HowTo: Modify Volume Levels of the Music Player (SGH-i550 et al.)

[w-sky]

Hi there, maybe others feel likewise: The volume levels of the MP3 player in the Samsung i550 do not fit at all.
I did not ever use level 1-4, because they were too low, and at higher volumes the steps were too big - usually, a tiny bit too loud or too low.

The solution is very simple and we probably need to thank the developers for not blocking this also:

There are 4 text files which define volume levels. These are located in the directory C:/System/GAIN, and the interesting one is the file "music_vol.txt", which contains the values for the music player. Simply open the file in a text editor, manipulate the 10 numbers, save and restart the phone. Each number represents the volume for one of the 10 levels.

At default, the values differ at a constant factor (approximately 1.68) from one level to another, except the lowest level of 250. The default value of level 10 is 27570. However, the applicable maximum value is 32767.

Like this, the MP3 player is even louder than previously possible.
I take no warranty for damages at the hearing, or perhaps even on the device!

After some experiments I chose the following values that I guess are optimal. With these, there are fewer low volume levels, and a finer gradation in the louder area. I also have raised the maximum volume cautiously.

music_vol.txt

727
1389
2653
4458
6464
9179
12758
17351
23077
30000

The other files, "actual_vol.txt", "real_vol.txt" and "ring_vol.txt" probably work similarly. I have not yet explored them, but I am happy about reports. If the files (accidentally or intentionally) are deleted, they will be re-created when restarting the phone. The source files are located in Z:/system/data/gain

PS: It is not possible to define more than 10 levels. I've already tried that, the extra values are ignored.

[addition]
The main issue or drawback here is actually the low number of distictive volume levels in the sound system, imho. 10 is not enough. 15 at least, or 20-30 should be appropriate for multimedia.

[srw985]

What if you use a value over 30000?

[w-sky]

Then the sound is slightly louder.

Maximum is 32767, with a higher number there is no volume at the respective level.

[Loz!]

Can I apply this to my SGH-I450? If so what do I need to locate the files that need modifing? On my Old HTC I had a config manager app which did the same job. Is there an Symbian equivilant available?

I'm very much a noob so apologies for my thick questions.

[w-sky]

Originally Posted by Loz!

Can I apply this to my SGH-I450?

Try to find the files - if they are there, I am pretty sure it will work. Those files or similar files could be in another folder in C: too.

If so what do I need to locate the files that need modifing?

You need a file browser like X-plore (highly recommendable and not too expensive), ActiveFile or Y-Browser, and you probably need to "hack" your phone, which means removing restrictions to access system files and to install any programs.