Disclaimer: I am not a developer and have no rights or claim to any of the files listed below. I only use them to "Rock Out"
Like many of you I have struggled with the lack luster audio output of the Galaxy Nexus. Nearly a year later and much has been done to correct this. I was using Volume + for a while before upgrading to 4.2.1 which broke its functionality and limited the effect it had on my audio output. There are two formidable modifications out right now that will take your GNex to the next level but because they are similar in functionality I will discuss the one that provides the most merged features.
Before you get started please ensure that you have rooted your phone, have an updated custom recovery such as TWRP or CWM. I will not tell you which Kernel to use, however I will tell you that I have this 100% working on my Verizon Galaxy Nexus using AOKP 4.2.1 or AOKP MR1 BuildX. The MOD developers also state that it is confirmed working for the Galaxy Nexus 4.2.1 (AOKP) I do not know if any other ROM will work with this phone.
The MOD is called Ac!d Audio Engine which combines Beats Drivers found in some HTC phones with other sound engines such as Sony's Xlouder, Dolby, etc... There is another thread for the mod that I will link below. You can go there and read/download the MOD and I will give you a brief description below on initial setup.
Before installing this please make a full backup of you Galaxy Nexus. Even though this works for most phones it is also ROM dependent. With that in mind make a backup please. Coming from any other ROM or Version of AOKP you must do a FULL WIPE!!!! I would also download each component and upload to your phones internal SD before you run through the steps. This way you can install them all one after another and not have to wait for your phone to optimize applications multiple times.
Step 1 - Please visit http://aokp.co/release-jb-mr1-build-2/
Download the version or this for your phone. Like many developers they list the phones as the code name for instance VZN is Toro.
Install this using the latest version of CWM or TWRP. I realize most people get really attached to ROM developers and stick with them. I will promise you that this is totally worth trying for the sound improvement not only in quality but shear DB gain.
Wipe Dalvik
Step 2 - Install the version of GAPPS listed on the AOKP website. Remember that as this thread ages the ROM could change as well as GAPPS.
Wipe Dalvik
Step 3 (Optional) - Install your favorite Kernel. As long as it is verified for JB 4.2.1 it should work. I use LeanKernel (not tested on GSM) you can get that form here: http://rootzwiki.com/topic/13092-kernel-leankernel-minimalistic-kernel-48-58-12313/
Wipe Dalvik
Step 4: Install the Ac!d Audio Engine found here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1923630
Wipe Dalvik
Also Important download the Ac!d Noozoxide or Ac!d Awesome Beats appllication and flash as well. It is possible against the Dev's advice to install both of them. As long as you remember not to configure them both you should not get any audio issues. I tend to uninstall them via the standard app drawer if I want to switch and reinstall them later should I want to switch back.
Once installed bootup, go to settings, sound, music effects and choose the DSP you want to use either Awesome Beats or Noozoxide. Next open up a music player such as Google Music and start your favorite tune. Next open the application drawer and choose the DSP you installed to open. Tweak headphones first. Inside the application you will notice immediate change by enabling the equalizer and editing the sliders. Please note that depending on the quality of your headphones these values may need to be lower than expected to get rid of rattling or audio anomalies. The other two tweakable settings are for build in speaker and bluetooth audio output.
From my experience Awesome Beats is configurable louder however that introduces artifacts into your music if it crosses the thresh hold that your headphones can handle. Noozoxide has a few different filters and is easier to tweak. The reason I say to use either one of these is because sounds across you the entire phone are improved and louder; Calls, notifications, other player apps like Pandora etc.
I hope anyone who views this gives it a try. I wanted to wait until AOKP 4.2.1 had matured past build one to give everyone a smoother experience. Also this will push your phones DAC much harder. Certain kinds of headphones such as over ear (50mm +) couldn't really be driven hard prior to this MOD but now they can so you may experience additional battery drain if not using smaller ear buds. If you love music like I do most people will make this sacrifice.
Here is a video of an installation and tweaking of a Galaxy S3. The Galaxy Nexus will be similar once the files have been flashed and you can tweak your audio settings: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8pkmnKN-r9Y
Please let me know if you find this useful and hopefully you fall back in love with your phone all over again. :highfive::victory:
P.S. I really love wiping my Dalvik
Thanks, Joe.
Reserved...
Much thanks for this, very useful
Rom Compatibility
Has anyone tried the Ac!d Audio mod with a different Rom or AOKP nightly? I will edit my OP if anyone can confirm success.
jrgilbert79 said:
Has anyone tried the Ac!d Audio mod with a different Rom or AOKP nightly? I will edit my OP if anyone can confirm success.
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Affirmative
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk 2
n0ve said:
Affirmative
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk 2
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Hey that's great news which ROM/ Kernel combination are you using with Ac!d Audio?
I'm running CM 10.1 M1. I'll try this out later tonight when I get the chance and let you know if it works. Thanks for doing the work!
Working on my HP Touchpad
falconoble said:
I'm running CM 10.1 M1. I'll try this out later tonight when I get the chance and let you know if it works. Thanks for doing the work!
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I installed this after I updated my tenderloin to the latest CM 9 to the latest nighty. The first couple of flashes played the initial sounds but as soon as I plugged in headphones all sounds we failed to play. I simply dirty flashed the ROM a few times including the MOD until I turned off the ac!d audio notifications. Afterward I changed my dsp to Noozoxide and it worked perfectly. Strangely though the audio filters work and sound great but it still cannot compare to WebOS volume wise. This to me is proof that the driver choice is everything because the Touchpad has the better audio hardware than most mobile/tablet. Didn't want to stray from the Galaxy Nexus discussion but this could be viable for the GNex on CM 9+ or ICS in general.
jrgilbert79 said:
I installed this after I updated my tenderloin to the latest CM 9 to the latest nighty. The first couple of flashes played the initial sounds but as soon as I plugged in headphones all sounds we failed to play. I simply dirty flashed the ROM a few times including the MOD until I turned off the ac!d audio notifications. Afterward I changed my dsp to Noozoxide and it worked perfectly. Strangely though the audio filters work and sound great but it still cannot compare to WebOS volume wise. This to me is proof that the driver choice is everything because the Touchpad has the better audio hardware than most mobile/tablet. Didn't want to stray from the Galaxy Nexus discussion but this could be viable for the GNex on CM 9+ or ICS in general.
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You're suggesting then that I install Noozoxide and not bother with AC!D Audio?
falconoble said:
You're suggesting then that I install Noozoxide and not bother with AC!D Audio?
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No I flashed the ROM with the ac!d audio mod. I also chose noozoxide as the DSP but with CM you could try the included DSP it is identical to the awesome beats DSP. With ac!d audio you really need an equalizer to utilize the drivers. Even if you leave it flat you can at least get a dB gain.
I recall supercurio saying something along the lines of these not actually improving audio performance in measurements and such. I've looked at these before but I sceptical.... anyone have actual measure of improved performance and not just placebo?
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk 2
I do not know if the audio drivers/ engine components are Placebo or not. What I do know is that my phone plays very deep bass and sounds great afterward. This might only be attributed to the DSP but I can tell you that Music FX is a terrible DSP and Volume+ stopped working with 4.2.1. So anything I can do to be satisfied with sounds is better than listening to SuperCurio debunk things with no proof. Is it better than DSP manager that comes with CM? I do not know.But if you can make a backup and it doesn't break your phone I also cant say there's any reason for skepticism.
acid works great with pa so far. flashed yesterday and havent had any issues when i've played over speaker or headphone port. Better then DSP manger... meh i can still crank up the bass when i am feelin in the mood and sounds great.
jrgilbert79 said:
I do not know if the audio drivers/ engine components are Placebo or not. What I do know is that my phone plays very deep bass and sounds great afterward. This might only be attributed to the DSP but I can tell you that Music FX is a terrible DSP and Volume+ stopped working with 4.2.1. So anything I can do to be satisfied with sounds is better than listening to SuperCurio debunk things with no proof. Is it better than DSP manager that comes with CM? I do not know.But if you can make a backup and it doesn't break your phone I also cant say there's any reason for skepticism.
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You want to believe you experiencing a placebo effect than supercurio, who provides scientific facts?
jrgilbert79 said:
No I flashed the ROM with the ac!d audio mod. I also chose noozoxide as the DSP but with CM you could try the included DSP it is identical to the awesome beats DSP. With ac!d audio you really need an equalizer to utilize the drivers. Even if you leave it flat you can at least get a dB gain.
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Yeah, on 10.1 I couldn't get either Noozoxide or AC!D Awesome Beats to kick in. Only the default DSP packed with CM worked. I tried it through my IEMs and my car. Though, yeah, even that was noticeably better.
retskrad said:
You want to believe you experiencing a placebo effect than supercurio, who provides BNFLscientific facts?
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Why dont you post some of this science? Every idiot knows that a DSP is a valuable tool... Which is what I said. Why are you proverbially blowing supercurio? I understand if he's butthurt cause not every Hw manufacturer uses wolfsen as the DAC hense voodoo audio doesn't work. Cause here you come to defend his honor in a thread that you don't belong in... Sorry truth sucks. Now stop being a flaming troll. You will be slapped down every time in my thread...
falconoble said:
Yeah, on 10.1 I couldn't get either Noozoxide or AC!D Awesome Beats to kick in. Only the default DSP packed with CM worked. I tried it through my IEMs and my car. Though, yeah, even that was noticeably better.
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I'm sorry that it doesn't work. It could be possible that cm 10.1 only works with built in DSP. It does work with aokp and paranoid android though which are both 4.2.1. So much for placebo though if even the packaged DSP manager was better... Granted. I suppose drivers actually make a difference despite what people who havn't tried it believe. Because the DSP is just an equalizer. The drivers are what improve the DAC performance.
P.S. I trust a curio to hold my TV in my bedroom not to tell me about what works on my phone.
i have a problem in every custom rom i tried (besides the rear camera bug):
the sound in some games is crackling. in hitman go it's only sometimes when a sound is played, in the walking dead it's really bad, there's only crackling and no real sound, it's unplayable. i messed a little with the dsp settings, but to no avail. if i plug earphones in it's the same. this appears on all of the latest nightlies and weeklies drom slimkat, cm11, infected and standard builds. again like the camera bug, it's not present in stock roms like LRS.
could someone who's running one of the latest nightlies of those roms test that please? walking dead season 1 is free to download.
thank you!
cpl183 said:
i have a problem in every custom rom i tried (besides the rear camera bug):
the sound in some games is crackling. in hitman go it's only sometimes when a sound is played, in the walking dead it's really bad, there's only crackling and no real sound, it's unplayable. i messed a little with the dsp settings, but to no avail. if i plug earphones in it's the same. this appears on all of the latest nightlies and weeklies drom slimkat, cm11, infected and standard builds. again like the camera bug, it's not present in stock roms like LRS.
could someone who's running one of the latest nightlies of those roms test that please? walking dead season 1 is free to download.
thank you!
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Hey mate,
I'm on 4.4.2 Commotio at the minute, its stable as heck, very fast, front back camera work. And external SD card doesn't do a runner (lol)
Their is a sound problem though sound is great for most part but now and again it buzzes for a second or so. I have told dev the problem and awaiting reply....
I have seen this problem reported about all CM/AOKP based ROMs and as far as I can tell its a CPU overload.
A kernel issue a guess...
Maybe changing governr to Interactive fixes the problem.
I love how the default (on demand) puts it in deep sleep on the home screen when you leave it.
Must be like that in most ROMs I guess.
I have always been experiencing this problem. While I play songs with speaker with full or nearly full volume, there are some hoarse/corrosive sounds in CM 12.1/CM 13. It also exists in other ROMs. But the sound are clear and without distortions in MIUI.
Can anyone help to fix this or maybe give a hint about how to have sound quality like MIUI(i.e. not corrosive) or maybe help to port?
Yes you are right i am also observed this on cm roms but then i tried installing dolby atmos in cm13 and cm12.1 and really sound quality got improved so much
I am using lineage 14.1 with Poweramp and Viper4Android atm. (HTC ONE M8, S-OFF). After making calls and writing messages audio playback is the most important task of my HTC One M8.
This was the reason why I choose the M8.
I am wondering if I get the best performance with this settings from my M8 or if I am missing something and if there is a better sounding ROM.
I am just talking about the output of the 3,5mm port: for headphone or to a receiver...the sound of the speakers is not so important.
Is Boomsound, Beats, Harman Kardon ...mainly for the speakers or is this also important when it comes to headphones?
For example: with the alpha test version(704) of poweramp I can't use the new HiRes Output via headphones with Lineage 14.1.
When I try it then the flac will be sampled down to 16bit/48khz
I tested S.Team JW 7.5.0. with the Harman Kardon option selected, now I could play a 24bit/96KHz Flac file which was processed via DAC.
But most time I would not use this bitrate as most of my music are flac files with 16bit 44,1khz or 48khz, but i have about 400songs in 24/96.
Are there differences that one can hear with a good pair of earphones between different ROMs? Has anyone tested the ROMs for this and can tell me what was the result?
of course with same settings(standard audio player without EQ) and same flac file with 16bit/44.1KHz, if there are no differences with the standard player,then there will also be none with poweramp+viper and the other way)
Lineage14.1 runs really really smooth, no problems that I could not solve with some research by myself.
I had the impression that S.team JW 7.5.0 sometimes had delays and stops when opening or scrolling lists, not so smooth...
on the other hand I really liked the cam (dual cam, slowmo ...)and lineage has no theme engine atm and samples down HR audio files...
I had 1 day between the playbacks and it was very hard to tell if there was a difference...I hope someone can shed some light one this topic.
Really? No one? Have I posted this question in the wrong forum? Maybe the M8 General would have been better?
I don't want to post the same question again there. Would it be possible to move this thread there?
I have reinstalled the S.Team JW ROM. The sound had more punch, but I don't know how this was created...but I am used to CM since 5 years and there are so many apps and stuff that I don't use and can't remove...
I will try CM13 because of theme engine which I miss in Lineage 14.1
Thanks in advance
omnitox said:
Really? No one? Have I posted this question in the wrong forum? Maybe the M8 General would have been better?
I don't want to post the same question again there. Would it be possible to move this thread there?
I have reinstalled the S.Team JW ROM. The sound had more punch, but I don't know how this was created...but I am used to CM since 5 years and there are so many apps and stuff that I don't use and can't remove...
I will try CM13 because of theme engine which I miss in Lineage 14.1
Thanks in advance
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Audio isn't exactly ROM dependent. AOSP ROMs will have AOSP audio. Sense based ROMs will have BoomSound. If you are S-Off, you can flash the Harman/Kardon audio.lib files plus the ADSP that the Sprint H/K model had, which is a part of firmware not ROM (you need the ADSP to make the H/K mod work properly).
S-Rom does some ADSP/firmware modifications that often affects audio quality, so you might have to (probably will have to) re-flash you current firmware version to fix that up.
As a user of S8,S8+ and other android phones, my earphones work perfectly without any audio loss. Same with my PC. But with my redmi note 8 on MIUI, I have some audio loss. I can feel it in my ears :cyclops: .
What I have experienced is that with any AOSP 9 or 10 roms, the audio is perfect like any of my other phones. But with MIUI and every MIUI ROM I experience some kind of audio and bass loss ??
I really don't know if I'm the only one experiencing this. Let me know.
Also I've used on MIUI v4afx, JamesDSP, and Dolby but still they don't work as good as with AOSP ROMS.
Does anyone have an idea why this is happening and how can I fix this somehow ? Thanks.