise canceling microphone solve the problem on some people ..... :confused:
[Acer Iconia A500] castafiore:
Thanks a lot, rivbx, for your post and these interesting informations.

I did try to disconnect one of the two microphones but it did'nt improve the quality, unfortunately. The sound is crystal clear when I use my headphone + mic, anyway.

I have no doubt that these GoerTek microphones are excellent but the microphones installed on my iconia a500 are manufactured by FUJIKON, not Goertek.

It is clearly readable on the label stuck on the wires of the microphone.

Another interesting point is that the two microphones have exactly the same specifications as far as I can read them on their label:

PB 120

FUJIKON

(see the picture I took below)

On the backside of these labels, is written:

CY 00006500

2011.05.26

REV.0A

So they're maybe two "noise-cancelling" microphones, actually ? I don't know.

A noticeable point too is that when I record an acute sound (if I whistle or when my cat meows, for instance :)), the sound recorded is loud and clear when, if I talk normally, the sound is extremely low...

Conclusions ?
[Acer Iconia A500] Akrillo:
hey this is very strange...

i tried to plugin normal headphones @ 3,2 unrooted original software => always bad micro quality

with Alexandra III Costum rom micro works fine with plugged headphones O.o

so i am sure its not a hardware problem.... its pure software :O
[Acer Iconia A500] evlampi:
I just have tried to "disable" noise cancellation by sealing up back microphone hole in the SDcard/SIM compartment (with very small piece of packing tape).

After that my wife heard through Skype me with acceptable loudness for the first time.

Another application used the microphone, the SoundHound, started to recognize songs, too.

Maybe it helps someone else...
[Acer Iconia A500] MetaMs:
Can someone tell me where both microphones are located? Show with pics would be even better. Thanks!
[Acer Iconia A500] castafiore:
I did post a picture of these mics with my previous post.

They 're located right at the top and in the middle of the tablet. (next to the sdcard compartment). Impossible to miss them when you take off the back cover of the tablet.
[Acer Iconia A500] MetaMs:
I'm so sorry. Obviously, I was not clear with my question. I had just read this post:

And was trying to figure out the "external" location of the mics.
[Acer Iconia A500] castafiore:
The microphones are totally covered by the hood (no holes at all... on my a500 anyway).

I did test the suggestion of evlampi (covering the hole of the sdcard compartment) but it did not improve the quality of sound on my a500.

I tried to record my voice with the microphones when uncovered. No improvement neither ! :mad:

These microphones only work when you talk at a very, very short distance of them.

It's definitely and desperately a big failure on this model...
[Acer Iconia A500] Akrillo:
try to install Alexandria III Rom and plug normal headphones ,>

u'll see that the quality is a lot better on skype etc. ! So i dont think it's a hardware problem :)
[Acer Iconia A500] castafiore:
When I use a headset + mic, the sound is excellent on my a500 and i use the stock ROM since a while.

But, for me, the pleasure with a tablet is when you don't have to use a headset. :)
[Acer Iconia A500] Akrillo:
You use an external micro? WHat Kind of micro? please tell us some more details :)
[Acer Iconia A500] Animal_UK:
I was excited last night when I had to update Skype on my a500 and the hope that the issue had been resolved with this update.

But no, I still get a 'knocking' sound in the background when using Skype (clear as day on recorder etc).

It's an absolute pain and I've tried differnet kernels and still the same. I don't want to use a mic/earpiece as that seems to defeat the object of it all for me.

I use Skype a lot and have to use my PC or iphone.
[Acer Iconia A500] castafiore:
I use a headset with the microphone included onto the cable. Make WESC - Model Bongo.
[Acer Iconia A500] MetaMs:
Here's a post on a forum where someone reports that Acer claims the next update will fix this problem. Is this anyone who posts on this forum? Does anyone know if this info is correct?

http://www.geekzone.co.nz/forums.asp?forumid=97&topicid=97535

I just tried to use an Android app that has a talking Parrot and the helicopter noise was overwhelming in this app, so it's not just Skype and Gtalk. Recorder still works, but apparently it's the ONLY thing that works. Try Pierre the Talking Parrot and see what I mean.
[Acer Iconia A500] peejayw:
Tried that Talking Parrot and it works fine. My tablet used to have very low mic volume but it came right with the update to 3.2.1 and Skype works fine. Never had that noise that you refer to, almost sounds like some sort of feedback problem.
[Acer Iconia A500] MetaMs:
Thanks for giving it a try. Apparently, not all tablets have this problem. For those of us who do, it's very frustrating since Acer seems to be incapable of fixing it. I find it hard to believe they just don't care, since the complaints all over the web cannot help their business. Incompetence seems more likely.
[Acer Iconia A500] castafiore:
Thanks peejayw.

Let's hope that this answer from Acer wasn't just "commercial"...

I don't face this helicopter's noise with Pierre, personally. I'm even surprised by the level of the recorded sound, I must say.

Acer is certainly aware about this failure but I still think that if it was just a problem with the software they' would have fixed it since a while.
[Acer Iconia A500] MetaMs:
ICS Fix?

Here is a transcript of a chat with Acer support this morning. Don't know if it's true, but at least I have it documented in case I need to pursue the issue after the ICS update.

Support Chat:

Santhosh (Listening)

Santhosh: Hi, my name is Santhosh. How may I help you?

Santhosh: I have verified and found that your tablet is covered under standard limited warranty.

Owner: Like many Acer A500 users, I am unable to use GTalk or Skype due to a

horrible noise that is created by the A500 speakers. I have been told that this will be fixed by Android 4.0. Is this correct?

Santhosh: I understand your concern. Let me see what best I can do to assist you.

Owner: If it is not fixed by the 4.0 update, my tablet will be out of warranty. Can I still get warranty service since the problem existed prior to the warranty expiration?

Santhosh: Sure Owner, we have documented all the details of your contacts in our database.

Santhosh: I understand that you are receiving disturbances while GTalk or Skype.

Owner: Yes. It's a a horrible noise that sounds like a helicopter. The caller

on the other end cannot hear me at all.

Santhosh: I see.

Owner: I know of several people that have sent their tablets in for repair for this issue and Acer has not been able to fix them. So it seems stupid to send my tablet to you at this point. and yes...I have tried a factory reset (twice) with no success.

Santhosh: Okay.

Owner: If it cannot be fixed, will Acer give me a new tablet?

Santhosh: Owner, unfortunately the warranty does not provide any replacement options.

Owner: So if you can't fix it, I just bought a piece of junk and you don't

care??????????

Santhosh: Owner, if you send the tablet for a repair, we will surely fix the issue.

Owner: And BTW...that's not true since I know of at least one person who was provided a NEW tablet.

Owner: Why do you think you can fix my tablet when you haven't been able to fix the other ones with the exact same problem?

Santhosh: Owner, our repair center technicians will fix any hardware related issue with the tablet.

Owner: Same question. Why do you think you can fix my tablet when your repair technicians have NOT fixed the other ones that have been sent in for repair for the same issue?

Santhosh: Owner, to my knowledge our repair center technicians are capable for fixing any issue with our products.

Santhosh: All the decision on the replacement options are taken by our higher level support team.

Owner: The tablets are returned with the exact same problem as they had when they were sent for repair. Have YOU been told that 4.0 will fix this issue?

Owner: BTW...I don't believe this is a hardware issue. My speakers worked before the last OTA update from Acer.

Owner: Again: Have YOU been told that 4.0 will fix this issue?

Santhosh: Owner, the Tablet audio recordings issues have a fix in the Ice Cream Sandwich FOTA updates.

Owner: Thank you for finally answering the question. I will contact you after

the ICS update if the problem persists.

Santhosh: Okay.
[Acer Iconia A500] castafiore:
Hmm...

I don't know, MetaMs. Let's hope so.

Acer was certainly aware of this issue before it did send its last update by OTA... Their developers didn't fix anything at all in this update.
[Acer Iconia A500] MetaMs:
Hmmmm....I didn't have this issue before the last Acer OTA update. It started with that update. Prior to that, my speakers were fine. The volume was low, but that was easily remedied by using a sound control app from the marketplace. The "helicopter noise" started with Acer_A500_7.014.02_COM_GEN2

Before that...I used Skype and GTalk with no problems.
[Acer Iconia A500] castafiore:
MetaMs,

Is your version the last one? Mine is 7.014.15_GEN1 (I'm in France). For many other countries, the latest version is the 7.014.14 (GEN 1 or 2, following the part of the world where this update has been sent).

You can download and install it on your tablet if you wish.
[Acer Iconia A500] MetaMs:
I'm in the US. My settings say my tablet is up to date. I don't see any point in trying to download and install something that you've already said won't fix the problem anyway. LOL
[Acer Iconia A500] castafiore:
well, maybe yes. I don't have this helicopter's noise problem on my tablet.
[Acer Iconia A500] Animal_UK:
Well, I think I've had enough of waiting for Acer to fix this issue and likely waiting for the new iPad to get released and I'll sell up and go back that way unfortunately.

I've installed ICS 4.03 Icylicious Stripped Version and the noise in the background when using Skype is worse than it was on HC.

I've tried everything and still the same thing and Acer don't seem to accept or want to fix the issue.

Gutted if I'm honest but there you go.
[Acer Iconia A500] ray1234:
if it is any help, my A500 does Skype very well, I did video call with my wife and kids, sound was crystal clear, video was so-so, but skype was never known for great video quality

I am on Thor's A500 rom v14.2, which is a rom port from Asus Transformer. I can assure you no problem with skype on this rom, if you still experience problems it may be your hardware that is at fault.
[Acer Iconia A500] Animal_UK:
Thanks Ray,

I've tried a number of different ROM's (not Thor's granted) and it does the same.

On each ROM I've used the microphone works on other apps perfectly - just not Skype which leads me to believe it cant be a hardware problem.

I'll wait for the 'legit' release of ICS and try that. If not, I cant see me keeping the Acer as I use Skype a lot for wife & kids.

We shall see. Fingers crossed
[Acer Iconia A500] mdabar:
Hi,

I have tried this Thor´s A500 ROM v14.2, and... I have still the same problem with skype or gtalk :(
[Acer Iconia A500] castafiore:
Did you test with the latest leak too (the version 0.22), mdabar?

For the very first time, the developpers from Acer have risen the level of recording.

It's far to be perfect, especially in a noisy enviroment, but it makes much easier to use Google search by voice, Vlingo, for instance.

I didn't test it with Skype, yet.
[Acer Iconia A500] mdabar:
Sorry for the delay!! well I don't test with this version, in fact I have talked this morning with Acer support, and theoretically this Friday 13/04, they´ll take my tablet (it is still in warranty) to repair.

So I have put the "original" ROM, and I hope to have a new microphone or one solution, else I can always put the version 0.22.

Where can I get this version?

Thanks
[Acer Iconia A500] MetaMs:
ICS downloaded and installed. Same helicopter noise with Skype and GTalk. There was also a Skype update a few days ago that didn't help either. I doubt I will ever purchase another Acer product. I haven't called them yet. I'm not sure I even want to bother to pursue it. It's just too frustrating.
[Acer Iconia A500] themechaniac:
Sony psp headset for sure

Tried different headsets only Sony PSP with mike in cable worked for me, plug has 4 segments on it same configuration as some camcorder jacks. Tested on Skype , running Civato's 12.5 ics rom. Was always muffled before. Even opened it up and played with mikes. Switched, disconnected and drilled small hole. Mine had none, just a small rectangle under the glass. The tab was almost deaf. I even dug through source in HC rom I am not a developer but I can read. Has Linux alsa, even USB sound card support but not turned on :confused: There are people urging Google to turn it on in ics, hasn't happened yet. Tried my Logitech G35s volume control and skip track controls work, no sound no mike :mad: Hope they listen. Till then looking for some of those 4 segment plugs to try some experiments :D

Other that that the tab works great.
[Acer Iconia A500] appoaf:
Mic - Solution for me.

Posted this in another thread... but maybe helpful for some.

Problem: Microphone recordings sound terrible. Soft, Choppy, Mechanical, like a bad cell call, bathroom (NOT the severe helicopter sound as others have reported). My hypothesis like others have suggested, seems to be noise cancellation issues. Especially since the issues vary app to app. These mics are right beside each other and I assume they're pretty much hearing the same thing, and the rear is trying to cancel what it hears, which is the same as the front! End result being filtering what it hears, ie filtering everything? FAIL.

Test 1: Using Recorder and Skype Test call, I tested different distances talking to the front/back, covering front mic, covering back mic, case on, case off, headphones plugged in/out, etc. In some instances you could hear some, and other hear nothing, some sound ok, some sound horrible. I wasn't satisfied with ANY.

Test 2: Popped off back of tablet and disconnected REAR facing mic. They are side/side, make sure you disconnect the correct one, the one with the diaphragm pointing out. Simple connector. Then tried Recorder/Skype Test call and both sounded Excellent. I have not tried a call with Skype, just the test. EDIT: Tested a real Skype call last night. No sound issues on my end or other end.

Conclusion: Removal of rear mic provided the best quality. There is zero filtering/cancellation/etc.
[Acer Iconia A500] utopinux:
Thank you appoaf! It really works now.
[Acer Iconia A500] appoaf:
you're welcome

No prob, now you have a mic that works, a spare mic, AND a lighter tablet! :cool:
[Acer Iconia A500] chismay:
any chance of pic-guiding this?

It would be great stickied and as for peeps like me scared to point a screwdriver at they're tab :D
[Acer Iconia A500] appoaf:
First off, I wouldn't suggest a screwdriver. The aluminium case will easily bend. My case already had a little separation at one of the corners due to my 2yr old... So, I started there using a credit card. It uses plastic "snaps" to hold the case on and you just kinda push in and "pop" them apart. You can google/youtube that to see how to remove the case the best way. One important note is REMOVE THE SD CARD prior, if you have one in. It goes through the rear case, but is connected to the board, so leaving it in while trying to pry the back case off could do some damage.

To remove the mic, it's a simple connector, there's an image of the 2 mics earlier in this thread. Just unplug the one facing out. It's the easiest to get to as well.

Have fun
[Acer Iconia A500] tawhid111:
This does not work

This does not work still hear background noise :

Test 1 -MIC 1 (while MIC 2 Stays On)-Disconected recording test with recorder app Background Noise Still present

Test 2 -MIC 2 (while MIC 1 Stays On) -Disconected recording test with recorder app Background Noise Still present

Test 3 Tested with DOLBY Digital Turned Off Background Noise Still present

Test 4 - Plugged With both MIC in and turned the MIC around just like the other one seems slightly better. still not satisfied

Note by turning off DOLBY Digital it will improve

this is due to cheap microphone being used .which is replaceable.But the exact problem has to do with the amplification .

These Mic werent meant to be amplified .its those cheap mic found in iphone clones .:mad:

EDIT The Fix (design Faulty)there seem to be some interference when the mic is underneath the motherboard.... so i replaced it like this and the problem is gone recorded using recorder lite app quality was 99.9 % no problem at all works like a charm with voice recorder alot better now.still the aplified problem with voice recorder is a problem .voice recorder tries to amplify the mic and it causes background noise go nuts. using recorder lite app fix that problem

(but still these crappy fujikon mics..blows)....

I attached the pictures below for those who need to see where its located and how to fix :)

Second picture is how i put the mics