vB Easy Archive - MPX220 Volume not loud enough?

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MPX220 Volume not loud enough?
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Posted by: edvisor

Was I doing something wrong or is the Mpx220 not cutting it.

Volume: I went to Two Best Buy Stores to try out the MPX220; all three models I tried had crappy low volume. I put the phone in outdoor mode and used the side volume to Max out the volume to no avail. I thought maybe I had a wax build up, so I asked a few rep’s and Customers for their opinion and all agreed that the volume was too low.

Speakerphone: Also… is there any way of activating the speakerphone before making a call. It seemed that you have to wait for the call to connect and then activate Speakerphone.

Let me know if there was something else I could have done to increase the volume. I really liked the phone, but this gave me second thoughts. I also checked out the new Audiovox SMT 5600 and was quite impressed. This may be my choice if I don’t get the MPX220.

Thanks,

Posted by: PPCMD

Unless Moto offers a ROM update or someone offers a hack it is what it is.

Posted by: rlawson4

Overall the phone is excellent. My only issue is the volume. It is fine on my Bluetooth Car Kit, but it really isn't loud enough otherwise. Nevertheless, most of my use is in the car, so it is fine. As for the speakerphone, it isn't very loud either, but IT CAN BE ENGAGED once the phone starts ringing. Once you dial, press the "Menu" Button. You can switch to speakerphone. I do wish the volume was better.

As for activesync, I have not been able to figure it out over bluetooth yet.

Posted by: executivecrm

I bought my mpx220 on thursday. Volume is way low, disappointing for it being motorola. I returned it back to best buy because of low volume and i couldnt get the active sync working with outlook. I'm sticking with my v3 for now folks.

Posted by: spartacus13b

See I just noticet that volume to be low, I have been using my bluetooth headset the whole time sine I got it, yeah that volume is ×××××× and I am sure that motorola will ofer a ROM upgrade for that

Posted by: edvisor

Went to the Staten Island Best Buy and spoke to one of their Phone Sales rep. She told me that there was a Motorola Representative there on Sunday and his answer to anyone complaining about the low Volume and Speakerphone was to get a BT headset or BT Speaker for your Vehicle. Funny but she said the Moto Rep’s tactic worked, leading to sales of MPX220’s and BT devices. The rep herself isn’t pushing the line and will not suggest the phone to anyone (so she said). This may be Motorola’s plan all along. Nice phone but I wont buy it unless that volume issue is fixed.

Posted by: Cell2Be

You mean you would dare use a HACK and go around someone elses hard work and tamper with legally protected software, Seems just as bad or worse as my $150. Where are your morals. I bet you download free mp3's to don't you.

Posted by: halfmoon

Quote:

Originally posted by mlathem1
You mean you would dare use a HACK and go around someone elses hard work and tamper with legally protected software, Seems just as bad or worse as my $150. Where are your morals. I bet you download free mp3's to don't you.

heh heh heh..

Posted by: Holishi

Quote:

this is more interesting than my philosophy class, Lol.

Posted by: PPCMD

Sorry but tweaking an OS is not illegal that I have been made aware of by my legal counsel. I use tweaks2k2 for my PPC and that seems pretty legal too. If the mfg fails to offer a fix for a known problem then it is generally accepted that the user community will find a way.

To answer your question I will take care of my legally purchased device in the best possible way. Oh and I have the HS810 BT headset and have the HFK for my vehicle on order so its really a non issue for me.

Now about that $150 its promo at my store so I will get for that price legally. You lose again.

Posted by: Xenious

My volume seems ok to me. If you look at the ear piece you will see the two holes for the speaker are not actually in the center but off to each side. If you position the one on the right on the center of your ear it will get louder.

Granted when the volume is at MAX it is comparable to other phones with the volume at 3/4 perhaps.

Speakerphone and system sound volumes (through the speaker on the outside of the phone) are as loud as all other phones I have had (p900, etc) and easily heard.
-jim

Posted by: AngelJo008

I have to say that on my phone I haven't had any issues with the volume--being partially deaf, this has got to mean something--I did notice however that one must place the 2 ear holes right over your ear canal otehrwise the volume does seem lower--I have been in a noisy car, building and even outside with the wind blowing and could still hear without straining--then again--perhaps it's just me--

Posted by: AngelJo008

Quote:

Originally posted by PPCMD
Sorry but tweaking an OS is not illegal that I have been made aware of by my legal counsel. I use tweaks2k2 for my PPC and that seems pretty legal too. If the mfg fails to offer a fix for a known problem then it is generally accepted that the user community will find a way.

To answer your question I will take care of my legally purchased device in the best possible way. Oh and I have the HS810 BT headset and have the HFK for my vehicle on order so its really a non issue for me.

Now about that $150 its promo at my store so I will get for that price legally. You lose again.

Tell that to Microsoft!!

Posted by: Shihx79

Just got my Mpx220 from Best Buy too. So far the volume hasn't bothered me yet. However, the ring tone is Soooo ×××× Soft!! With MP3 ring tone in place I can't barely hear it in my own office!! I already set the ring volume to Loud and is not ever close to anything I had before. For me this just killed my interest in the phone, probably end up going to have to take it back to Best Buy.

Posted by: AngelJo008

I can hear mine loud and clear--are you sure the settings are correct? in fact it's almost too loud sometimes---check out settings, thenprofiles, then menue, edit, then set ring volume to loud and ring type to ring and not ascending--just a thought

Posted by: LarryH

Quote:

Originally posted by AngelJo008
I have to say that on my phone I haven't had any issues with the volume--being partially deaf, this has got to mean something--I did notice however that one must place the 2 ear holes right over your ear canal otehrwise the volume does seem lower--I have been in a noisy car, building and even outside with the wind blowing and could still hear without straining--then again--perhaps it's just me--

Angeljoe -- ditto here. I don't exactly have 20-year old hearing (I'm a few decades past that) and I haven't had any problems indoors, outdoors, in the car, etc. I suppose a loud, noisy mall might present problems -- but the main problem would be just being there!

Posted by: reflexxx

Sorry to say.. I think this thing is going back.. Got just about everything working but I may have to go with the 5600. It's sad that such a small thing like the volume is going to cause the downfall for this phone (for me at least).

I don't know how many people are having the problem but I am use to a old phones that you don't want the volume at max because someone next you could hear your conversation. I don't need that muc volume but exact positioning doesn't allow for the old shoulder holder when needed.

I don't have a hearing problem but if I have to listen to people talk not hear people talk I'm not going to want to make phone calls. As much as I wear my Jabra BT and have had it since there first release I'm not going to be forced to where it all the time.

I going to try and give Moto a call tomorrow ( that's mostly likely not going to do much )

Posted by: mrconana

ok, I just might void the warranty or your ability to return it but .....

What if you took the phone apart and drilled out more ear holes. I can't get one here in Colorado so I can't try it. Another way might be to take apart the phone and see if the ear piece is loud and just blocked by the case.

Just a thought

Posted by: LefttyGtr

This isn’t the 1st Motorola phone that people have complained about with the volume. I don’t have the phone yet but I am considering getting it. I have a list of phones I have and I was wondering if anyone could tell me if the mpx220 is better or worse than they are

Moto V400
Blackberry 7280
Nokia 3100

Posted by: Fahtrim

Quote:

Originally posted by LefttyGtr
This isn’t the 1st Motorola phone that people have complained about with the volume. I don’t have the phone yet but I am considering getting it. I have a list of phones I have and I was wondering if anyone could tell me if the mpx220 is better or worse than they are

Moto V400
Blackberry 7280
Nokia 3100

Better than the V400
Not sure about the 7280
The Nokia 3100 isn't even comparable. Did you mean a different phone?

Posted by: AngelJo008

Quote:

Originally posted by Fahtrim
Better than the V400
Not sure about the 7280
The Nokia 3100 isn't even comparable. Did you mean a different phone?

I agree with you on this--Also remember that you are comparing apples to oranges---for instance, the V400's applications are entriely different than the Mpx 220's (since it runs on Microsoft's OS)--as far as volume and reliability --I'd have to say that it is better than the V400 but the RF on my V400 is better than my Mpx 220--atleast in my area!

Posted by: nv00021

I totally agree. The volume on the earpiece is great as far as I am concerned....and sometimes it is too loud. I also agree with the above statement and that it is the ringer volume that is too soft, especially with the MP3's that i have set as ring tones. Do you think that by changing the bit rate on the MP3 it would be louder?

Just a thought....I am going to try it tonight and report back.

NJV

Posted by: AngelJo008

I noticed when I download a midi tone or mP3 that when it plays it back it is soft--HOWEVER when I set it as a ringtone--It's VERY loud. When I go into the sounds files--the tones are loud not soft--It's simply a strange oddity.

Posted by: LarryH

AngelJoe -- maybe you can confirm this or maybe it's just my imagination. But when I'm in the SOUNDS setting area -- when I scroll to the different ringtones and they play -- they don't seem to play as loud as they do after they're set and they actually ring. My profile is set to LOUD, of course.

Am I imagining this?

Posted by: AngelJo008

no you're not imagining it--I believe it's simply a flaw in the software design--once the ringtone is set however, it will be 3x louder--guaranteed. Have you tried opening the files under media player or equivalent?

Posted by: fredtwd

I loved the phone, but I couldn't deal with the low earpiece volume issue anymore. I exchanged the 1st MPX220 for a 2nd one at Best Buy, same problem. I emailed Motorola but their reply was: "In reference to your last correspondence, even though you may find some comments posted in internet forums, you have not been reported of any issues with this particular unit." I also called and talked with someone in India that basically said the same thing (this explained the grammar in the email reply).

It is true that if you hold the phone positioned in the "sweet spot" the volume is better, but still not loud enough for me. The position was very unnatural for me and I started thinking how ridiculous it was that I had to hold this expensive phone in just the right position to use it.

Perhaps in a few months Motorola will step up to the plate and admit there is a problem and fix it. Until then I'm back with Verizon on my T720. The T720 is not very fancy, but the volume is great. Who knows, perhaps this is a sign that I should get the MPx.

Good luck to everyone. I will be watching the message boards to see when this issue is resolved.

Posted by: raulr

Can you adjust the gain in the gain table like others have done with the triplets phones? Not sure if you can go about it the same way on the MPx220, but users of V600's and other triplets have been able to boost the volume on earpiece and speaker by adjusting the gain table.

Just a thought.

Posted by: Xenious

Here's something I just found. When using Moto's stereo wired headset the volume is very loud. Had to turn it down to mid level. Without the headset I usually put it at max or one below it to have a comfortable listening volume.
-jim

Posted by: emenindian

Quote:

Originally posted by Xenious
Here's something I just found. When using Moto's stereo wired headset the volume is very loud. Had to turn it down to mid level. Without the headset I usually put it at max or one below it to have a comfortable listening volume.
-jim

Stupid Moto subliminal marketing lol.

Posted by: Timback

I had the same problem with the volume. people couldnt hear me and I struggled to hear them, its by far the worst phone I ever had. For $ 500.00 I should at least hear the caller, Anyway went back to best buy and returned it, the lady said thats the 4th one returned in the past 2 days. I told her it was garbage, she said I heard all about the faults.

Posted by: Xenious

Is there a registry entry to adjust the gain on the microphone? That should be an easy fix. I know on PocketPC phones there are settings for adjusting the microphone gain.

I did some tests this evening (note where the mic hole is).

If I hold the phone up to my left ear my voice comes through louder. Of course if I point the mic hole right at my mouth it is really loud (haha). When I hold the phone to my right ear it is louder if I raise the end of the phone above my mouth (so my mouth and the microphone hole are right next to each other.

It all seems to be related partially to low microphone gain and the rest to how the mic is exposed through the hole.

Posted by: TLCC

Newbie here. I purchased the mpx220 Sunday at BB Montgomery Al. Love the phone but have one issue:

I am ok with the ringer volume on outside profile. It seems loud enough.

My main problem is the mic. I don't know whats going on here but it is clear that the mic gain is crap. Need a ROM update for this for sure. I don not have trouble hearing ( but it could be better) but I do have trouble being heard.

Posted by: LarryH

Wirelessly posted (MOT-MPx220/0.325 Mozilla/4.0 (compatible; MSIE 4.01; Windows CE; Smartphone; 176x220))

Either there's a defective batch of 220's floating around or something fishy is afoot. I've had no problems with outgoing volume. Could it be that all the protective plastic hasn't been removed?

Edited to add: Both Howard and Bengalboy reviewed this unit in a mostly positive light. That suggests, along with others here, that some of these problems just don't exist "across the boards."

Of course, if enough units suffer, the phone will get a deservedly bad rap.

Posted by: TLCC

Quote:

Originally posted by LarryH
Wirelessly posted (MOT-MPx220/0.325 Mozilla/4.0 (compatible; MSIE 4.01; Windows CE; Smartphone; 176x220))

Either there's a defective batch of 220's floating around or something fishy is afoot. I've had no problems with outgoing volume. Could it be that all the protective plastic hasn't been removed?

Edited to add: Both Howard and Bengalboy reviewed this unit in a mostly positive light. That suggests, along with others here, that some of these problems just don't exist "across the boards."

Of course, if enough units suffer, the phone will get a deservedly bad rap.

Agreed. I am definitely hanging on to this phone. The phone is great but I am having trouble with the mic. There is no protective film over the mic. I checked that first. I did however, have someone talk through the phone while I listened on another and what I found out was that you barley have to move the phone away from your mouth and you can not be heard. That is strange.

Posted by: LarryH

TLCC -- I'm not sure how many of the volume issues (outgoing and incoming) are due to "between-the-cheek-and-shoulder" use. Maybe those of us NOT having the problems are holding it -- um -- properly? Of course, everyone should hold a phone however they want to and, hopefully, it should work under those circumstances.

Mostly, I've used my BT headset with the phone and it's faaaabulous. But, on the occasions where I handhold the phone, everything's been sweet.

If I wasn't reading these forums, I'd swear the thing was near perfect.

Posted by: kwr

seemed to me this phone has quality control problem, hope this post will get them attention and correct the problem before went out to public in the future.

any one have clue how to solve volume problem, what about using bluetooh head set voice dial?

i've been waiting for this phone for long time, hearing so many problem from these and other post sure do put me on hold to own one.

Posted by: cortez

for me there is a noticeable improvement in volume when using the Moto HS810 Bluetooth headset...

Posted by: boeboe1698

About the ringtone volume:-

Previews for ringtones are indeed softer than actually setting them as your default ringtone.The orange aka at&t audiovox has the same problem.
One way to solve it is:get a mp3 you like.get a program like soundforge and amplify the mp 3 as much as you like and then save it to your phone.
About the earpiece volume:Motorola should provide an registry update where you can easily change settings for volume so that everyone can adjust the volume the way they like it.

I am reading how many people are returning the phones.I am just wondering how many have.
It makes me wonder if so many people return them than Motorola should be aware of that and address these issues

Posted by: edvisor

Motorola’s solution to the problem is to return it to the place of purchase and exchange it for another phone you need Superman hearing in order to use it, or get one of their BT headsets. I was holding up on buying a phone, hoping that this low earpiece volume issue on the mpx220 would be solved somehow. Too late… I tested out the Audiovox SMT5600 and that’s my choice.

I had gone back to the original Best Buy I tested the 220’s at’ to test another phone before the SMT5600 and was told the same old story the second I asked. The Best Buy Store in SI NY began letting the customer know about the issue before purchasing this phone. According to the wireless rep at the store, Best Buy will investigate the LOT of MPX220’s they received. The Rep also said that the phone does not come with a plastic film over the earpiece so that cannot be the issue.

It’s my opinion that Best Buy received a bad LOT of 220’s. There is no way that the Maximum Volume on the earpiece of a phone could be that low. Let see how the phone is when Cingular starts selling them.

Posted by: reflexxx

I think it's maybe a physical build problem.. There are 2 small half slits near the ear piece and when I'm moving the ear piece around to find the best listening position I believe it may when my ear is right above the slits where the speaker is.

My 2 cents.. I'm taking mine back to day..

Posted by: sbuko

I don't think a registry setting will help. From what I can tell (could be wrong) the registry is used to store the volume that the user wants to set it to. This could be a value between 0 - 4294967295 decimal or 0 - FFFFFFFF hex.

Either way it is set by the voltuner.exe that gets invoked when you press the volume up or down button. All it really does is changes the registry value.

I expect under the hood, the hardware specific code (firmware) receives updates when the registry changes and increases the volume accordingly. So the max volume will vary from phone to phone for the same maximum registry setting.

I have experience modifying the gain table in the v600, but have never accessed that level of a smartphone. Hopefully someone else has been able to access that level.

I'm still looking though..

Posted by: Xenious

Keep up the good fight!

Somewhere there has to be a gain setting for the microphone. Here's hoping its in the registry.

Posted by: alshoh01

I've read a series of posts regarding the volume problem and whether people are pressing their ears on the right location. I personally know that I'm pressing my ear on the right holes because when moving it around I notice a significant drop in volume but even when my ear is directly on the holes I still have problems hearing people. When calling cingular, I can barely hear their hold music. If I talk to a "low talker" I constantly have to ask them to repeat what they're saying. Yes if I'm in a quite area I have limited problems in hearing people, but I use the phone a lot when walking around on the streets (my day time profession is dealing drugs j/k).

Right now I love this phone but I can't deal with this volume problem and I really really really want it to go away because I've been waiting for this phone about 6months. I'm going to wait till best buy recieved their second batch which is supposed to be Thursday and exchange it. Hopefully it'll be fixed.

-H

Posted by: sclui56

I know some of the users have indicated that they didn't have problem with the earpiece/mic, that's great, but I am one who has the problem and feel MOT has been irresponsible in simply telling people to exchange or return the 220.

While we are all trying to figure out at what angle/distance to place the 220 when using it is simply nuts IMHO, I just want a handset which I can pick up and use without fuss. Can you imagine when someone else borrows them precious 220's, and the owner has to explain at length of how best to hold the unit in order to carry a conversation?

Posted by: PPCMD

I got mine and the volume is significantly lower than my V710. I have emailed Moto and may return the phone and wait out the month when the Cingular stores get them. Maybe by then the ROM will be fixed.

Posted by: AngelJo008

Quote:

Originally posted by LarryH
TLCC -- I'm not sure how many of the volume issues (outgoing and incoming) are due to "between-the-cheek-and-shoulder" use. Maybe those of us NOT having the problems are holding it -- um -- properly? Of course, everyone should hold a phone however they want to and, hopefully, it should work under those circumstances.

Mostly, I've used my BT headset with the phone and it's faaaabulous. But, on the occasions where I handhold the phone, everything's been sweet.

If I wasn't reading these forums, I'd swear the thing was near perfect.

I have to agree 100% with you on this one--I have had relatively few issues with this phone--in fact today I asked the person on the other end if they were having trouble hearing me--no was the answer--I was crystal clear to them--

Posted by: ehartle

Got my 220 on Friday morning. Picked up 2 of them actually. They both have the volume issue. It's definitely not from shoulder pinching or any other user error. The problem is not as bad if I position the right speaker hole just-so but I think that's ridiculous. I've returned and replaced one of them but same problem.

I think it's poor design of speaker and mic holes combined with a speaker that's just not loud enough. hopefully the speaker problem is software and correctable.

I'm definitely keeping both phones because I think it's the best phone going and will be for some time - and because with BT headset the volume is fine. But there's definitely a problem there that moto should address. I've had a dozen different cell phones and have never had as much difficulty trying to hear and be heard.

The second 220 is for my business partner. Imagine calling from one 220 to another!!! I think 2 dixie cups with a string between them gets much higher signal levels!!!! But, really, who needs to use it as a phone anyway when you can email, sms, chat....

Posted by: reflexxx

I returned my 220 yesterday, BB gave me a fight at first they were trying to charge there restocking fee (15%). I had to call for the store manager who cleared up the problem.

The local "tech" had to listen to the low volume level for the phone and conclude it was defective due to low volume for me to get a full refund.

Anyway I picked up the SMT 5600 and like the phone (so far), some of the OS feature I like better (It has a BT ActiveSync selection). Physically the phone's not as exciting but it works and I can hear. I got it from AT&T and they should be releasing there 220 by nov 3 they believe so if something gets fixed I can go back.

Posted by: Michael95GT

I got my Mpx 220 yesterday at the BestBuy in Jackson, Tennessee. So far I really like it, the earpiece volume is lower than some other phones, but not enough to be aproblem for me. I talked on it on the way home with the window down, and had no problems hearing of being heard, plus I usually use my Jabra BT200 in the car anyway.

Anyone know, is there does happen to be a ROM update, will it be able to be done as a download by us? Just curious

Thanks.

Posted by: miZzgirl

I got my MPx220 yesterday. I adjusted some settings and the ringtone when people call in was extremely loud. Then I when I call out, I can bearly hear them and they can bearly hear me. I do believe there's a setting that we don't know because I when I checked out some ringtone parts and played games on it, the sound are coming of the ear-piece not the speakerphone part and it was ok, bearable sounds. So there must be a setting to set incoming and outgoing calls? Anyone figure this out?

Posted by: Cell2Be

It is software for sure. I know a time or two when using the phone, it accidentially does not lower the volume on the ear before the first tone of the ring plays through. Then all the sudden, you hear it drop down down low. So, I do feel confident it is a fixable issue, just as long as mircosoft or cingular will fix it.

Posted by: rabanjr

My first mpx was a little low on the volume, but loud with the BT headset. I exchanged it and now it the phone is quite louder, but the BT headset is barely audible.

Something is extremely fishy.

Posted by: MrJoeCool72

This may sound a little silly, but...I just got my very own mpx220 a few days ago and I love it.

When I first got it, the earpiece volume and speakerphone volume were very low. Then I realized there is a small circular piece of plastic covering the earpiece that I could barely see.

There is also a piece of plastic covering the speaker on the top of the phone.

After removing these, it works great!

Just a suggestion.

Posted by: cortez

we've all been there - done that

. i really hoped that was the problem, but...it wasn't (for my phone).

Posted by: SoulFinger

Removing the plastic film over the earpiece made no meaningful difference in the volume on my phone. Without the film, it was still too low to be useful in noisy environments. So back to Best Buy it went.

Also, the "outdoor" profile did nothing but raise the dial volume--it did NOT increase the loudness of actual calls through the earpiece.

I'm reeeeaaally hoping for a ROM fix to correct these glaring problems.

Posted by: thegoldenhand

Does anybody know which build dates have the volume issue? Whats the build date on those people who are not having problems with the MPX220?

Posted by: AngelJo008

Quote:

Originally posted by rabanjr
My first mpx was a little low on the volume, but loud with the BT headset. I exchanged it and now it the phone is quite louder, but the BT headset is barely audible.

Something is extremely fishy.

You might have to repair the BT and reset the volum on the BT as well--I did--works fine now

just a thought

Posted by: rabanjr

How?

Posted by: AngelJo008

Quote:

Originally posted by rabanjr
How?

Try repairing the devices--Follow the diections on your headset to do a "pairing" with the handset (mpx 220) look in your directions for volume issues---usually like the HS820 you have to set the volume button (there are two buttons, ione for up and one for down) once that is set--power down both the handset and the BT set then power back up--make sure it has been re-paired then it should work--