Echo & Alexa Forums

General Category => Echo Technical Support => Topic started by: Bo3b on June 14, 2017, 07:00:22 am

Title: Tap Audio Equalization?
Post by: Bo3b on June 14, 2017, 07:00:22 am
New Echo Tap owner and immediately somewhat disappointed with the audio - Overall "muddy" sound for most sources.

Researched the issue and information led an October 2016 "Bass & Treble" discussion within this forum. From what I gather, some Users have had luck with voice control of "hidden or mystery" settings for audio equalization. Personal testing of the suggested methods appear to have no affect on my Tap.

Any new information on the issue? New firmware that might help the problem?

What I'd like to see implemented;

Assuming standard/default Bass=0, Midrange=0 (or similar),  App provision for audio equalization that can be saved to "Named Pre-sets" - For instance, Bass=-3, Midrange=+2 assigned to named "Voice" and Bass=+2, Midrange=+1 set to named "Music", etc. Where these Audio EQ pre-sets can be voice recalled and applied to any source. For instance, when listening to News - "Alexa, Audio EQ Voice". Or during Pandora, "Alexa, Audio EQ Music"...

Anyone know if this is possible given the current hardware? I *might* keep the Tap *if* I thought a remedy was possible from Amazon via a firmware only update.
Is there an "Official" channel for voicing feature requests?

Thanks,
Bob
Title: Re: Tap Audio Equalization?
Post by: mike27oct on June 14, 2017, 01:32:39 pm
Bob, it is what it is.  Yes, the Tap does not sound like my high quality home stereo, but it sounds lots better than the Dot, which I consider almost unlistenable for music.  The Echo sounds best of the three.  The Tap is a portable for outside use a lot; especially in the open air where bass will be reduced due to absence of inside walls.  Have you listened to the Tap outside away from any walls?  Inside, keep the Tap away from walls as best you can, like in center of room.

I have two Taps, I like them for their intended purpose and Alexa features; good bang for buck. They were not expensive when on sale.

I am sure Amazon will appreciate your feedback.
Title: Re: Tap Audio Equalization?
Post by: Bo3b on June 15, 2017, 06:25:17 am
Thanks for the reply.

So when you say "It is what it is" does that mean that those, in this forum and elsewhere, who report they have had noticeable success adjusting Tap audio are mistaken or imagining the change?

Just trying to get definitive information on whether or not the Tap does in fact include firmware capable of providing audio equalization. And if so, what are the actual "hidden" commands that Alexa understands to make it happen.

Further, if possible, it would be great and make sense for Amazon to bring those adjustments officially out to the App in some form.

Bob
Title: Re: Tap Audio Equalization?
Post by: mike27oct on June 15, 2017, 01:04:33 pm
I mean the way it comes out of the box is with no user accessible tone adjustments.  Lots of devices (e.g. Bose BT speakers) do not have these adjustments either. I have read here that some people have hacked their Echo to get at the innards to tweak for tone adjustments and in case of Echo stereo separation adjustments.  These are hacks in my opinion that, done improperly, can ruin a device.  Since I do not hack my Alexa devices, I cannot comment further on their effectiveness. 

In an earlier life, I was an electronic technician, and believe it's best to stay out of the insides of these things, unless one is willing to sacrifice a Tap for an expensive learning experience.

My suggestions regarding placement in room can be helpful.  I may not have mentioned that putting a speaker in a corner is not good placement unless one wants to accentuate the bass to be un-naturally stronger.