Gen 2 Audio Issues: balance/fade is off / imbalanced

[Eruantien]

Hi, all! I have a Gen 2 R1S with the upgraded premium audio system.

Since delivery, it‘s almost like the balance/fade is off (it’s definitely set to center in settings), with most of the sound coming from the front right of the vehicle. When sitting in driver seat, the left side is noticeably diminished, almost like you’re covering your left ear. There is audio coming from speakers on left side, but something is definitely missing. It’s probably the worst audio I’ve ever experienced in a car.

It spent over three weeks at the San Jose service center and they said everything is working as it should, and couldn’t find anything wrong.

But I know I’m not imagining it, and I feel like it’s really obvious. I was just curious if anyone has experienced this with their Gen 2, and if you’ve been able to come up with a fix?

Thanks for the help!

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[krb1183]

Funny you mention this because i was just thinking about this today. I noticed the exact same thing the day i picked mine up. It just seemed like there was more volume coming out of the center channel speaker and was throwing me off a little. But over time I think i just got used to it or something because i didn't notice it as much.
I actually just picked up my vehicle today from service (it was there three weeks for a software issue), and was with my family so were listening to a lot of music and now sounds fine/didn't notice it. My ears either have calibrated for it, or maybe software 35.0 improved it. The speakers actually sound better than i remember them being. The Riv loaner i had for the last three weeks was a launch edition with the Meridian sound system, so i was worried i was going to hop back into mine and it was going to sound terrible, but surprisingly i don't notice a huge difference. I'd say the Meridian is a little better, maybe more crisp or better lower frequencies but i was glad it didn't sound as bad as i thought it did on my first day with it.

 

[Eruantien]

Oh interesting! Thanks for sharing. Curiously, I notice it when playing via Bluetooth, but it’s even MORE noticeable if playing from Apple Music app in Dolby. Especially podcasts or someone speaking, sounds like they’re talking from the front right speakers. I’m going to be taking it back and having them check it over again.

 

[krb1183]

yeah i do feel like the sound quality is noticeable between different platforms, a plain old HD radio station seems to be good, having alexa play one of my playlists through amazon music sounds good. I don't use apple music so haven't even tried that though. I know there are some posts on this forum that delve into the detailed audio settings if you want to try some of those, i don't spend enough time in my rivian much less listening to music often enough to play around with it yet, but sounds like some people have had great results. Mine are still on default.

 

[DarKnightRider]

Same exact experiment. Premium audio, gen2 R1S. Audio feels weighted towards from right.

Praying the 0.39 Halloween update fixes this. Release notes suggest it will.

 

[Eruantien]

Sorry you’re experiencing the same issue, but it’s a MASSIVE relief that it’s not just me, which gives me hope it’s a software issue and not hardware.

I’m hopeful for the update as well, but it’s under the Apple Music heading so I wasn’t sure if the fix was specific to that app. I experience the issue no matter how I play the music.

Same exact experiment. Premium audio, gen2 R1S. Audio feels weighted towards from right.

Praying the 0.39 Halloween update fixes this. Release notes suggest it will.

 

[usofrob]

I've noticed the same thing. It's weird, but I'm getting a little used to it. I've benn wondering if it's volume or timing related. When I shift the fade, I suspect it just changes the channel volume, not the timing. I guess we could check with an audio generator with L or R output control and a db meter on our phones. I might try that when I get a chance.

 

[Spamthechan]

We’ve discussed this specific issue a bit in the other threads, but what I’ve discovered:

1. Center channel is way too strong. Moving fader slider back a few notches (so that it’s somewhere on the rear middle seat) really helps
2. I personally like the enhanced 3D as it makes the other speakers work more, but it also makes the sound a bit tinnier which can be somewhat fixed thru the eq
3. The sound does seem to be getting better from delivery, whether this is a speaker break-in phenomenon or OTA updates
4. Can’t wait for this next update that specifically should remedy these problems.

 

[SeaGeo]

This has been an issue with the R1S for both generations. I'll be curious to see what folks say about it with the changes that are documented in .39.

I will say that when Apple Music was first released with Dolby on the Rivian, there were several songs that were great and thumped. Idk what happened between that update and now, but it's taken many steps back.

 

[captainjp]

Try Amazon music streaming directly from the vehicle’s infotainment. You’ll notice a world of difference

 

[KW_88_SS]

I'm curious if this is related to my issues in a Gen1. I don't think I have ever heard the ceiling speakers ever work. I've done resets, messed with settings and nothing.

It just sounds "flat" after the second to last update.

This has been an issue with the R1S for both generations. I'll be curious to see what folks say about it with the changes that are documented in .39.

I will say that when Apple Music was first released with Dolby on the Rivian, there were several songs that were great and thumped. Idk what happened between that update and now, but it's taken many steps back.

Yup, I noticed this as well. It just sounds very meh. I'm sure an update is coming so, I'm not terribly worried.

Try Amazon music streaming directly from the vehicle’s infotainment. You’ll notice a world of difference

Better than Apple Music?

 

[captainjp]

I'm curious if this is related to my issues in a Gen1. I don't think I have ever heard the ceiling speakers ever work. I've done resets, messed with settings and nothing.

It just sounds "flat" after the second to last update.



Yup, I noticed this as well. It just sounds very meh. I'm sure an update is coming so, I'm not terribly worried.



Better than Apple Music?

Absolutely. Give it a try

 

[superfluid]

If anyone in the Austin area is willing to let me measure their Gen 2 Premium, I can analyze the fade/balance issue and recommend settings. Might help until the next OTA, but it’s hard to predict what will change.

 

[Spamthechan]

If anyone in the Austin area is willing to let me measure their Gen 2 Premium, I can analyze the fade/balance issue and recommend settings. Might help until the next OTA, but it’s hard to predict what will change.

Somebody let this man do his witchcraft!!!

 

[tay]

just picked our R1S Tri with premium sound (all the features) and EXACT same problem. Horrible sound, primarily pumping from the small speakers in the front, the rest barely anything. All SW updated and tried every app both in car and on phone. Glad to see its a common issue

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