Update: I fixed my commute audio problem by changing how I use my iPad speakers, without buying anything

Quick follow-up to my mini-rant in the weekly thread: my iPad audio was basically unusable on the subway even with the volume up.

Context: I commute in NYC and use the iPad between stops for quick admin stuff and a couple game dailies. I usually don't wear headphones because I need to stay alert and I keep taking the device in and out of my bag.

What I was doing wrong: I was holding the iPad in portrait with the bottom edge resting on my jacket or bag, which meant I was often covering one of the speakers. With subway noise, it just sounded way quieter than it actually was.

What helped right away:

1. Rotate the iPad to landscape so both speakers are unobstructed.

2. Hold it by the sides instead of bracing the bottom edge against anything.

3. Turn off Sound Check and EQ in the Music app. I set those ages ago and forgot; they seemed to affect perceived loudness for other audio too.

4. Use Reduce Loud Sounds only when actually using headphones. I had it on all the time and that softened everything.

The speakers still are not magic on a loud train, but they're back to being usable for a quick video or voice clip, which is all I wanted.

Question for the sub: any other no-gear habits for making iPad audio clearer in noisy places, especially for speech (not music)?