yashsingh1/xdaforums huggingface dataset:
[Acer Iconia A500] zetheroo:
I have had my tablet for about a month now and have to chime in that the mic is simply horrid. When I use Gtalk or Skype I hear this sound like a croaking frog or something over my voice and that of the person I am calling .. :mad:

However, when I use Tape-a-Talk the recording is crystal clear!!! So it cannot be a hardware issue ... right!?
[Acer Iconia A500] FloatingFatMan:
It's easy to verify the recording quality of the mic, just use the sound recorder. I get crystal clear sound from mine, no problem. Skype seems to be absolutely fine for me too, but GTalk is terrible. I'm pretty sure it's way more software than hardware related.
[Acer Iconia A500] zetheroo:
Ok, in Recorder the sound is clear but very quiet! Both Skype and Gtalk are unusable .... even when doing the test call in Skype I get this weird "knocking" or croaking sound ...
[Acer Iconia A500] marxim:
Hi,

Did you try new version of Skype, which realized a few days ago?

You can find it on Martket.

According update history, the main advantage is : better audio quality
[Acer Iconia A500] zetheroo:
I am using version 2.5.0.160

What is the latest version? This just updated a few days ago.
[Acer Iconia A500] qhorque:
I find the microphone to be a bit muffled overall but it does pick up my voice well enough for the person on the call to hear me reasonably well.

I do have a problem with Skype where the A500's volume control does NOT control the volume in the call. It's always full volume even if I turn the A500 volume all the way down to mute. How can Skype keep the speaker on if the hardware button has turned volume all the way down?

Anyone else experience this issue?
[Acer Iconia A500] WarbyD:
Out of interest, what rom/kernel are you running on your a500? I tried Skype on my tablet when it was stock 3.0.1 and again on 3.2 with lightspeed+thor, and each time my wife reported that she couldn't hear me at all...

-Dave
[Acer Iconia A500] FloatingFatMan:
I'm running ezTerry's slightly modified stock 3.2 ROM, with RichardTrips kernel.
[Acer Iconia A500] WarbyD:
Might have to give that a go, just to see if it makes any difference to me ...
[Acer Iconia A500] rokimbo:
If you have an older batch of the Acer A500, then you are out of luck... or ALMOST

The newer batch of the A500 (same SKU, same Part Number, same Model Number...) has a major design change/correction that resolves the microphone issue. I saw one a few days ago. On an older batch, the microphone is located on the left AND under the glass, MUFFLED, that is. On the newer batch, the microphone is located in the center, where the glass meets the aluminum AND there is a visible rectangular (small, but visible) opening for the microphone TO BREATHE!!! HAHAHA. Acer finally corrected the DESIGN FLAW. BUT Acer will claim that there is nothing wrong with your flawed designed A500!!! GO FIGURE. Suggestion? Try to force Acer to replace your STILL IN WARRANTY unit for you AND do everybody else a favor, as I have done, and contact the Better Business Bureau, your State Attorney General, the Federal Trade Commission, your Senators and everybody that you know who has an older batch of the A500. Acer's support is crap. Their customer service is crap and dumb. Their US operation is crap. They will remain crap until they replace the piece of crap THAT IS UNDER WARRANTY, a warranty that states the following actions to be taken in case of poor performance or design...

1. repair (unit is unrepairable)

2. replace

3. refund the amount you paid for this piece of crap

People, act. Don't just sit and complain.
[Acer Iconia A500] jon-.-:
:rolleyes: are you done ranting and double posting xdaforums.com/showthread.php?t=1234635
[Acer Iconia A500] swissdiving:
Hi all,

In another thread someone mentioned that it was possible to adjust the volume of skype by installing a market app Volume app.

So I installed Volume Control+. There you have an option to change the "voice call" volume. So I did and hey presto I did not have to use head phones anymore with skype.

I guess, since the A500 does not have the voice call capability, Acer removed the option to change the voice call volume from the settings.

Stil have to test it on gtalk but I am quite sure there the problem is fixed with this workaround as well...

Swissdiving
[Acer Iconia A500] zetheroo:
I have sent mine in for repair. Now the waiting begins ...

I was told by a Acer support rep that mic issues are being repaired ... we'll see ...
[Acer Iconia A500] kmarucut:
You're the man..

You are the man Swissdiving.. This fixed my mic issues... thanks..
[Acer Iconia A500] HouseM:
Volume control+ didn' solve problem. This app is not working good on my stock 3.2. many FC's and when I manage to run it all controls was at 100% ! Voice rec and Gtalk still not usable. Voice recording very low and sound quality is horrible.
[Acer Iconia A500] jon-.-:
Theres other apps similar to volume control+. Just search the market.
[Acer Iconia A500] Moscow Desire:
I just used Skype for video call. Everything was fantastic. Haven't tried Gtalk yet. 3g and Wifi was same quality.

I suspect, a Rom/Kernel issue for people that have issues with audio/video.
[Acer Iconia A500] HouseM:
Which one ? I've tried few but all of them shows 100% in voice call and no mic volume boost.
[Acer Iconia A500] swissdiving:
In the Androide Market look for AudioManager. It works for me on stock rom.

Swissdiving
[Acer Iconia A500] MetaMs:
Horrible Noise on Skype Calls

I had the same problem with my mic as everyone else. The sound was so muffled it was unusable for any Skype/Gtalk calls. Then I installed an audio manager and increased the voice call sound and bingo...Skype/Gtalk works.

Since the recent update(s) just before Christmas 7.014.01 and 7.014.02, I now have a horrible noise when trying to use Skype. Have not been able to try Gtalk yet, but it sounds like a flock of demented geese are squawking over my voice. Just horrible! The other person cannot hear me at all. These sounds also show up when I make a Skype test call recording.

Anyone else have this? I've tried with and without the audio manager. Same geese!
[Acer Iconia A500] zetheroo:
Is it sounding like this http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PyJirvXlWgw ?

That is how mine sounds ...

---------- Post added at 03:32 PM ---------- Previous post was at 03:25 PM ----------

After getting my "fixed" tablet back from Acer I tested it out and found the issue was still there. I looked at the service report and sure enough all that had been done was a factory reset of the device -- WTH!?

So I sent it back straight away ... got it back with the service report stating again that a factory reset had solved the issue! Still the issue remains ...

I called up Acer again and they said that the mic was changed ... whatever Acer ...

So I asked for a replacement unit or for a full refund - they said that neither is possible since they only would offer those options if the item was written off as irreparable or if more than 3 things were changed in it ...

So it's going back for a third time to see if these jokers can fix the issue ...

What an absolute nightmare Acer!
[Acer Iconia A500] castafiore:
I got the update 7.014.03_COM_GEN1 today by OTA (in France). The first thing I've done after this update was to check the microphone. I must say that there is a real improvement. The sensitivity of the microphone is definitely much higher... but the quality of the sound is still poor, unfortunately.

EDIT: second update this morning. I'm now with the 7.014.15_COM_GEN1 version... and the sound is back to very, very low ! What's the name of this game, Acer?
[Acer Iconia A500] zetheroo:
I really wonder sometimes if Acer knows what they are doing sometimes ...
[Acer Iconia A500] HouseM:
OTA update today to Android 3.2.1 solves Mic problems in 100% .
[Acer Iconia A500] MetaMs:
Yep! That's the sound
[Acer Iconia A500] qhinton:
This issue is the main reason why I'm considering leaving android all together. Its a shame that basic tasks don't work. I don't like apple but when I want to Skype or voip with my Acer its down right embarrassing that I hqve to yell or purchase a mic or a head set with mic. I'm tired of issues not being promptly addressed on android devices, plus its becoming way too common that we need to root and hack devices to get better performance. I just want my device to work as advertised. If windows phone ever gets a wifi tether hack I'm gone.
[Acer Iconia A500] MetaMs:
I agree...although I think I'd avoid windows. I hate Apple, but I hate Microsoft even more. LOL

I "chatted" with Acer support this morning. Their only suggestion? Factory Reset. Even after I told them people had already tried this with no success.

What do people think about the upcoming Google Tablet? Do you suppose a tablet made by the creators of Android will perform any better?
[Acer Iconia A500] qhinton:
I doubt it. They have never manufactured anything. Plus the UI will need to be smooth and bsautiful and priced right, no more BETA ****. Think about best selling Android tablet Fire doesn't resemble anything Android at all. They will need everything to be well polished and I don't think ICS will is that.
[Acer Iconia A500] haag498:
Possible, but unlikely. If it happens, usually to CPU or GPU because of too high temperatures. I don't think that software problems can cause that kind of effect to the microphone...

FWIW: it works fine for me, no noise (though volume is quite low)
[Acer Iconia A500] sonus:
That already exists. At least for LG, Samsung, and maybe some HTC devices.

Back to the topic on hand, my girlfriend's Acer A500 still exhibits this microphone issue. Which really sucks as I bought the tablet for her just so we could more easily Skype on mobile devices.

Are there any fixes for this??
[Acer Iconia A500] castafiore:
on my a500, since the update 7.014.15, there is an improvement. When I use the app 'tape machine', with a gain set on 20℅ AND an headset plugged in, the sound is crystal clear... :) perfect, actually.

Nevertheless, when taping, the diagram shows a lower level than without the headset... when, in fact, the sound's level is very good when I listen to the result.

I dont know why I've got this update (7.014.15) nor why the sound is so good when it's recorded like this but I must say that it works for me anyway.
[Acer Iconia A500] zetheroo:
Over the last while I have been pulling teeth at Acer to get a replacement unit. I was told that I could not since the device had not had enough parts replaced yet – BS! I insisted that since the unit came back twice already from their repair center with the issue still prevalent that a replacement was in order.

I kept going from one manager to another until I spoke with Daniel who completely agreed that I should not be made to wait around a third time while Acer try and figure out the issue ... he then proceeded to create a request to send to those above him who could authorize the replacement.

Later that same day I got a callback from Daniel who told me that none other than Ersan himself had approved the replacement of the unit so long as it can be verified that the issue is still occurring. He says I can either send it in for them to diagnose, which I said was a waste of time as the last two times they had it they obviously did not know what they were even trying to fix, or I could go to the retailer I bought it from and have the tech there confirm the issue with Acer over the phone ....

I went to the retail outlet ... demonstrated the issue for the store tech ... tech called Acer ... after over an hour on the phone got in touch with Daniel who then told the store tech that if he wants to vouch for the issue and then when Acer get the tablet and decide it's not a fault with the tablet that the store will be passed a $150 fee ... well the tech declines to go through with it as he is not allowed to ... I talk to Daniel on the phone who then lines up an Onsite visit to verify the issue ...

(While I am there another chap comes up to the tech support counter with ... wait for it ... an Acer Iconia tablet!!! ... the guy says he got a replacement code from Acer because the mic was useless and the speakers were crackling ... go figure!)

Well that was yesterday. No word from the onsite tech today ... maybe better luck tomorrow!?

BTW, I think it's safe to say that there are a few particular issues with the mic ... and that this is why some things/updates "fix" the issue for some people ... and not for all.

Also heard that another update was released today which is supposed to fix the mic issue — HAHA! Acer ... stop it ... your killing me ...
[Acer Iconia A500] castafiore:
What I can conclude from my personal experience anyway (see my previous post), is that the two microphones are good on this tablet. There is no need to replace or to repair them. No need for a hole on the cover neither. They are able to record sounds perfectly well as they are.

This problem of low volume is then definitely a matter of software.

The big question is now: why Acer doesn't explain to his customers the reasons behind this failure on their software and why is it so difficult to fix this?

I guess that there is a good explanation. Problem of larsen maybe with the speakers ?

I would prefer a clear answer from their staff people on the phone, like: "we're working on this and prepare an update for fixing it" instead of this miserable and hypocritical : "try to do a factory reset"... :mad:
[Acer Iconia A500] MetaMs:
I'm Impressed!

I have to say, zetheroo, that I am very impressed with your perseverance on this issue. I have only contacted Acer support once and was so exasperated with the idiot that I talked to that I basically gave up and decided that using Skype and Gtalk on my table are just not possible. :(

I can't wait to hear how this ends with you, and if possible, can you please give me an email address or phone number/extension and name for anyone you think can help me resolve the same problem you have? I just can't face another robot saying "do factory reset fix all problem." LOL

I have tried to subscribe to this thread, and for some reason I don't get any notices of new postings, so feel free to PM me with any relevant info. I will try to come back here and check also. Thanks!

P.S. Check this out: http://forums.whirlpool.net.au/archive/1847276
[Acer Iconia A500] zetheroo:
I am sure now more than ever that this is a hardware issue.

Yesterday I went to Harvey Norman in the morning to see about my replacement unit. They found one about an hour's drive away ... so about 2 ½ hours later I was back with my replacement. Yay!

Now for the test ... I undid the plastic wrap, opened the box and powered the tablet on — all in front of the HN tech guy mind you ... then we connected it to the HN wifi network and installed Skype.

Outcome? Three out of three Skype Test Calls played back perfectly! Not only that, but the Recorder application records crystal clear and without any distortion or volume issues!

Acer – it was a hardware issue with my previous tablet and you outright lied! I am going to draw first blood on this one.

And with my new tablet here are my findings:

(Came with Tablet)

Android 3.0.1

Kernel 2.6.36.3-00001-gf991efd

Build Acer_A500_1.016.04_COM_GEN1

Skype 2.6.0.95

*3 of 3 calls – no artifacts! Clear!

Recorder 2.10.2013 – Records extremely clear and without distortion.

------------------------

(Update 1)

Android 3.0.1

Kernel 2.6.36.3

Build Acer_A500_1.139.04_COM_GEN1

Skype 2.6.0.95

*3 of 3 calls – no artifacts! Clear!

Recorder 2.10.2013 – Records extremely clear and without distortion.

------------------------

(Update 2)

Android 3.1

Kernel 2.6.36.3

Build Acer_A500_4.010.40_COM_GEN1

Skype 2.6.0.95

*3 of 3 calls – no artifacts! Clear!

Recorder 2.10.2013 – Recording is quiet and voice distorted!

Device reset itself!

------------------------

(Update 3)

Android 3.2

Kernel 2.6.36.3+

Build Acer_A500_7.006.03_COM_GEN1

Skype 2.6.0.95

*3 of 3 calls – no artifacts! Clear!

Recorder 2.10.2013 – Recording is quiet and voice slightly distorted!

------------------------

(Update 4)

Android 3.2.1

Kernel 2.6.36.3+

Build Acer_A500_7.014.03_COM_GEN1

Skype 2.6.0.95

*3 of 3 calls – no artifacts! Clear!

Recorder 2.10.2013 – Records extremely clear and without distortion!

------------------------

(Update 5)

Android 3.2.1

Kernel 2.6.36.3+

Build Acer_A500_7.014.15_COM_GEN1

Skype 2.6.0.95

*3 of 3 calls – no artifacts! Clear! (Sounds very tinny though)

Recorder 2.10.2013 – Records extremely clear and without distortion!

---------- Post added at 10:06 AM ---------- Previous post was at 10:02 AM ----------

Yeah, that's my thread in Whirlpool Forums. ;)

If your outside of Australia the info I have is not going to do you much good ....

The key point here is that this is an issue with Acer's hardware and/or software, and not Gtalk or Skype!

If you call Acer support again as to speak to a supervisor or manager right off the bat! It is your right and they cannot deny you that ... though they may "arrange a callback" if their supervisor is out buying hats or something ...
[Acer Iconia A500] qhinton:
It may be a combination of hardware and software. Groove IP works without distortion. Skype sucks. Before update GTALK was fine
[Acer Iconia A500] zetheroo:
Would you mind popping into http://forums.whirlpool.net.au/archive/1847276 and giving some info?

Many Thanks!
[Acer Iconia A500] tabasco22:
I have the same problem with skype. But if you use headphones, the mic works excelent!!

Better if you open the sd card cover.

So the problem is in the noise reduction, no in the mic.

And yes, before the last 2 updates the mic works great.

Please excuse my bad english.
[Acer Iconia A500] zetheroo:
I can confirm the above regarding the use of headphones (although this should not be viewed as a solution). Can you explain what you mean when you talk of opening the SD card cover?

Could you take a couple seconds to pop into http://forums.whirlpool.net.au/forum-replies.cfm?t=1847276 and post your info?

Many Thanks!
[Acer Iconia A500] castafiore:
What I find very strange with this failure, is the attitude of the company Acer. They're aware about it but they don't make any effort to fix it. Worse, they pretend that there is no problem.

When people ring them and complain about that, they just pretend that there is no failure. I guess that they have given instructions in that way to their people.

Why this lying?

Is it just because they don't care or because they're not able to fix it?

Very confusing... :confused:
[Acer Iconia A500] tabasco22:
Is the cover of the external micro sd card, near the volume control.

In that place is the 2nd mic. (noise reduction)

I think all this problem is because of the software.

The relation of the mic gain and the noise reduction software.
[Acer Iconia A500] qhinton:
Sure
[Acer Iconia A500] tabasco22:
I found this

github.com/tristanheaven/micswitc

I can't try it, because my a500 is not root.

But I think is going to work.

It can be download from the market.
[Acer Iconia A500] castafiore:
I've tried Micswitch, tabasco but when it starts, they say "unsupported device"

BUT I'VE FOUND A SOLUTION TO FIX THIS LOW VOLUME ISSUE, FINALLY !

look here: http://xdaforums.com/showpost.php?p=21434072&postcount=220
[Acer Iconia A500] caremd99:
You convinced me to try but while the results are better it seems to degrade over time. At least now I am rooted!

I did notice a positive effect by turning up the mic gain via GrooveIP.
[Acer Iconia A500] zetheroo:
So it would seem that, in some cases at least, the issue is software-related. That being said have you tried performing a Skype Test Call from this new ROM?
[Acer Iconia A500] caremd99:
I did and it sounds like nasty ham radio transmission.
[Acer Iconia A500] zetheroo:
Can you take a second to hop into http://forums.whirlpool.net.au/forum-replies.cfm?t=1847276&r=32638868#r32638868 and post your info? There is also a youtube sample of the sound others are getting ...

Many Thanks!
[Acer Iconia A500] castafiore:
Same problem for me. It was nearly perfect just after the flash but it's degrading after a while. Is it because i've installed some specific apps? Which ones? I don't know...

Really mysterious...

The level is a bit higher with this version of the stock rom anyway but still low.
[Acer Iconia A500] qhinton:
Okay so I have the A500 and A100. My A100 had the same low mic problem. I just got the 3.2.1 update, immediately did a mic test with the with the sound recording app. Sounds fantastic as sound is boosted. Now I try Skype test call sound was boosted but with a faint crackling noise "very faint". Better then my A500. So I don't know where the problem lies.
[Acer Iconia A500] castafiore:
I dont know if this can be useful. I've made a test on my a500 with the app named Z-DeviceTest.

When I plug in a headset without microphone, Z-DeviceTest indicates that there is a microphone on the headset... When I plug in a headset with a microphone, it indicates that there is no mic.

I'm just wondering: Could it be a problem with the wires that are unproperly connected or, rather, with the connections that are badly referenced in the ROM?
[Acer Iconia A500] caremd99:
I sent some recordings to ACER and they stated it is within the limitations of the hardware...
[Acer Iconia A500] zetheroo:
Aka .. hardware fault!
[Acer Iconia A500] castafiore:
It could be hardware AND software related too.

Poor quality of the microphones AND bad management of the eventual conflict between de sound coming in (from the microphones) and out (from the speakers).

The most amazing, for me, is the poor quality of service offered by Acer to their customers. Faced to this problem, they deny it when clients ask for their help and they do nothing in order to fix it.

Really disappointing from that company. Except this big failure, I find that the a500 is a good product.

Anyway what we can say up to date is that:

Even when the microphones are uncovered by the blister, there is no improvement.

When a headset with a microphone of good quality is plugged in, the result is excellent.

Conclusion?
[Acer Iconia A500] qhinton:
I will not by another Acer because of this basic function doesn't work. Fyi I had the 100 too same result. Ridiculous.
[Acer Iconia A500] mdabar:
Hi people,

Version of Skype v2.6.0.95

Version of Android 3.2.1

Acer_A500_7.014.15_COM_GEN1

Version CE: 21010300

No good now, no good before. It is distorted as in the YouTube example

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

But prior to the most recent update , my Skype works better but GTalks doesn´t work, sounds like I'm in a helicopter xD.

Please help us with this problem, I have my tablet since december, and it´s a pity.

PD: What do you think is HW fault from ACER?

Thanks

http://forums.whirlpool.net.au/forum-replies.cfm?t=1847276
[Acer Iconia A500] zetheroo:
Could be ... however I have a hard time seeing software as being the cause when I get a replacement unit and, in using the identical software to the two tablets before, I have no issue with these sound artifacts whatsoever. -- How can it be software related?
[Acer Iconia A500] castafiore:
zetheroo,

That is definitely the proof that it is hardware related...

It's probably the reason why Acer pretends to not be aware of this (the cost of a free replacement of these mics on thousands of this model would be enormous for the company) and why Acer is unable to fix it through its updates.

But, if it's hardware related, it means too that it could be fixed easy and at a small cost by replacing these two little craps by good ones...

The question is now : could it be possible to buy these sort of microphones on internet?

I've found a website that sells dozens of parts for different models of tablets but which model of microphone could be convienent for the a500 is the big question:

http://www.pchub.com/uph/laptop/69-75970-16248/HP-EliteBook-8440p-Series-Micro-Phone.html
[Acer Iconia A500] zetheroo:
Sorry to have more bad news, but Acer admitted to trying to fix my tablet by replacing the Mic - it made no difference! This is not just a matter of replacing mics.
[Acer Iconia A500] castafiore:
Bad news.

But, replacing this mic by another that is identical, doesn't mean that the quality of these mics is not the cause of that problem.