iOS SmartSDR Has Feedback on Transmitted Audio

W9WLX_Chuck

I'm getting feedback in my transmitted audio using SmartSDR for iOS after setting up a new iPad.  Config is iPad 7th gen running 13.2.3.  Radio is at 3.1.8 and using version A3.6.4:4.43 with DB D3.0.4 (27.9.2019).  I have double checked the obvious, the monitor settings are off on both panels--the right panel P/CW tab and left panel on the Audio tab.  The audio is ok if I use the balanced line input from my local mic, just not any audio from the iPad.  I tried both internal iPad audio and ear bud mic.  I must be missing an audio setting somewhere.

Thanks, Chuck

DL8MRE

Chuck, it seems you did not yet maintain the Microphone Threshold slider in the left audio menu, right?

This is necessary. A value around 0.4 should be good but it would be best to follow the description in the Manual to find the best value for your individual device.

73,
Marcus, DL8MRE

WX7Y

There are several of us that have talked about this bad TX audio issue and seems to have started at least with my station when I updated to version 13 of IOS. 
I have found that dropping down the Audio level almost all the way down < -3 in the "audio" settings for TX in the top Left hand  menu options turn OFF the Processor compression and set your MIC audio in the TX tab so your down to about -5 to -10 DB ALC. 

This does NOT fix the distortion issue BUT it makes it so at least it is usable

73
Bret
wx7y

DL8MRE

Bret, did you maintain the Mic Threshold slider yet?
73,
Marcus

WX7Y

yes I sure did it is way down too still distorted and hi TX audio
Bret
WX7Y

W9WLX_Chuck

Thanks, Marcus.  That seemed to help considerably.  I tweaked it before, but didn't get the result until I went to the extreme.  Seems to work best between 0.9 and 1 for me.

DL8MRE

And what is your current threshold value?

DL8MRE

That seems to be high but if it’s working, it’s working.

However, if you want, you can also see if the following three settings will further increase the audio quality:

- Under the Flex-6xxx tab -> Phone there is a Mic Bias and Mic boost option. Usually both can be turned off.

- In the right menu, the slider right from the mike selection (iPad or iPhone) can be used to adjust the general audio level

- and finally,  the microphone volume adjustment slider in the left audio menu.

On all of my devices, including older iPads and the newest iPad Pros and iPhones under the newest iOS I achieved excellent audio quality by maintaining these settings, including the threshold slider. Also, when using either the old or new AirPods.

Keep in mind that except for the settings in the left audio menu, all values are stored on the Radio. For those, if you require different values for different clients (iOS App and Windows Software) better use profiles to store and recall them for each client individually.

73,
Marcus, DL8MRE 

WX7Y

the threshold is 0.8,  Mic Volume is -5, I will test more tomorrow on our 80 meter NET where i can get many different people giving there opinion. 
My phone did another update this morning so Audio may have fixed itself, I no longer see it picking up every little bit of noise and slamming the ALC audio levels like it was and the ton's of feed back when trying to monitor my self on another Radio so it may be back to normal.
will know in the morning at any rate. 
Thanks Marcus
73
Bret
WX7Y

WX7Y

MIC Boost was on
I think that took care of it
looks a lot better

Thanks Marcus
Bret

WX7Y

Marcus, after this mornings net and it was reported to me that my Audio was really good so looks like the IOS update yesterday morning did the trick 

Thanks for you help 
Bret
WX7Y

brianbruff

I have just bought this app for the second time, i was putting my bad audio down to an under powered iphone

so i bought an iphone 15 pro max yesterday (i don't even like iphone.. but that's a different story)

i bought the smartsdr app again and no matter what i do , move all the sliders left and right, disable boost etc, the audio still sounds horrific

I really want this to work (especially after buying the new phone), has anyone got any more hints on what i coudl be doing wrong?
I've been 1 hour listening to myself on a web sdr and i'm still sounding as bad as ever .

smartsdr for windows is fine, i have an awsome home network here etc

it must be my imcompetence, but app is useless to me unless i can tx clearly…

any help or pointers appreciated

John KB4DU

maybe pricing has changed since I bought th app. At that time, all the devices on the same apple account were covered by the same purchase of the app. Basically there are two transmit volume controls, one on the left side of the screen and one on the right side.

brianbruff

Hi John,
Same account but i got a refund the first time hence my buying agian.
Yes I found all the settings on left and right I didn't have any luck,

however this morning I discovered that the audio is fine if i switch off the processor, not sure why but with processor on (even at normal) the audio is diabolic.

i can live with processor off but i thought the flex did cessb so i'm puzzled as to why it doesn't work with iPhone (works fine with windows)

Mike-VA3MW

I have no audio issues when I used it on my iPhone 15 Pro with my Airpods. Yes, the audio is a bit crisp, but there is nothing wrong with it.

The first thing I always ask is what is the Mic Level meter doing?

In this example, I have PROC turned on and the Mic Level peaking at about -5db.

The Mic Level Meter is the meter you have to 100% pay attention to when operating SSB. If you overdrive the MIC your audio can be distorted and that will get transmitted on the air.

And, while you are testing, make sure the TX EQ is OFF until you get the distortion fixed.

See how that works for you and let us know.

73

brianbruff

Hi @Mike-VA3MW ,

Thanks for your reply, your mention of air pods caught my attention..

I was trying just talking to the phone itself,, i pluged in a usb headset and it was perfect!

I do have good success using SmartSDR with just a laptop and no headset so was trying the same with the iPhone on loudspeaker mode,, not a runner it seems.

Tnx a mill

Rick_KJ5WO

Open the Left menu and select Audio. This will show the iPhone Audio as well as other modes. Scroll down and insure the 'Local Audio Monitor' slider is all the way to the left or off. I had the same problem in my truck.

Hope this helps!

73's Rick…KJ5WO