[SOLVED?] UE Boom 2 Bluetooth speaker suddenly not working after firmware update

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James_Smith
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[SOLVED?] UE Boom 2 Bluetooth speaker suddenly not working after firmware update

Post by James_Smith »

First of all, let me get two things out of the way:

1. I haven't tried it with my Windows computer yet (because I rarely use my Windows computer), but it does work with my cell phone, so I'm going to make the reasonable presumption that something about the new firmware is incompatible with something in LM 18.1

2. Here's my computer's information...

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mac@mac-Lenovo-Y50-70-Touch ~ $ inxi -Fxzd
System:    Host: mac-Lenovo-Y50-70-Touch Kernel: 4.4.0-77-generic x86_64 (64 bit gcc: 5.4.0)
           Desktop: Cinnamon 3.2.7 (Gtk 3.18.9) Distro: Linux Mint 18.1 Serena
Machine:   System: LENOVO product: 20349 v: Lenovo Y50-70 Touch
           Mobo: LENOVO model: Lenovo Y50-70 Touch v: 31900058Std
           Bios: LENOVO v: 9ECN43WW(V3.03) date: 08/12/2015
CPU:       Quad core Intel Core i7-4700HQ (-HT-MCP-) cache: 6144 KB
           flags: (lm nx sse sse2 sse3 sse4_1 sse4_2 ssse3 vmx) bmips: 19155
           clock speeds: max: 3400 MHz 1: 2727 MHz 2: 2939 MHz 3: 2668 MHz
           4: 2429 MHz 5: 3268 MHz 6: 2926 MHz 7: 2997 MHz 8: 2729 MHz
Graphics:  Card-1: Intel 4th Gen Core Processor Integrated Graphics Controller
           bus-ID: 00:02.0
           Card-2: NVIDIA GM107M [GeForce GTX 860M] bus-ID: 01:00.0
           Display Server: X.Org 1.18.4 driver: nvidia
           Resolution: 3840x2160@48.00hz
           GLX Renderer: GeForce GTX 860M/PCIe/SSE2
           GLX Version: 4.5.0 NVIDIA 375.39 Direct Rendering: Yes
Audio:     Card-1 Intel 8 Series/C220 Series High Definition Audio Controller
           driver: snd_hda_intel bus-ID: 00:1b.0
           Card-2 Intel Xeon E3-1200 v3/4th Gen Core Processor HD Audio Controller
           driver: snd_hda_intel bus-ID: 00:03.0
           Sound: Advanced Linux Sound Architecture v: k4.4.0-77-generic
Network:   Card-1: Intel Wireless 7260 driver: iwlwifi bus-ID: 08:00.0
           IF: wlp8s0 state: up mac: <filter>
           Card-2: Realtek RTL8111/8168/8411 PCI Express Gigabit Ethernet Controller
           driver: r8169 v: 2.3LK-NAPI port: 3000 bus-ID: 09:00.0
           IF: enp9s0 state: down mac: <filter>
           Card-3: Atmel usb-ID: 003-002
           IF: null-if-id state: N/A speed: N/A duplex: N/A mac: N/A
Drives:    HDD Total Size: 2000.4GB (64.1% used)
           ID-1: USB /dev/sda model: TOURO_S size: 1000.2GB
           ID-2: /dev/sdb model: Crucial_CT1024MX size: 1000.2GB
           ID-3: /dev/mmcblk0 model: N/A size: 63.9GB
           Optical: No optical drives detected.
Partition: ID-1: / size: 442G used: 338G (81%) fs: ext4 dev: /dev/sdb5
           ID-2: swap-1 size: 17.09GB used: 0.00GB (0%) fs: swap dev: /dev/sdb6
RAID:      No RAID devices: /proc/mdstat, md_mod kernel module present
Sensors:   System Temperatures: cpu: 59.0C mobo: N/A gpu: 0.0:51C
           Fan Speeds (in rpm): cpu: N/A
Info:      Processes: 255 Uptime: 3:41 Memory: 4570.6/15963.7MB
           Init: systemd runlevel: 5 Gcc sys: 5.4.0
           Client: Shell (bash 4.3.461) inxi: 2.2.35 
Ok, now let me explain (though you've no doubt guessed the problem):

I have this UE Boom 2 speaker that is great. I'd never done a firmware update to it, so I decided to do it the other day. The next time I used it with my laptop, the sound was really tinny. Very thin sound. No bass. Nothing but mid-range and highs. I was listening to a podcast, so I decided to not mess with it at that time. I assumed it would be an easy fix.

This morning I tried to sort it out and I'm stumped. Here's what I did:

1. I went into Blueman and removed it from the list of Bluetooth devices. Then I went through the steps of searching for it and pairing it. It paired up, but the speaker never gave an indication that it was paired and if I go into sound settings, I don't see the speaker listed under devices as I did before.

2. I've tried uninstalling everything, rebooting everything, turning it off and then back on, etc.

3. I found a post about a similar problem on an Ubuntu forum, but the solution that worked for that guy didn't work for me.

Any help is appreciated.

Thank you
Last edited by James_Smith on Sun Jun 11, 2017 5:05 am, edited 1 time in total.
I have been using Linux for years and I am still a newbie
James_Smith
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Posts: 457
Joined: Wed Feb 18, 2015 6:41 pm

Re: UE Boom 2 Bluetooth speaker suddenly not working after firmware update

Post by James_Smith »

After googling, I found a few threads on various forums that weren't helpful at all. One Ubuntu forum, however, gives me a glimmer of hope. I found this post in which the moderator gives the following advice:
Try this. It usually works for me.

Code: Select all

pacmd set-card-profile `pacmd list-cards | grep bluez_card -B1 | grep index | awk '{print $2}'` off; sleep 2 ; echo -e "disconnect 88:C6:26:81:D7:CA\n quit"|bluetoothctl;sleep 5; echo -e "connect 88:C6:26:81:D7:CA\n quit"|bluetoothctl; sleep 5; pacmd set-card-profile `pacmd list-cards | grep bluez_card -B1 | grep index | awk '{print $2}'` a2dp_sink
The forum member whom he was advising responded with elation. It worked!

Noticing that my UE BOOM 2 is associated with a different uh... address(?), I amended his suggested terminal command and tried it. This was the result:

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mac@mac-Lenovo-Y50-70-Touch ~ $ pacmd set-card-profile `pacmd list-cards | grep bluez_card -B1 | grep index | awk '{print $2}'` off; sleep 2 ; echo -e "disconnect 88:C6:26:C2:89:A1\n quit"|bluetoothctl;sleep 5; echo -e "connect 88:C6:26:C2:89:A1\n quit"|bluetoothctl; sleep 5; pacmd set-card-profile `pacmd list-cards | grep bluez_card -B1 | grep index | awk '{print $2}'` a2dp_sink
You need to specify a profile by its name.
[NEW] Controller E8:2A:EA:57:8F:B8 mac-Lenovo-Y50-70-Touch [default]
[NEW] Device 88:C6:26:C2:89:A1 UE BOOM 2
[NEW] Device 00:11:67:00:04:DF Bluetooth Optical Mouse
[NEW] Device 08:21:EF:6D:93:00 Samsung Galaxy S7
[NEW] Device A0:02:DC:E0:6E:50 McFire
[bluetooth]# disconnect 88:C6:26:C2:89:A1
Attempting to disconnect from 88:C6:26:C2:89:A1
[bluetooth]#  quit
[DEL] Controller E8:2A:EA:57:8F:B8 mac-Lenovo-Y50-70-Touch [default]
[NEW] Controller E8:2A:EA:57:8F:B8 mac-Lenovo-Y50-70-Touch [default]
[NEW] Device 88:C6:26:C2:89:A1 UE BOOM 2
[NEW] Device 00:11:67:00:04:DF Bluetooth Optical Mouse
[NEW] Device 08:21:EF:6D:93:00 Samsung Galaxy S7
[NEW] Device A0:02:DC:E0:6E:50 McFire
[bluetooth]# connect 88:C6:26:C2:89:A1
Attempting to connect to 88:C6:26:C2:89:A1
[bluetooth]#  quit
[DEL] Controller E8:2A:EA:57:8F:B8 mac-Lenovo-Y50-70-Touch [default]
You need to specify a profile by its name.
So, I think I'm close to a solution, but I'm missing something. What does it mean by "you need to specify a profile by its name"?

Thanks in advance for your help.
I have been using Linux for years and I am still a newbie
mythmuse

Re: UE Boom 2 Bluetooth speaker suddenly not working after firmware update

Post by mythmuse »

I'm so glad I'm not the only one having this problem.
Until the last month or so, the pairing with our 808 Hex TL bluetooth speaker worked flawlessly. Now it refuses to connect. I think our terminal output is basically the same, but if it helps anyone else, this is what I get trying that same solution:

Code: Select all

 pacmd set-card-profile `pacmd list-cards | grep bluez_card -B1 | grep index | awk '{print $2}'` off; sleep 2 ; echo -e "disconnect 20:9B:A5:52:4B:D7\n quit"|bluetoothctl;sleep 5; echo -e "connect 20:9B:A5:52:4B:D7\n quit"|bluetoothctl; sleep 5; pacmd set-card-profile `pacmd list-cards | grep bluez_card -B1 | grep index | awk '{print $2}'` a2dp_sink2
You need to specify a profile by its name.
[NEW] Controller 40:E2:30:60:A2:D0 Orochi [default]
[NEW] Device 60:8F:5C:95:34:81 SAMSUNG-SM-G900V
[NEW] Device 20:9B:A5:52:4B:D7 808 Hex TL
[bluetooth]# disconnect 20:9B:A5:52:4B:D7
Attempting to disconnect from 20:9B:A5:52:4B:D7
[bluetooth]#  quit
[DEL] Controller 40:E2:30:60:A2:D0 Orochi [default]
[NEW] Controller 40:E2:30:60:A2:D0 Orochi [default]
[NEW] Device 60:8F:5C:95:34:81 SAMSUNG-SM-G900V
[NEW] Device 20:9B:A5:52:4B:D7 808 Hex TL
[bluetooth]# connect 20:9B:A5:52:4B:D7
Attempting to connect to 20:9B:A5:52:4B:D7
[bluetooth]#  quit
[DEL] Controller 40:E2:30:60:A2:D0 Orochi [default]
You need to specify a profile by its name.
JeremyB
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Re: UE Boom 2 Bluetooth speaker suddenly not working after firmware update

Post by JeremyB »

I would try installing blueman

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sudo apt-get install blueman
Then see if you can connect with blueman and see what audio profiles are available from the headset by right clicking on the device in the blueman GUI
James_Smith
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Re: UE Boom 2 Bluetooth speaker suddenly not working after firmware update

Post by James_Smith »

JeremyB wrote:I would try installing blueman

Code: Select all

sudo apt-get install blueman
Then see if you can connect with blueman and see what audio profiles are available from the headset by right clicking on the device in the blueman GUI
I have had blueman since day one. Unfortunately, it's not working with this speaker either. Everything else works fine and the speaker works fine with every other device I have including my Kindle.
I have been using Linux for years and I am still a newbie
James_Smith
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Posts: 457
Joined: Wed Feb 18, 2015 6:41 pm

Re: UE Boom 2 Bluetooth speaker suddenly not working after firmware update

Post by James_Smith »

So, if I can't get specific advice about what to do, I wonder if someone could tell me if they think it's a problem with PulseAudio or with the bluetooth program?
I have been using Linux for years and I am still a newbie
bank

Re: UE Boom 2 Bluetooth speaker suddenly not working after firmware update

Post by bank »

i have same trouble with a selected few hardware models that have BT connection to the AUDIO SELECTION mixer fail to select the BT sound output

Out of four different models of BT headset purchased over the year
All are recognized and install with MAC number and model name as paired

Using the original sourced Linux Mint embedded Bluetooth software
All are visible in the SOUND SELECTION choice menu
Only one model actually connect with the SOUND SELECTION choice menu

Using BLUEMAN again all models as DEVICE are installed and connected
even after changing selection from AD2p or Headset

So it is assumed the trouble is with the embedded standard Linux Mint
SOUND SETTINGS panel that detects PLAY SOUND THROUGH devices
and disp;ay them however fails to HARDWARE SELECT and RE-ROUTE
the BT selected device to the PCM audio output amplyfier

Majority of BT trouble has focused on the final selectable data to audio
output amplyfier selection. The BT data MODE is decoded and ready for connection to the audio amplifier. The sound sources are switched to a single
audio output that fails BT selection

Some BT MODE / later modality of data protocal xfer devices connect
some older modality data protocal connect only headphone and have no microphone selection because of A2DP forced software. BLUMAN can force
Headphone with microphone or A2DP for sound only output with no microphone.

Assuming BLUEMAN and or Linux Mint embedded Bluetooth menus CONNECT and PAIR selected device name indicates correct data transfer possible a
correct modality data decode ready for Linux Mint software AUDIO output
switch selection.

There are scripts you can search the LM forum that edit the Bluetooth Hardware setup MODES and data protocols however if you are already connected and paired the script that may help is the AUDIO multiplex selector
embedded in LM Sound directory folder

The person responsible for the AUDIO input selection code can better answer
how to complete (flowchart) an externally temporary and selectable audio input source such as Bluetooth

Sorry can not offer other solutions

AUDIO
James_Smith
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Re: UE Boom 2 Bluetooth speaker suddenly not working after firmware update

Post by James_Smith »

Well, it works. My computer was a dual-boot with W10 and I've decided to get rid of W10 and make it 100% LM18.1. After I installed LM18.1, I thought I'd give it a try and it worked fine.

Weird.
I have been using Linux for years and I am still a newbie
bank

Re: [SOLVED?] UE Boom 2 Bluetooth speaker suddenly not working after firmware update

Post by bank »

YES I also confirm LM18.1 Sound Select shows all BT connections HOWEVER LM17.x has a SOUND PANEL software trouble... THE LM 17X series AUDIO SOUND panel shows only HDMI and Internal Audio but does not show the Bluetooth HEADSET connection to be selected.

So even after three seperate Bluetooth headsets was detected and paired and thus connected using LM17.X distro the AUDIO SOUND PANEL can not select can not display can not test ALL modality and versions of older and new BLUEtooth connected PAIRED devices

It may be a simple refresh or reset of the Pulse Code audio software by the programmer need to re initialize the final audio connection from the various audio inputs software selected at the SOUND LM17.X panel seting
James_Smith
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Re: [SOLVED?] UE Boom 2 Bluetooth speaker suddenly not working after firmware update

Post by James_Smith »

It's suddenly not working again. Doing the exact same thing as I described in the o/p.

I found an Ubuntu forum in which it was recommended that I add a new ppa: cschramm/blueman. So far, I haven't had any success with adding it, however. I tried Software Manager > Edit > Software Sources > PPA and tried to manually add it. It gave me the following message: Cannot add PPA: ''This PPA does not support xenial''.
I have been using Linux for years and I am still a newbie
James_Smith
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Posts: 457
Joined: Wed Feb 18, 2015 6:41 pm

Re: [SOLVED?] UE Boom 2 Bluetooth speaker suddenly not working after firmware update

Post by James_Smith »

Sigh...

Now it's working again. I don't understand this at all.
I have been using Linux for years and I am still a newbie
Noobves

Re: [SOLVED?] UE Boom 2 Bluetooth speaker suddenly not working after firmware update

Post by Noobves »

FYI, had the same problem, turned out activating a2dp as the sink profile fixed it.

Simplified the initial code snippet to:
"pacmd set-card-profile {INDEX|NAME} a2dp_sink"

If you need to know what the index or name of the bluetooth card is that you should input in the command, use:
"pacmd list-cards"
(can filter through with: "| grep bluez_card -B1")

Then you can use "pacmd suspend-sink {INDEX|NAME} {1|0}" to turn your outputs on/off (again "pacmd list-sinks" if you need to figure out indices/names)

Thanks for the pointer!
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