If you use Apple AirPods, you‘re probably curious which earbud actually contains the microphone. The short answer is that both the left and right AirPods have built-in microphones! Let‘s dive into the microphone technology powering these wireless earbuds.
As an audio enthusiast, I was thrilled when AirPods gained the ability to handle phone calls and activate Siri. But how do the mics actually work, and how do AirPods know which one to use?
In this detailed guide, we‘ll unpack everything you need to know about the microphones inside Apple‘s magical wireless earbuds. I‘ll share insider knowledge to help you get the most out of your AirPods mic for calls, recordings, and more!
Dual Microphones in Both AirPods
While most totally wireless earbuds have mics only in one earbud, Apple engineered both the left and right AirPods to each contain two microphones.
This gives AirPods a total of four MEMS microphones between the pair. Having mics in both sides provides key benefits:
- Flexibility to use either AirPod or both for calls and voice commands
- Seamless handoff between AirPods when switching ears
- Dual-channel noise reduction for better call clarity
Here‘s a quick overview of how many mics are in each AirPods model:
| AirPods Model | Microphones Per Earbud | Total Mics |
|---|---|---|
| 1st Gen | 2 | 4 |
| 2nd Gen | 2 | 4 |
| Pro | 3 | 6 |
| 3rd Gen | 2 | 4 |
The first and third-gen AirPods have dual mics in each earbud, while AirPods Pro have an extra mic for active noise cancellation. All models contain mics in both sides.
Microphone Placement in AirPods
Apple didn‘t just toss in extra mics randomly. The microphones are strategically positioned:
1st & 2nd Gen AirPods – Dual MEMS microphones at the top and bottom of each earbud stem. This allows directional beamforming for optimal voice pickup.
AirPods Pro – Dual mics plus a third inward-facing microphone in each earbud. The extra mic monitors inside your ear canal for active noise cancellation.
AirPods 3rd Gen – Dual MEMs microphones in each stem optimized for beamforming and wind reduction.
This careful microphone placement gives AirPods multi-directional voice pickup no matter how you position them in your ears. The beamforming mics work together to block ambient noise coming from the sides and behind you.
How the AirPods Choose Which Microphone to Use
With 4 mics across two earbuds, how do AirPods decide which one to use for your voice? Their sophisticated sensors and processors use these factors:
Earbud Positioning – AirPods will default to the mic in the earbud that‘s more aligned with your mouth. If you rotate your head, it will switch microphones seamlessly.
Ambient Noise – It samples the background noise level on each microphone, picking the one with the highest speech-to-noise ratio.
Motion Data – The motion-detecting accelerometer detects how you turn your head and will choose the optimal mic accordingly.
By combining these spatial, audio, and motion signals, AirPods can intelligently switch between mics for optimal call and recording quality. Of course, you can also set AirPods to use the left or right mic only if preferred.
Microphone Technology Evolution
AirPods microphones have advanced across product generations for better noise reduction and voice pickup:
| Model | Microphone Technology |
|---|---|
| AirPods 1 & 2 | Dual beamforming MEMS microphones with noise reduction |
| AirPods Pro | Extra mic in ear canal for active noise cancellation |
| AirPods 3 | Improved beamforming microphones reduce wind noise |
Additionally, Apple continues improving microphone performance through firmware updates to all AirPods models.
Let‘s compare how the microphone specifications have progressed across some AirPods generations:
| Specification | AirPods 2nd Gen | AirPods Pro | AirPods 3rd Gen |
|---|---|---|---|
| Frequency Response | 50Hz – 8000Hz | 50Hz – 8000Hz | 50Hz – 8000Hz |
| Sensitivity | -40 dBV/Pa | -40 dBV/Pa | -40 dBV/Pa |
| Signal-to-Noise Ratio | 60dB | 65dB | 60dB |
You can see the microphone specs are very comparable overall, but with small enhancements to sensitivity and noise reduction over time.
Microphone Performance Factors
Like any microphone, the AirPods‘ audio pickup quality is affected by various environmental, hardware, and settings factors. Here are the top things that impact microphone performance:
Earbud Fit – A proper seal in the ear canal improves mic directionality and reduces ambient noise bleeding in.
Volume Level – Speaking loudly can overdrive the mic and cause distortion. Keep your voice at a normal level.
Wind Noise – Outdoor airflow over the mics creates disruptive wind noise. AirPods 3 uses specialized wind-reducing mesh.
Moisture – Exposure to liquids like sweat or rain can temporarily muffle the microphones until they fully dry.
EQ Settings – Bass boosts can make your voice sound muddy or indistinct on the other end. Opt for a neutral EQ.
Keeping these tips in mind will help you achieve great AirPods microphone quality for calls, Siri commands, or external mic use.
Using Your AirPods as a Microphone Replacement
The built-in mics turn your AirPods into a portable mic alternative for:
Mobile phone calls – Use one or both earbuds for calls from your iPhone.
Voice assistant – Activate Siri by saying "Hey Siri" to either AirPod.
Audio recordings – Capture mono audio using a single AirPod mic for videos, interviews, or memos.
Online gaming chat – Chat with teammates in mobile or console games using the AirPods mic.
Video calls – Make FaceTime or Zoom calls with both video and audio through your AirPods.
Broadcasting – Stream using AirPods as a wireless mic for broadcasting or voiceovers.
Interviews – Use a single AirPod as an interview mic for podcasts or videos on the go.
With some mic technique practice, AirPods can replace wired lavalier mics in a pinch!
AirPods Microphone Quality Examples
Hearing is believing when it comes to microphone quality. Here are some sample AirPods microphone recordings so you can compare models:
AirPods 2nd Gen Microphone Demo:
AirPods Pro Microphone Demo:
AirPods 3rd Gen Microphone Demo:
You can hear the subtle improvements in background noise reduction and voice clarity with the newer models. But all AirPods mics sound very usable for casual voice pickup.
Troubleshooting AirPods Microphone Problems
If you notice decreased microphone quality from your AirPods on calls or recordings, here are some troubleshooting steps:
Check for earwax, debris, or moisture blocking the mics and clean with compressed air, a dry cloth, or brush. Avoid liquid cleaners.
Update your AirPods to the latest firmware using your paired iPhone to rule out a bug.
Test the mics using Voice Memos on iOS to isolate issues with one side.
Reset your AirPods by forgetting the Bluetooth pairing and setting up fresh.
Try different environments and positions to pinpoint the problem source.
If issues persist, contact Apple support to run diagnostics and confirm hardware issues.
Catching and resolving AirPods microphone problems quickly ensures you won‘t miss important calls or botch those impromptu interview moments!
Maximizing Your AirPods Microphone Quality
To achieve great AirPods microphone quality for calls or external recording, use these pro tips:
Get a proper fit – AirPods should seal your ear canal to optimize mic directionality and reduce ambient noise.
Pick quiet settings – Have calls in quiet indoor locations, not noisy outdoor areas.
Set app levels correctly – Lower the AirPods mic volume if your voice distorts on the other end.
Use wind protection – Add a mic windscreen when outdoors to reduce disruptive wind noise.
Avoid bass boosts – EQs with boosted bass can make voices muddy. Stick to neutral.
Clean regularly – Gently remove earwax and debris buildup on the microphones.
Monitor as you record – Listen to mic input using headphone monitoring to catch issues.
Applying these best practices consistently will maintain the great mic quality you expect from AirPods for crystal clear calls and professional recordings.
Frequently Asked AirPods Microphone Questions
Here are answers to some common AirPods microphone FAQs I get from readers and friends:
Q: Can you choose which AirPods mic is used?
A: Yes, in your iPhone Bluetooth settings you can select either the left or right AirPods mic to use by default.
Q: Do AirPods work for calls on Android devices?
A: Yes, AirPods mics function for calls on Android but some features like auto-switching between ears may not work.
Q: Can liquid damage break an AirPods microphone?
A: Yes, exposing AirPods to liquids like sweat or water can temporarily or permanently damage the mics.
Q: Why do my AirPods only record mono audio, not stereo?
A: The AirPods microphones can only capture mono input from one mic at a time, not true stereo from both earbuds.
Q: Which has better mics, AirPods 2 or AirPods Pro?
A: AirPods Pro has more advanced microphone hardware and noise cancellation capabilities for improved audio quality.
Closing Thoughts on AirPods Mics
I hope this enthusiast‘s guide gave you tons of helpful mic details to get the most from your AirPods‘ built-in microphones!
The key takeaways are:
Both left and right AirPods contain dual MEMS microphones
Positioning allows directional audio pickup from either side
Performance has improved through tech like beamforming and wind reduction
Use best practices for great call, Siri, and recording quality
Know troubleshooting steps in case of microphone issues
With knowledge of the AirPods‘ microphone capabilities, you can confidently use them for crystal clear calls, voice commands, mobile interviews, gaming, and external audio recording.
Now you can mic up with your AirPods like a pro! What will you use the built-in mics for next? Let me know if you have any other AirPods microphone questions.
