Microphones and speakers have several similar parameters. The first devices convert sound waves into electrical signals. The latter do the same, only in reverse. Despite the feedback, the devices consist of the same components. Therefore, there are several recommendations to help you understand how to use headphones as a microphone on your computer.
How to make a microphone from headphones
To perform this procedure, you need to switch the device from one port to another.
The green connector is for playback and the pink connector for recording. After this, use the right earphone. This is because the microphone port has a mono circuit.
Further actions are carried out taking into account the purpose of the alteration:
- If it is necessary to use two headphones, they are soldered together by removing the existing plug. The wires are connected to the new mono terminal. A core of the same color is connected to the base. Colored wires are connected to each other. After assembling the plug, the headphones are used for their intended purpose.
- If you need to use the device not for communicating on the Internet, but for karaoke, perform similar actions. However, a 6.3 jack connector is used for connection. The operating principle of the parts is similar, the difference lies in the method of signal transmission.
- When using old-style plugs, it is enough to disassemble the device and connect the wires to pins 1, 3 and 5. Terminal 3 is combined with the base, 1 and 5 – with the left and right channels, respectively.
If there is no audio input
It happens that sometimes there is no audio input on Android. In this case, the solution to the problem may be available via Bluetooth, which is also a microphone. So connect it and find an app like Easy Voice Recorder that can record with Bluetooth.
Those who use iPad can try Recorder Plus HD for Bluetooth recording. The problem is that Bluetooth can sometimes interfere, but if that phone headset is all you have, it's worth a try.
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How to make a microphone from headphones
Using headphones as a microphone on a smartphone, tablet, computer or laptop
In this case, perform the following actions:
- Find a program with a sound recording device. It adjusts the sound sensitivity according to the settings of the headset you are using. An alternative option is to use an external mixer or amplifier. Many mobile gadgets are equipped with automatic volume control.
- To use headphones as a microphone with Android and iOS phones, purchase an adapter that converts the headphone jack into a universal input. The headset plug is inserted into the microphone port of the adapter. To check the functionality of the device, make test recordings and change the settings if necessary.
When done correctly, you get a small microphone that can be used for covert video recording.
Advice from the experts
When performing delicate and scrupulous electrical work (especially with a soldering iron), home craftsmen often encounter minor problems. They can be avoided by following the recommendations of experienced professionals.
- The soldered microphone can also be used as a lavalier microphone. In this case, you will need to remove the sound recording device itself from the case, and then solder a wire with a plug to it. To protect against wind and noise, it is recommended to use a small piece of foam rubber. It needs to be given a beautiful shape and a recess made to accommodate the microphone.
- When removing insulation from cables and cores, it is recommended to use a razor blade rather than a knife. With its help, such actions are performed more accurately, without the risk of damaging the plug contacts or wire.
- If the jack on the laptop is intended only for headphones, and the use of a microphone is not provided, the solution would be to purchase and connect a device for recording sound via a USB port.
So, if the microphone breaks and there is no way to immediately purchase a new one, a temporary or permanent solution would be to make it from headphones using or without soldering. If necessary, you can use the headphones themselves as a microphone without any modification if you connect them correctly to a PC or mobile device. You can also make your own lavalier microphone, including for secret recording. You can also make wireless headphones and a headphone amplifier with your own hands.
How to connect
To connect headphones converted into a microphone to a computer or laptop, perform the following steps:
- Insert the device plug into the corresponding port on the PC case.
- Go to the Start menu. Open the control panel and start setting up the sound. The required section may have different names. In Windows 8, 10 it is designated as “Manage audio components”. In older versions of the OS, the section is called “Sound”.
- Click on the desired option. A window opens where the necessary settings are specified.
- The “Recording” tab contains a list of devices connected to the computer. Click on the desired name. Use the “Set as default” option. Confirm the action.
- Tap the headphones several times. While touching, watch for changes in the volume scale. It reflects the headset's ability to record sound.
Variety of plugs or correcting incorrect connections
Before buying headphones, check how many audio and microphone connectors are in your system unit. Modern computers and laptops have a combined jack that transmits both signals through one input.
Older system units have separate microphone and headphone jacks. In such a situation, you need to purchase a headset with two plugs. They will be in different colors:
- pink or red – microphone;
- green – headphones.
They must be connected to the computer by color into the corresponding sockets. If you bought a headset with one wire, but the system unit needs a model with two, you can buy a special adapter. On one side it will have an input for a combination jack, on the other - two outputs with plugs of different colors. The cost of such a cord varies between 300 - 500 rubles.
What do separate audio outputs look like?
The first picture shows the usual “Jack” connectors (typical for computers with built-in and external sound cards). Figure 2. Separate jack connectors
The structure of the connectors itself may be slightly different, this is not so important. The main feature of separate audio outputs is a separate connection for headphones and a microphone (red and green ports, respectively)
Let's consider the installation of various equipment (configurations).
- The headphone plugs with microphone are connected to the corresponding connectors on your motherboard/case/laptop;
- Combined devices (headset) are connected only through a special adapter. Otherwise, the microphone simply will not work;
- Individual devices: “red port” – microphone, “green port” – headphones.
With the right approach, the equipment will work. Now you can proceed directly to setting up the sound. To do this, go to the chapter “Setting up headphones and microphone on Windows 7”.
What does a combined audio output look like?
The second picture shows a combined or “combined” audio output connector (typical of most inexpensive/thin modern laptops).
Figure 3. Combined audio output in a laptop
Please note that this type of connector is not common
You can connect a microphone and headphones separately or combined devices (for example, a mobile headset) to this audio output. The connection principle - in comparison with the first type of audio output - has changed slightly (consider our configurations):
- Equipment with two plugs is now connected via a special adapter. Otherwise, you can “force” only one of the two parts of the device to work (on a laptop it is better to choose headphones, since the microphone is usually built-in);
- The combined device is fully operational;
- Here, as in the first case, it is recommended to select headphones for connection.
Features of sound quality settings
After connecting the headphones to the computer, the signal to the speakers stops coming. It is played and recorded by the headset.
If this does not happen, perform the adjustment:
- Find the speaker icon on the taskbar. Right-click on it, bringing up the context menu.
- In the list that opens, select “Playback Tools”. In the new window, find the “Audio and Video Playback” tab. She is the very first.
- With the left mouse button, select the “Headphones” section. Select the “Properties” option.
- In the new window find the “General” section. At the bottom of the page there is a “Device Usage” link. Check the box next to this item.
- Use the “Properties” key again. Open the tab with drivers. Make sure all the necessary software components are available. If there are no system errors, the message “The device is working correctly” will appear in the status window. In other cases, drivers are installed or updated.
- Adjust the volume level. In the “Advanced” section you can adjust the sound quality.
Connectors
To connect headphones with a microphone to the computer, there are two plugs on the headset and the same number of connectors on the system unit. The separation by color helps to cope with the task - the audio input and audio plug are green, and shades of pink are used to indicate the microphone. Once the cables are connected to the appropriate inputs, the headset will often start working automatically.
Connecting headphones with a microphone to a laptop in most cases is no different from similar actions on a PC. The inputs can be on the front panel or on one of the sides (usually the left). To improve the life of connectors, manufacturers often make them tighter than on a PC, so you will need to apply a little force when inserting the plug.
Preparing for assembly
In most cases, owners simply dispose of the failed electrical appliance and go shopping for a new one. But there is no need to rush in this matter, because anyone can assemble a microphone from ordinary headphones. To turn your phone headphones into a high-quality microphone for your computer, you will need to prepare suitable materials, namely:
headphones from any brand, the simplest included headphones from your phone will do;
3.5 mm plug, better known as “jack”;
high-quality wires for connections (carefully examine their integrity, do not damage the insulating material);
- soldering iron of sufficient power;
- sufficient amount of solder, rosin.
You can choose one of two options. You can use the headphones directly, or you can turn them into a full-fledged headset. The procedure will not take you much time and will not cause difficulties.
Manufacturing stages
Making them from scratch yourself is quite a difficult and painstaking task, or working with ready-made material. But be that as it may, the procedure will still consist of four steps:
connection with plug;
cable processing;
speaker assembly;
packaging of parts in a case.
All elements will have to be purchased at a specialized store or separated from failed headsets. You will also have to look for the case separately or make it yourself. There are several original recipes for how to cast it from plastic at home. The process is long and painstaking, but if you are used to making something yourself, no one forbids you to experiment.
Assembling new headphones from parts of previous ones will not require you to have specific knowledge about technology, the main thing is to stock up on tools. To work you will need:
- special wire cutters, a stationery knife or a sharp blade;
- soldering iron, some solder, rosin;
- insulating tape.
