yashsingh1/xdaforums huggingface dataset:
[Google Pixel 2 XL Questions & Answers] :
I had insane distortion on my previous phone. Any volume above zero and the speaker would buzz around like crazy. If I run my replacement at max stock volume (No audio mods installed), I get clear sound with no distortion. So either I'm lucky or the issue isn't as prevalent as you think
[Google Pixel 2 XL Questions & Answers] onishchuk4:
Well, the thing is that it's not noticeable in ever scenario. You need to play audio which has someone speaking in it. A good one would be any linus tech tips video where he's @ CES. Playing music and a lot of other types of audio doesn't bring it out.
[Google Pixel 2 XL Questions & Answers] :
I initially tested my speakers at full volume using audiocheck and a bunch of well recorded tracks. I just tested with a couple of Linus videos from CES and the results were the same. There is no perceptible distortion/buzz when compared against my laptop speakers and headphones. If there is any distortion, the only way I would be able to know would be to set up a measuring rig and check what the THD is on these speakers. and compare it to any specs that Google has put out if they did reveal that information in the first place.

It is true that a lot of devices have terrible speakers and there are loads of people who have complaints about them. That doesn't mean every phone is defective. 6 defective phones in a row means you either have really bad luck, all your replacements were from the same production batch that was terrible, or Google QC is really ****ty.
[Google Pixel 2 XL Questions & Answers] onishchuk4:
In terms of batch, you're probably right. All 6 have been either from October 16th or November 22nd. I suspect that not many of the black 128GB versions are selling. I received this latest one on tuesday and it's build date is October 16th.

---------- Post added at 11:01 PM ---------- Previous post was at 10:58 PM ----------

What version of Viper did you install? I see like 3 different ones. I tried your settings, but I don't notice a difference. Also, the -6.8db doesn't stick. When I exit the app and come back in, I see that the levels have all gone to -7.
[Google Pixel 2 XL Questions & Answers] otonieru:
I can confirm this trick fixed minw
[Google Pixel 2 XL Questions & Answers] onishchuk4:
Ok I tried a different version, Viper4Android FX and the distortion is gone! Fingers crossed that Google fix this in an update soon.
[Google Pixel 2 XL Questions & Answers] Ap3xGam3r:
Do you have a link to ur version? My version always goes to -7.0 db as well and -6.8 doesn't stick.
[Google Pixel 2 XL Questions & Answers] onishchuk4:
Mine doesn't stick to 6.8 either. Only 6.9. Sounds fine.
[Google Pixel 2 XL Questions & Answers] Ap3xGam3r:
Are you on driver version 2.5.0.4 as well?
[Google Pixel 2 XL Questions & Answers] onishchuk4:
2.5.0.5
[Google Pixel 2 XL Questions & Answers] onishchuk4:
Update. This fix is useless. Doesn't work anymore. Just played a YouTube video and its just as terrible as before.
[Google Pixel 2 XL Questions & Answers] otonieru:
Nope,

Still work fine for mine.
[Google Pixel 2 XL Questions & Answers] onishchuk4:
Ok, well can you provide more info on what version and settings you're using? Just like the other poster, can't get -6.8db to stick. Is there anything else we need to have enabled? Even at -6.7 mine rattles like crazy.
[Google Pixel 2 XL Questions & Answers] Triscuit:
[MENTION=1409113]keever25[/MENTION] thanks for this, working great and I feel like my XL2 sounds almost as good as my Nexus 6P used to now.
[Google Pixel 2 XL Questions & Answers] Triscuit:
Still working after 3 days for me, I have the settings at -6.9 from 250 to 4k. Make sure that your V4A drivers are actually running like in the picture below.
[Google Pixel 2 XL Questions & Answers] onishchuk4:
I'll have to try again later. I already got rid of Magisk as I ran into an issue with sideloading the newest OTA.
[Google Pixel 2 XL Questions & Answers] AndrasLOHF:
You'd think something that can be fixed with software that's causing them to have to RMA devices would be top priority.
[Google Pixel 2 XL Questions & Answers] sharkie405:
Just wanted to drop in and say that I downloaded and installed viper4android FX via Magisk, and set the Op's suggested settings, and it works! I just watched three unbox therapy videos and a couple other video game videos on YouTube with lots of talking and some music and background noise and it was all clear! No more distortion at full volume!

OP, you sir, are a god! Thank you so much for sharing!
[Google Pixel 2 XL Questions & Answers] keever25:
Glad it seems to be working for so many people. After 2 RMAs, I quickly learned that this was a common problem. Now if only I could figure out how to modify the frequencies when on a speaker phone call.
[Google Pixel 2 XL Questions & Answers] ferbulous:
My 1st RMA has the same distortion issue on the bottom sepaker and now I'm worried to request for another since you're on the 6th phone.

Regarding warranty, does it still get covered by Google Store once rooted or bootloader unlocked? Or do I just relock the bootloader again if need to send back for RMA?

This is my first phone from google so I'm not familiar with their warranty policy.
[Google Pixel 2 XL Questions & Answers] ferbulous:
Are you using magisk manager 5.4.0?

Seems like using 5.4.2 or later then, dtbo gets automatically patched and I keep getting 'something's wrong with android' message on each reboot.

Also, should I use the older version or newer version of Viper4android?
[Google Pixel 2 XL Questions & Answers] Jinthegodstyle:
I Think so i have this issue too..the case is that i dont notice it all the time,only in some cases..in some too loud videos i think so or something like this..Is it normal or issue?Or just my imagination? :P
[Google Pixel 2 XL Questions & Answers] Fuzzy13:
900hz area is what's causing the distortion. The nasally high mids region. Pull it down until you're happy. Amazingly I figured this out after I got the phone yet Google STILL hasn't put out a fix.
[Google Pixel 2 XL Questions & Answers] sphinxy:
What value did you find adjusting 900hz to works for you?

Did you also select the preset "rock" first?
[Google Pixel 2 XL Questions & Answers] Eiad Ajam:
I can remove that distortion when i press my finger on the bottom speaker ( righ corner ).

I think that the speaker is not well mounted ..
[Google Pixel 2 XL Questions & Answers] sharkie405:
Agreed. While the fix mentioned in this post certainly helps or mostly gets rid of the issue, the root cause is poor hardware design/implementation, IMO.
[Google Pixel 2 XL Questions & Answers] zetsumeikuro:
Mine does that as well if I hit back in viper. Set it all to -6.8 and hit the home key to put viper in the background and it'll stick that way.
[Google Pixel 2 XL Questions & Answers] pa.pn2:
Mine doesn't stick on -6.8.

I use version 1.4 from ahrion...
[Google Pixel 2 XL Questions & Answers] onishchuk4:
Friend of my just got his PXL2 128GB black and was over yesterday. His phone was made on the same day as mine, Oct. 16. His has no distortion(played same exact video at max volume) from the bottom speaker and almost no blue shift. Talk about insane. I promptly followed up with another RMA. Here we go again...
[Google Pixel 2 XL Questions & Answers] testimony:
Wow this is a great work around. Thanks OP! Now if google or anyone can fix the speaker during call...
[Google Pixel 2 XL Questions & Answers] CoOlSlY:
Looking for the same ... Searched a lot and found nothing. When calling my voicemail on speakerphone, the lower speaker distort (vibrates) a lot, following the thread to see if somebody found something...
[Google Pixel 2 XL Questions & Answers] testimony:
It's unbearable and rma is terrible in india
[Google Pixel 2 XL Questions & Answers] sj_ami:
Thanks for the tip, it's certainly made the sound much cleaner. I used another app called Neutralizer to calibrate the sound profile between 250 Hz and 4 KHz. Similar process, use the arrows or tap on the EQ bar to adjust the frequency required. I just set them to 0.0 dB and saved it as Pixel 2 XL Sonic Calibration. This will help until there is an update to fix this.

Edit: I might be experiencing a placebo effect, it doesn't seem to be working on the Pixel 2 XL. Need to test more to confirm.
[Google Pixel 2 XL Questions & Answers] CoOlSlY:
... And does it work in on a conversation on speakerphone or when calling voicemail?
[Google Pixel 2 XL Questions & Answers] Buddyjohn:
has anyone had this issue with the top speaker? I have noticed it on mine. but have not isolated the frequency that stops it...
[Google Pixel 2 XL Questions & Answers] sphinxy:
Top speaker for me definitely
[Google Pixel 2 XL Questions & Answers] woundedworld:
I don't know if this will help anyone with the static coming from the top speaker during calls, but....here goes. I went through about 5 Pixels 2 XLs for various reasons. However, the one thing I noticed on most of them was static during phone calls only. Music, videos, all sounded fine, just not phone calls. So, I did a test using my wife as a test subject because she too has a Pixel 2 XL and complained of the same issue.

In Settings > Network & Internet > Mobile Network > Advanced > Disable Advanced Calling. Static was completely gone (in phone calls) for me. Like I said, this may work for some (worked for my wife's phone as well). I had previously RMA'd a phone for static when this method actually may have been the solution. Sucks that I can't make use of this option, but the alternative to me, is worse.
[Google Pixel 2 XL Questions & Answers] CoOlSlY:
What I have in advanced is:

- Mobile data, Roaming, Data Usage

- Enhanced 4G LTE Mode <-- Is this what you are talking about?

Preferred network type, Operator, Wi-Fi calling, Automatically select network
[Google Pixel 2 XL Questions & Answers] woundedworld:
Odd, there is no down arrow for Advanced?
[Google Pixel 2 XL Questions & Answers] CoOlSlY:
Well yes, but what I have in advanced is what I wrote and disabling advanced LTE didn't helped me out for the handsfree/speakerphone calls speaker distortion
[Google Pixel 2 XL Questions & Answers] sphinxy:
I don't have this advanced calling option in my advanced settings either.

Is it a carrier specific thing?
[Google Pixel 2 XL Questions & Answers] madscribblerz:
Me three. Tmobile.
[Google Pixel 2 XL Questions & Answers] woundedworld:
Odd. I apologize, I have a Verizon variant and assumed that all Pixel 2 XLs have this option.
[Google Pixel 2 XL Questions & Answers] RealCaracas:
Hello my friend... We're you able to find another EQ App that worked without root?

My first pixel had the issue on top speaker, 2nd, 3rd and 4th on bottom one... I really don't want to RMA again (for now) to have the same result... But don't want to root either (unless is the only solution)....

---------- Post added at 05:46 PM ---------- Previous post was at 05:24 PM ----------

Hmmm I did install other equilizer app (equalizer fx pro) and I did get a message that would not work because another EQ App was installed... Google's "com.android.musicfx"... If you look for it on APK mirror you will see that it was updated 5 Feb 2018... The date correspond with past security update ... Maybe Google it's trying to do something already?? Maybe that's why Google before approving RMA tell us to update to latest version??... If we disable this app maybe we could use other EQ apps in non rooted pixel 2?? I can't test right now because everybody is sleeping now at home...

---------- Post added at 06:04 PM ---------- Previous post was at 05:46 PM ----------

Ok.... It did actually work!!! I needed it to test it before going to bed... No rooted... Just disabled MusicFx app and applied equalized settings... Yujuuu.... I will make a full post.... The only key down is that the volume is clearly less loud... But now I can hear any piano concert without any distortion....

Here is my guide: https://xdaforums.com/pixel-2-xl/how-to/guide-fix-speaker-distortion-pixel-2-xl-t3763378/post75892058#post75892058
[Google Pixel 2 XL Questions & Answers] mhajii210:
Phone calls

Does this work with phone calls through the top speaker as well? I have found that if I slightly press the speaker grill from middle to the right and again from middle to the left for both speakers, my distortion or buzzing goes away for some time. I mainly notice it on phone calls for both top and bottom speakers.
[Google Pixel 2 XL Questions & Answers] mhajii210:
To RMA or Not

Hi guys. I wanted to let you all know that I had no audio distortion until a few days ago. The speaker grills are not glued or properly secured. Google chat support is telling me that if it happens when volume is over 50%, not to RMA it. Supposedly Google engineers are aware of the issue and are working on a fix. To be honest I'm not sure if I believe it since pressing down slightly on the speaker grill gets rid of the buzzing or distortion. I was going to request a RMA anyway, but since the speaker grills are not glued down I believe there is a high probability that either the new device will have the issue or it will present itself after some time once the speaker grills shift or accumulate dust etc.
[Google Pixel 2 XL Questions & Answers] Jinthegodstyle:
I had the same issue month ago and i dont know if from updates or from viper and Dobly Atmos but my speakers Working perfecty now... Strange situation but fact.. I wanted to share with you guys.
[Google Pixel 2 XL Questions & Answers] Prattham:
[MENTION=3730810]Badger50[/MENTION] Are you using that? Last time i used viper was on my S4 lol and all i know is with great sounds comes great battery drain ? is that so?
[Google Pixel 2 XL Questions & Answers] Badger50:
I've never noticed any battery drain using V4A :good:
[Google Pixel 2 XL Questions & Answers] Prattham:
Which module are you using? There are 3 in magisk repo
[Google Pixel 2 XL Questions & Answers] Badger50:
I use an older version that one of the V4A Devs I tested for gave me a while back. But it works without much hassle at all. Try it out if you'd like :cool:

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1cJeP4MdYxtakzukkoC4yktyK5Hl4qvOJ/view?usp=drivesdk
[Google Pixel 2 XL Questions & Answers] Prattham:
Flash in twrp or magisk?

Can you post screenshot of your magisk modules as well.?

Cheers ?
[Google Pixel 2 XL Questions & Answers] Badger50:
Twrp. And here ya go ?
[Google Pixel 2 XL Questions & Answers] Prattham:
Should i also install dolby and audio modifications library or will i be good with viper only.?
[Google Pixel 2 XL Questions & Answers] Badger50:
AML will install automatically. As for Dolby, I just use it when I want to make the phone..REALLY loud, but it's not necessary unless you want it. It will also change your selinux to permissive. If that bothers you at all :good:
[Google Pixel 2 XL Questions & Answers] KHANrad_SIN:
Just want to report that this is working pretty well for me. Not all of the distortion is gone, I'd say 90-95% of it is gone but it's good enough for me. When watching youtube videos where someone speaks (MKBHD, linus tech etc.) it sounds much more clear now. When listening to music the perceived volume is a little bit lower than stock of course but at the advantage of less distortion and more clear audio. I actually like the sound signature of this setup much better than the stock one. With the 250-4k range at -6.9dB it sounds less muffled and cheap. Nice work OP.
[Google Pixel 2 XL Questions & Answers] sphinxy:
I'm on Android P and it flashes successfully in twrp. But after booting up, it keeps saying that the driver needs to be update and when I check in the app, the driver status is not installed.

Any tips on order of installing?

I'm also on flash kernel.

My order of flashing just then was:

- your v4a file (what settings in twrp did you choose? I chose the 2.5.0.5 and non-material)

- flash kernel

- magisk.

Thanks.
[Google Pixel 2 XL Questions & Answers] Badger50:
I don't know if it'll work on PDP1, but your flashing order is fine, and the 2505 and non material app as well. You may have to set permissive inside the V4A app for it to work. Try flashing the Dolby Oreo zip(link) and see if it works. Be advised, I have no idea what this may, or may not do on PDP1 my friend, so your on your own :cool:

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1jIbneo2Nad2nz2Hi8POSRDqrHFOTImUH/view?usp=drivesdk
[Google Pixel 2 XL Questions & Answers] sphinxy:
Thanks for that.

What's this permissive you are talking about...?
[Google Pixel 2 XL Questions & Answers] Badger50:
In the V4A app 3 line menu top left, hit settings, then go to developer mode to disable selinux enforcing. That's what you need to do sometimes with V4A to make it work.
[Google Pixel 2 XL Questions & Answers] sphinxy:
Ahh, tried that. Didn't work. Oh well...
[Google Pixel 2 XL Questions & Answers] Badger50:
Well, try that dolby oreo zip then in twrp. If you want to of course ??
[Google Pixel 2 XL Questions & Answers] :
Is it possible to implement this without Viper4Android ?

I'm using my phone without root and was wondering if anyone knows about any app that can control equalizer like this without root.

EDIT: Got it - https://xdaforums.com/pixel-2-xl/how-to/guide-fix-speaker-distortion-pixel-2-xl-t3763378
[Google Pixel 2 XL Questions & Answers] madscribblerz:
Not sure if this is voodoo or worth a shot -

I noticed the distortion on my phone seemed to be less of an issue if I sprayed out the speaker grilles with compressed air frquently. I attribute the distortion to dust between the speaker and grille, within the speaker, or possibly the two together. I wondered if lubricating the mess would make any difference and dripped couple of drops of veg oil on the grille and pushed it in using the compressed air. I figured it was worth a shot.

It worked. I'm going on two weeks without distortion.

FWIW.
[Google Pixel 2 XL Questions & Answers] sphinxy:
Unfortunately, none of this software tweaks are working for me. I'm not sure if i should attempt this veg oil business :p
[Google Pixel 2 XL Questions & Answers] EnIXm@:
Same here man, it still crackles for me a bit after trying these methods
[Google Pixel 2 XL Questions & Answers] madscribblerz:
I'd be wary. It's likely it was just my phone and not systemic.

I'm wondering though, the oil must have gotten under the screen protector a bit. Could the screen protector vibrating be causing this?

Mine is ballistic glass manufactured by Peel. I also had the distortion on another glass protector, but didn't with a Skinomi.

Thoughts?
[Google Pixel 2 XL Questions & Answers] sphinxy:
I have no screen protector. Never had.

I contacted Google and they are offering an RMA. I think I might go for it, but just need to find a back up phone to use...
[Google Pixel 2 XL Questions & Answers] madscribblerz:
So much for that theory.
[Google Pixel 2 XL Questions & Answers] mhajii210:
Guys is there any way to implement an equalizer for speakerphone calls? I'm still getting bottom speaker distortion during speakerphone calls and it's driving me nuts. I'm on the latest April OTA. YouTube, music etc. sounds fine since I don't crank up the volume too high anyway. It's only during speakerphone calls that I mostly get the crackling / distortion when the volume is over 50%. Sometimes if someone is talking loudly, I get slight distortion even below 50% volume. Any advice?
[Google Pixel 2 XL Questions & Answers] CoOlSlY:
I would even pay for this... My speakerphone when taking voicemail/talking is terrible...
[Google Pixel 2 XL Questions & Answers] Reechings:
So it looks like there isn't a mixer_paths.xml to edit on the Pixel 2 XL?
[Google Pixel 2 XL Questions & Answers] ref1ux:
I've had speaker distortion ever since I got my 2XL in November last year, and I recently compared it with a friend's phone. She has no speaker distortion.

So over the last week I've been emailing Google back and forth asking for an RMA. However they've just told me that their engineers are aware of this problem and "a fix is in progress". I have to say, after reading this thread, it sounds a bit like they're fobbing me off. I'm just not sure how a fix like this takes over 7 months to produce, since there were widespread reports at launch of this issue...
[Google Pixel 2 XL Questions & Answers] madscribblerz:
I just received an RMA for a different reason, but the speaker distortion went away without any software changes. So I'm thinking it's hardware.
[Google Pixel 2 XL Questions & Answers] ref1ux:
I'm still no closer to getting an RMA. So far, Google says:

Google says :

we can't give you an RMA because every phone has this problem (nonsense)

we are working on a software fix but we can't tell you when it will be released and we don't know if it will come to Android P (just hopelessly vague)

we can't give you any support because you are running Android P (funny, I don't remember reading anything about Android P via OTA invalidating my warranty? However, reverting back to Android Oreo just means they send me the next excuse instead...)

the speakers are tuned for different uses and reducing the volume will fix this issue (I'm doing it wrong?)

Their customer support used to be great. You had an issue, you rung them up and explained it and they sent you a new phone the next day. Perfect. Now it's all a carefully constructed screen with first line support unable to authorize an RMA without speaking to the "specialist team" (who may or may not actually exist). Everything is designed to get rid of the customer and refuse them an RMA.

I've now asked for the details of their complaints department because I am getting nowhere with the robots who answer my emails. I've had the same reply three times - as if it's been copy and pasted from a list of standard things to say. Such contempt for a customer who has been buying their phones since the Nexus One is astounding. I doubt I'll be buying any more.
[Google Pixel 2 XL Questions & Answers] darkoj2007:
are you sure you didn't speak with google assistant? :D

sorry I can't resist :D
[Google Pixel 2 XL Questions & Answers] ref1ux:
Haha :D you know what, I think Google Assistant would actually be more useful....
[Google Pixel 2 XL Questions & Answers] madscribblerz:
I got the extended warranty and they've always been super cool. I'm on my 3rd phone.

Some things to try (may or may not work, since you probably have log of complaints now).

I returned one because the USB stopped working. It was temporary (and others have this problem) but I switched to the rma unit anyway because the imei had updated to the new phone in Googles records and I didn't want to update it back.

The last rma was for the power button being flaky - turning the phone off would occasionally launch the camera. Others reported this problem too, so the consensus is software, but I didn't know that prior to getting the rma and moving to the rma unit anyway (again, because if the imei update) fixed the issue - perhaps as a result of the userdata wipe.

The speaker issue went away with the new phone, again with the same software and factory image as the prior unit.

I suspect the speaker is getting damaged when the phone gets wet (it is a theory posted elsewhere) and I've made an intentional effort to not get the phone wet (or turn on viper for the phone speaker) and so far so good.

Wish you luck. Google has been good for me ever since my nexus 6p, so will definitely buy again. FWIW.
[Google Pixel 2 XL Questions & Answers] ram4ufriends:
I talked to them like 10 times in past 2 weeks for terrible voice calls issue and every time I was offered a replacement...I had to reject because it was refurbished
[Google Pixel 2 XL Questions & Answers] Reechings:
Interesting about the USB port, I had the same thing happen where all of a sudden my computer would come up with an error saying the descriptor had failed and would only charge the phone. It did start working again but now I'm on my first RMA which unfortunately has a much more noticeable blue shift to it than the original. Once they receive the other phone back I think I'll have to process another RMA.