new zen audio level

shrapnel222

anyone have a zen and find the volume levels incredibly low? if i'm in the street and have on full volume, i can hardly hear the music. i have volume restrict off in case you're wondering. any ideas?

Gran Hermano

Try flashing it with a non-EU firmware, the US or APAC versions
are not normally restricted by a nanny state mentality.

Firmware should be on the Creative site under Support.

shrapnel222

thanks, i'll try that. will that affect any files already on there or will i have to upload everything again out of curiosity?

Gran Hermano

Updating the firmware should not delete the media already on the player.
(I haven't updated the new Zen but have experience flashing other
Creative players).

Here's a direct link for the US firmware - if you're not using Win XP you'll
need a different version.

shrapnel222

okay, just tried that, and no extra kick there, what else could i try?

spurious

This is what Creative suggest:

Low volume on a Creative Jukebox3, Jukebox ZEN Xtra, ZEN NX, ZEN, ZEN USB2.0
Summary:

o If you experience low volume on your Creative Jukebox3 or ZEN, we suggest enabling the players Custom EQ setting.

This is an advanced 4 Band Equalizer which allows you to fine tune your audio experience.

Custom EQ can be enabled as follows:

1. From the Main Menu of the player select EAX Audio
2. Change EAX to On
3. Under Setting, select Advanced EQ
4. Under Preset select Custom EQ.
5. In the Custom EQ screen, move the 4 sliders up to a maximum of +12 (dB) to increase the volume of the desired frequency.
6. Move all sliders to the same value to simply increase the volume.
7. Select the symbol to confirm the changes and return to the EAX screen

shrapnel222

just tried that and certainly helps the volume along but still doesn't feel like it's very loud. i might have to get my ears checked:p

Gran Hermano

What earphones/headphones are you using?

Most people find that with IEMs you can set the player at much lower
volume as they block out background noise. In your case you may find
you can get the volume you desire by switching.

shrapnel222

Gran Hermano wrote: »

What earphones/headphones are you using?

Most people find that with IEMs you can set the player at much lower
volume as they block out background noise. In your case you may find
you can get the volume you desire by switching.

i've actually already ordered a pair of sennheiser CX300, just waiting for them to arrive.

MusicGirl1

Hey Shrapnel - not sure which Creative model you have, but on the Zen 2Gb/4Gb/8Gb/16Gb/32Gb, you can try turning off both the Smart Volume and the Restrict Volume. Let me know if it helps any.