Is it really that bad? I'm preparing for JLPT 1 this December and wanted to take a look at previous tests, this one for example:
http://jlpt.biz/jlpt/jlptexamine.do?level=1&year=2007 (there's an embedded MP3 file)

I mean.. while the content is pretty easy, the sound quality is so bad it's almost incomprehensible. Sounds like they are talking underwater.
Is this also the case for the actual test? I mean.. wow...

The test actually takes place underwater.

Codexus Wrote:The test actually takes place underwater.

Curses!!

Edit: Okay, after listening a little further.. it seems to be a recording. That's what you get for searching for material on the Internet...

FYI: I took JLPT2 in July in Tokyo, the audio was very clear.

The audio was fine when I took the JLPT2 last year. I was sitting close to the speakers. The only problem was I couldn't understand it!!!

I have some of those past paper listening parts and the audio is terrible. I assume someone has just secretly recorded them.

The actual test should be ok. It might depend where you take it and where you are sitting in the room. When I took the JLPT3 it wasn't as good but it was in a different place.

Thanks for your replies. Seems like it's not quite as bad and after all. The listening part that is.