Zen Micro audio Ja

I have purchased two Creative Lab MP3 players in the past two years and both of the audio jacks work intermittently. If you plug in the earphones and wiggle?the plug ?around, you get sound in both ears. Then you move and the sound cuts off. I thought I might just type in "Creative Lab Audio jacks" into a search engine and it led me to this sight and all the problems I have read about these audio jacks. I guess I paid about 60.00 for one and 90.00 bucks for the other. I guess they are not worth getting fixed and if I did what would keep them from breaking again. Its ashamed that Creative Labs would not have corrected this problem beacause the 00's of threads I read date back to 2004. Oh well, Li've and Learn....

Just took the Zen Micro apart. One of the legs on the audio jack is lifted. My soldering iron is too big to get in there. Will get the correct one soon. I cant believe Creative did not correct this years ago...

Similar Messages

  • Zen Micro Audio Recording Opt

    I'm shopping around for a digital music player. I noticed that the Zen Micro has an audio recording option, which will supposedly record up to 0 hours, is that correct? I was wondering if this recording would save as a file I could transfer to my computer or if I must listen to it on the device. Also, I think I read that the largest (data?) file size that can be held on the player is 2GB. Would this apply to a maximum-length recording? How big of a file would that be? Also, do audiobooks fit on the Micro? And the same questions apply to recordings taken from the radio.
    Thank you!
    Amber

    I concur with college boy, additionally the voice recorder is surprisingly good quality, but the FM reciever gets, like all of the small portables I've owned, inconsistant to poor reception. This may be due to my location as I have seen posts on this forum claiming excellent reception. Either way, I doubt the recordings are anywhere near the quality you would get from downloading from your computer.
    I have transfered several audio books from cd>computer>micro, and because the files from audio discs is usually encoded at a very low bit-rate 64kb or even less, they take up very little space on the micro.
    One caution about audio books is that the tagging is usually very simple ie. "track 0, 02, etc so that with multi-disc books, which most are, you will either have to load one disc at a time and delete it when you are finished, or rename the tracks on discs subsequent to disc one or the new disc will replace the old one. When renaming tracks on second and third etc discs use two letters and three numbers.
    For example: For John Grisham's--King of Torts, I named the tracks KT00, KT002 etc.
    Audio discs are a nice complement to the music by the way. I get tired of tunes after a couple of hours and enjoy listening to a story for awhile. I listen to "Car Talk" and "A Prarrie Home Companion" on NPR on weekends.

  • Zen Micro audio books quality probl

    I just acquired a Zen Micro to listen to audio books in bed. I transferred a few into my player and half of them sound like a slow play back - i.e. deep voice and very slow. Almost like when (for us old timers) you play a 45 record at 33 or play an audio tape too slowly. When I Play the files on my PC they sound fine.
    Any ideas

    The sampling frequency probably isn't supported. Make sure it's 22 or 44KHz by converting it with something like dbPowerAMP.

  • Zen Micro audio jack prob

    Hello everyone, I brought my ZEN Micro early this year. Starting this couple weeks, the audio jack on the player is not connecting well. The music/sound won't play correctly unless keep moving around the audio plug. I did connect with different "working" headphones but still having the same problem. I assumed that the metal connectors inside the jack is loosed. Does anyone here has this issue before? and how did you get it fix? How much it is going to cost for getting it fix via Creative? Thanks!!

    Very common problem, look around at the other postings, this has been dicussed. No worries though! Since you're 90 day parts and labor warantee is up you will need to pay for Creative to "fix" it. Actually they don't fix it, but they send you a new one with a re-inforced headphone jack. This happened to me and after I got my new one I haven't had any problems. Just send an e-mail to Creative explaining what happened and they will issue you an RMA # and how much it costs (that price is floating around this forum, you'll be able to find it if you look hard enough). Well, hope this helps!

  • Zen Micro audio prob

    My Zen Micro has poor sound quality, you can barely hear the vocals and everything else has a watery sound. I know its not the headphones because I checked them on my cd player and they worked just fine, and when I put in a different set of head phones into my Zen Micro it still had the audio problems. Has anyone else encountered these problems? If so, what is the problem and the best way to fix it's

    I have the same problem and it seems to be caused by the headphone jack. If I adjust the headphone plug by turning it or holding it in the jack, I get normal sound. If the headphone plug shifts, I get the weird sound you're describing. It happens no matter which headphones or speakers I use, so I think I have confirmed it's the jack on the player itself.

  • Zen Micro Audio Jack Probl

    Second time it happens to me, the audio jack loosens itself and audio quality goes down the toilet and the sound starts to distort and stuff. on top of that the alarm function is screwed up. I have it set to off during the weekdna nd suddenly it turns on and blasts music from my speakers I always leave it connected it to at 6am in the morning, so I turn it ON and it doesn't ring the next day. I tried reloading the firmware, now it doesn't work at all. I treat my Zen real gently too, always make sure it's in it's hard cover case and that the earbuds are properly stored (for some reason the earbuds blew also although I never put it higher then vol. level 6) and I always update it. So now I'm thinking of trading it in for the Zen MicroPhoto since they're the same price (Pre-Ordered my Zen for Christmas last year and got it for 250$ with all the accessories and Xtra battery and all).
    Suggestions? Comments?
    BTW... What's the URL tags?
    is it Bat ModMessage Edited by DarkLord7854 on 09-24-2005 07:03 AM

    I have seen the audio jack on my Zen Xtra (took it all apart), and it's a real mess engineering-wise. The contacts are tiny, minimize contact with the plug, and are too easily warped or bent out of proper alignment. I doubt I could wire in a better unit owing to the extreme small space. The one good thing I can say is that the leads are gold-plated, and the unit is fairly robustly attached to the circuitboard.
    Cleaning your plug carefully with an industry-recommended cleaning solution (like spraywash or super-wash) will improve your plug's connectivity. Wiping the plug with WD-40 or a similar chemical lubricant will improve connectivity (use sparingly... the creosote base hardens and turns to wax). A modified Q-tip can be used to remove residue from the inside of the jack, but BE CAREFUL! If you bend the leads you are SOL. Using earphones with a gold-plated plug will also improve the connection.
    Many users regard the bent-style earphone plug to be the best design, but my own experience suggests this is different for each user. Try a straight and a bent-style plug and see which you prefer. Above all avoid putting unreasonable stress on the plug and jack.

  • Anatomy of Creative's Zen Micro Audio Pla

    This is link to interesting in hardware it contain anatomy of zen microhttp://www.hardwarezone.com/articles...id=9&id=33&pg=?

    I do remember now seeing one other post somewhere on this forum about someone having a similar problem but I belei've only with wma files. I have both wma and mp3 files on my player and am not altogether certain if I have ever experiemced this with mp3s - I have definitely experienced it with wma files.
    It would be nice if someone from Creative could respond to this thread. Maybe the problem is simply not being experienced by many Micro owners, maybe it is limited to wma files only? I don't know, but I do know that with out some understanding, explanation, or possible firmware upgrade to address this issue, I feel returning the player is my only option.

  • Zen micro audio compatibiliti

    I just gone mine and am running into some problems. Only about half of my songs (which are all mp3 format-after I converted them all) will work. The nonworking tracks just show the artist name but no song title and they won't play. I have a feeling this has to do something with the digital rights licenses. If so, is there any way to get around it's Someone help me out, please. Thanks in advance.
    UPDATE: Messing around some more with my ZEN i realized something. The songs I didn't think worked will work but only if i Look them up by song title. The same songs don't appear if I look for them by artist. Looking on my computer all the files are properly tagged and everything so I don't get it. It's pretty inconvenient; again any words of wisdom are aprecciated.Message Edited by zztm85 on 2-03-2005 06:02 AM

    I've had that happen before. Try to get a tagging program <B>AND</B> use the Windows Properties of each song to make sure that it's properly tagged.

  • Cure to the Zen Micro headphone ja

    [url="http://www.noboundrees.com/Micro_Fix/">
    Zen Micro Audio Jack Fix[/url]
    I haven't tried this yet, so use procautions. If anyone knows if this is legit, please give a reply.

    Yes, I did and it works!
    Got a Zen Micro with a headphone jack problem? I fixed mine very easily. This could also help with other models too. Here?s how:
    Note: disassembling your unit will void any remaining warrantee.
    Problem: The headphone jack solder joints get cracked from the prying force of the headphone plug. This force could be especially severe if you carry your player in your pocket and you?re not careful. It is an engineering problem but unfortuanately hard to prevent on any pocket device due to the design of the industry standard mini-phono headphone plug exerting prying force on the jack.
    You?ll need a tiny Phillips screwdriver, a small pocket knife or small flat screwdriver, a fine soldering iron and some rosin-core solder, and a hot-melt glue gun.
    Begin by sliding the on/off/lock switch to the locked position. Pry up the plastic jack face plate cover. It?s just stuck on with glue. You can replace it again when finished. This exposes two tiny Phillips-head screws. Remove them.
    Slide the battery cover door off. Remove the battery. You?ll notice a metal plate under the battery that serves among other things, to secure the white plastic back cover to the main chassis of the player, and that the metal plate has two tabs that are inserted into slots at the top by the three gold battery contacts. Using your fingernail, slide the metal plate downward away from the battery contacts end. This will disengage the chassis from the back cover.
    Use a small screwdriver to gently pry the bottom of the case out away from the chassis. This disengages a catch holding the chassis to the body. With the bottom of the case pried out, press on the metal plate down a the bottom at the small white circular Creative Labs warrantee seal to swing the chassis out from the white plastic back cover. Gently remove it all the way and set the player chassis aside in a safe place.
    You?ll notice a small circuit board with the jacks and switch in the top of the back cover. It is held to the cover by two tiny Phillips-head screws. Remove them. Remove the circuit board from the back cover. The screws also hold a small metal cover over the jacks. Remove it.
    Carefull remove the existing hot-melt glue from the factory. Take special care not to knick anything with your knife and don?t simply rip the hot melt off, but carefully cut and/or peel it off gently so as not to damage anything.
    Notice 4 leads from the headphone jack are soldered onto the circuit board. If you look closely you?ll probably see that one or more are loose. It's usually the top right one between the headphone and USB jacks. * Solder them again, using more solder than was previously used, but don?t put too much on the top left one as it could come into contact with the little metal jack cover when it is replaced. Solder the 4 USB jack leads (outer cover ones) and the 4 on/off/lock switch leads while you?re at it. Replace the small metal cover to make sure the solder joints for the headphone jack don't come into contact with it.
    Now you?ll want to secure the jacks so that the newly repaired solder joints are not stressed and broken again... but TEST THE REPAIR NOW before glueing. Apply a generous amount of hot-melt adhesi've to the sides, backs and tops of the jacks and IMMEDIATELY replace the small metal cover pressing it quickly down until the mounting holes align. Very carfully remove any excess, taking extreme care not to knick anything.
    Replace the circuit board into the back cover and replace the screws. Pay special attention to the fit. Make sure any extra hot-melt you may have missed removing isn?t interfering with the fit.
    Carefully reassemble the chassis into the back cover, paying special attention to properly align and connect the two socket connectors on either side of the boards, and pressing firmly to ensure proper connectivity. Check the fit. Make sure the top of the display face is exactly aligned flush with the cover when reassembled. Check all the edges of the front face to ensure they are all aligned flush with their corresponding sides of the back cover.
    Replace the small screws on the top by the jacks that attach the back cover to the chassis.
    Replace the stick-on plastic top-end face plate. Slide the metal plate in the battery compartment back up into the locked position. Make sure the 4 tabs on the sides of the plate lock over the corresponding tabs in the sides of the back cover (you can see through 4 holes in the sides)
    Replace the battery and battery cover. Turn the power on. If successful, have a listen. You should hear both sides of the audio while wiggling the headphone plug.
    It?s too bad you have to go through this but your Zen Micro is definitely worth the effort to fix, which you will agree having done it, is easier than it seemed like it would be. You shouldn?t have to do it again, but with the hot-melt for adhesi've, you can, using a little heat.
    * Alternately you can use epoxy cement instead of hotmelt. I personally perefer this method but you have to be competent at electronics rework technicques, in particular, de-soldering of the jack. If you're not comfortable with this then just use the hot-melt. You'll need to de-solder the four jack leads from the circuit board pads and remove the jack. Make sure the leads are straight. Dry-fit the jack to make sure the leads aren't bent from the removal process and dry-test on the pcb to make sure the leads line up with the pads. Mix a pea-sized blob of epoxy cement and apply some on the bottom of the jack, but not enough that it will squish out and interfere with the cover, and position it back on the pcb. Place the jack on the board and line up the leads again on the pads. Re-solder the leads, replace the metal cover, and screw down the cover right away. (don't over-tighten) Reassemble and enjoy.

  • Major audio problems with Creative Zen Micro 6Gb... need h

    I have had this device for about a year and a half. about a month or 2 ago, there has been problems with the headphone jack. If the base of the headphone cord (all 20 of them i tested) moved, the audio will either go mono-tone, or play a signle layer of the audio file, or no audio at all. although when applying pressure to it, it will play well. I do NOT want to not go hands free just to enjoy my music, so please help me out!
    -Bash

    Although a failed power switch is not unknown, I only recall seeing two or three other cases of this. It's not common.
    If WMP isn't working with the device having v2 firmware something is wrong. Unfortunately this can be difficult to fix, but take a look here in the Zen FAQ at Nomadness.net.
    MediaSource won't detect the player if there's some issue e.g. WMP0 not detecting it. You can of course also try installing Zen Micro Media Explorer (Creative Zen Micro Media Explorer Web Update to be specific) which has MTP support.
    Are you are presumably under guarantee, and as you bought from an Internet store, it's best to return it direct to Creative. Contact Creative Support to arrange this.

  • Bought Zen Micro to replace Zen Nano Plus - Can't get it to work

    HiSorry if this was answered somewhere, but maybe i'm just dense. Can't seem to get things going. I used to have a Zen Nano Plus which worked fine on my PC - Win XP SP2.Picked up a used Zen Micro - I thought that it would be better because of bookmarking - but I have yet to get it to work.Zen Micro says Version 2.20.05?Here is a list of what it says is loaded on my PC[Creative Product-PID][Installation Log]
    8 May 2006, Creative Zen Nano Plus Pack
    8 May 2006, Creative MediaSource Zen Nano Plugin .00.07
    8 May 2006, Zen Nano Plus Media Explorer 2.00.0
    8 May 2006, Creative Audio CD Ripper .60.0
    7 May 2006, Creative MediaSource Plugin for CD Burner 3.0.8
    7 May 2006, Creative MediaSource Player/Organizer 3.30.2
    7 May 2006, Common Audio Driver Interface .03.29
    3 May 2006, MediaSource AudioSync Plugin .0.03
    3 May 2006, MediaSource NOMAD Jukebox 2/3/Zen Plugin .0.03
    3 May 2006, Creative Music Store Plugin .00.09
    3 May 2006, Creative MediaSource Zen Nano Plugin .00.03
    3 May 2006, Creative MediaSource Player Skin Pack .0.06
    3 May 2006, MediaSource NOMAD MuVo Plugin .0.0
    3 May 2006, MediaSource CD-ROM Burner Component 3.0.
    3 May 2006, MediaSource Detector 3.00.7
    3 May 2006, Common Audio Driver Interface .03.
    3 May 2006, Creative MediaSource 3.20.57
    3 May 2006, Audio Device Selection .0.05
    3 May 2006, Creative System Information .0.3
    3 May 2006, Zen Nano Plus Media Explorer .0.03
    3 May 2006, Creative Audio CD Ripper .60.06
    Have tried to download drivers and software for Zen Micro. When I try to run it though, it does not install because it says that I do not have device connected. Have erased everything off of Zen Micro, but have not reformatted. When I attach Zen Micro to PC, Zen Micro displays "booted" & PC displays "Zen Micro" for a second or two, then switches to "MTP Device"?. Do I need to erase everything from the Zen Nano Plus first?2. What do you think my next step should be?Thx???

    Welcome to the Apple community.
    If you are referring to adding a secondary account, to a single device, then you can do this at system preferences >mail, contacts & calendars.

  • A way how to fix the Zen Micro head phone jack prob

    Hi! I am one of the many people that purchased a Zen Micro MP3 player, I loved it until around 6 months of use, an audio shorting problem with the head phone jack, started to repeat it's self every time, that I would plug my head phone's into the Zen Micro head phone jack. After awhile, I was tired of this problem, so I just decided to never use it again, unless I could find out if the maker of the Zen Micro had a repair service. I noticed that some people had their Micro's replaced a few times under the warranty that is included with the player. I also noticed that some one created a way to fix this problem, but I wanted to see if I could find an easier way to fix the problem. Well I did end up finding an easier way to fix the problem, this is what I did.
    Absolutely in all means I can't be held responsible / reliable for any unforseen thing / things, that you may or could, do to the Zen Micro, by following the instructions, which I provided. By trying what I did by following the instructions, which I provided you; you accept all responsibility to any thing / things, that may or could happen to the Zen Micro.
    The Instructions:
    I took a stapler pressed it down to get a used staple then I carefully inserted it in the outer part of the plastic head phone jack ring. Then I pressed the rest of the staple flat against the Zen micro. And Now I get great sound, it is at least better than, the way it was before I inserted the staple. I would suggest to always remove the staple. When you connect the Zen Micro to a computer, charging device, or any other device other than a pair of head phones. You understand that if you leave the staple inserted in the Zen Micro and don't remove it. While you have it connected to a computer, charging device, or any other device, or devices, even a pair of head phones, and some thing happens, you can't hold me responsible.
    If you would like to see a photo of how it looks please reply to this message and just include your email address please. I will send it to you as soon as possible. The photo has 4 photos sized down to perfectly fit on one photo, so you can get a good idea of what it should look like.
    Message Edited by theZenDude07 on 02-28-200707:45 PM

    Thank you for the information, can I please have the photos so I dont destroy it entirely !. Take care,?Simon?(Dublin, Ireland)

  • Full revision list of the Zen Micro's firmware?

    / I've been digging up various firmwares, and I'll be honest and say that because I use an AC Adaptor that 2.2.02 and ..0 are not in my best interests. While I have no tested whether .02.05 retains charge over time I will probably do so tomorrow. I'd like to know the full history of the device so I know where to stand on this. I like to have the 4 hour standby, but not the 'shorter' charge span simply because all Creative did was drop the peak voltage from 4.9V (Li-Po can take up to 4.235V) to 4.2V. Granted the slope of the charging curve gets very flat at that level, but I do feel that it is best to inform geeks so they know what to expect.
    Version (Recovery Mode version)
    ..0 (0.0.65)
    2.2.02 (0.0.65)
    .0.02 (0.0.63) (Pulled off due to complaints)
    .02.05 (0.0.58)
    2.00.2 (Cannot be installed)
    I know I missed a few, but because the Zen Micro is past its life cycle I doubt there will be any customizations to the device.

    what problems?
    Spending time on a support forum like this, that covers the full gamut of the customer base, you are going to see probably 80% of the posts from folks having problems ranging from minor pilot error to real hardware failure. The 20% with tips, kudos etc are all in the minority and will not be very visible.
    Creative has probably sold over 5 million Micro's since inception. There are definitely going to be problems with that many units in the general population. And some of the problems have been real issues such as the battery drain and the issue of headphone jacks. The latest firmware v . has fixed the battery problem, and on the 3 Micros in our household we are all seeing over hours playback time, excellent battery hold time, good charging characteristics etc etc. The headphone jack issue seems to have become a lot less of a topic the past month or so. Noting that Creative sold probably about .5 million of the earliest Micros, and these were the units that seemed to have headphone jacks go bad, if at all, all the later products may have enough of a redesign that the jacks are OK. Certainly we are fine over here with the new revisions.
    The pluses of the Micro are many, and the diminuti've size and excellent UI makes using this player a pleasure. Audio quality is excellent, and other than sheer output power is right up there with the JB3 (IMO the best ever mp3 player - irregardless of brand).
    Hope this rambling note can help you with your decision.
    jake

  • How do you import music from Zen Micro to Comput

    I am having trouble taking the music that is already on my player and putting it onto the Creative Media program. Please explain how. Thanks

    ok this is simple to answer ok open up media soucre and with ur zen micro plugged in and higlighted in media source click the audio sync icon at the top tool bar, when audio sync loads up there will be a pic on the left and it says media library and on the right it says zen micro in the middle there are arrows u can select these specific which direction u want to sync ur audio select the arrow facing the direction in which media soucre is located ie. left of right then click next next next untill finish

  • How do I update my Zen Micro's firmwa

    I just get my micro today and I want to know how do I update his firmware. Can anyone help me?

    Gop to the Creative download page and follow teh instructions.
    http://www.creative.com/support/
    Firmware
    Title Date
    . Creative Zen Micro Firmware .02.05 (2.0 MB) Mar 05 Download Now
    This web release enables you to upgrade the firmware for your , 4, 5 or 6GB Creative Zen Micro player. You can upgrade from Creative Zen Micro firmware .0.03 or earlier, or Zen Micro PlaysForSure? firmware 2.00.2 or later. After upgrading, you cannot go back to a pre..... Hide Details
    Filename: ZenMicro_PCFW_LB__02_05_PDE.exe
    Creative Zen Micro Firmware .02.05
    ZENM-FWPDE-2-LB
    This web release enables you to upgrade the firmware for your , 4, 5 or 6GB Creative Zen Micro player.
    You can upgrade from Creative Zen Micro firmware .0.03 or earlier, or Zen Micro PlaysForSure? firmware 2.00.2 or later. After upgrading, you cannot go back to a previous Creative Zen Micro firmware version.
    It has been reported by some of our customers that they have experienced reduced battery life after charging their Zen Micro. Our product development team has researched these reports and determined that the users may have experienced this after they plugged their Zen Micro into the AC adapter that was already inserted into a wall socket with the AC power on.
    While this is not the conventional way to plug in a player for charging, we wanted to ensure that our customers did not experience this problem, so we have developed a solution to address this, which simply involves upgrading the Zen Micro's firmware.
    If you need assistance in doing this, please contact our customer support team and they will be happy to assist you.
    Important: If you are upgrading from PlaysForSure firmware, be sure to back up all the audio and data files on your Zen Micro before installing this firmware update as all content will be lost when you install the new firmware. After installing the new firmware, use Creative MediaSource? to restore audio and/or data files to your player.
    Enhancements
    Improves the look of the volume control bar
    Improves the appearance of the Lock icon
    Adds a 4GB option in Removable Disk Mode (for 5 or 6GB players only)
    Fixes
    Prevents battery drain when the player is charged with an AC adapter already plugged into a li've power outlet
    Restores proper functionality after disconnecting the power adaptor or transferring content using Zen Media Explorer
    Redirects playback properly when skipping to the beginning of a WMA track
    Requirements
    Microsoft? Windows? XP, Windows 2000, Windows Millennium Edition or Windows 98 Second Edition
    USB port (2.0 or .)
    Creative Zen Micro
    Note
    To install the new firmware in your Zen Micro
    Download ZenMicro_PCFW_LB__02_05_PDE.exe.
    Connect your player to your computer.
    Double-click (filename).
    Choose your language.
    Click the Upgrade button and follow the instructions that appear.
    To check your player's firmware version, see your Zen Micro User's Guide.

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