Sound recording quality on the Nexus 5

[wongtons0up]

Hi everyone! New to the Android Central forums.

I'm currently using an HTC One, which I love for the boomsound speakers, but also for the actual recording quality from the HDR mics in a live concert scenario. I find that this is often something that manufacturers and reviews leave out, but it's something that's been pretty important to me as I like to watch a lot of live shows and once in a while I like to record a clip.

My question is... how is the Nexus 5 in terms of sound recording quality? I can't seem to find a review anywhere that goes into any detail regarding this, but it's something thats make or break for me at this point for deciding between the two devices. If anyone has had any personal experience with the n5 or has a sample video in such a scenario, I'd love to hear your thoughts and opinions!


Thanks in advance!

 

[Steve Chiang]

Re: Google Nexus 5 - Sound Recording Quality

I currently own a Nexus 5 and did some video recording during a concert about an hour ago and depending on how loud and close you are to the stage and speakers the sound quality gets really distorted. I have sample video available one with the mic open and one with it being covered they both sound terrible. The video quality on the other hand looks great though but sadly the sound isn't =( I'll post 3 samples videos shortly. It's 1:51 am PST I need to get some rest.

 

[curryUdon]

Re: Google Nexus 5 - Sound Recording Quality

I've got a Nexus 5 and tried recording some footage at a club event a couple of weeks ago. The sound is deplorable -- absolutely distorted. I look at my friends' video recordings on their iPhone 4S's and iPhone 5's and am jealous. I have done some research during the past couple of weeks and it seems that the developers of Android have not made it easy to tap in to the API for audio input gain. It's apparently a pain in the *** or it is not exposed at all for app developers. The closest thing I've found (which I haven't tried yet) is installing the Voodoo Sound app, which also requires the Voodoo kernel to be installed on your device.

To definitively answer your question: the Nexus 5's audio recording (during video capture, at least) is absolute garbage in loud environments. Super-farty distortion at concert/club sound levels. Would not recommend this device if you record a lot of this kind of footage.

Anyone have an app solution that might be obscure but does the trick? Video and audio recording

 

[Steve Chiang]

Re: Google Nexus 5 - Sound Recording Quality

Ok, so here's the video I took with my Nexus 5:

Nexus 5 Live Recording - Albert Hammond Jr. - YouTube

The sound is distorted when the bass hits but as soon as the chorus kicks in you can clearly hear the vocals from the crowd.