How to talk on wireless headphones. What you need to know about wireless headphones. Wired headset - is it worth changing to wireless
If you don't have a microphone, you can take your headphones to connect to an audio device and use them as a microphone. The methods of this connection may depend on the type of audio devices you are using.
When connecting earpieces (more details) to a device that is designed to work with a dynamic type of microphone, then you do not need any matching circuit. If the instrument has a 3.5mm microphone jack, you can simply plug in headphones without making any changes. You will need to speak to the right side, so the left one will be shorted inside the nest.
In order to use both emitters as a microphone, you must cut off the plug from them, and then attach another monophonic one to them. If you only have stereo on hand, you must connect the common contact to the middle one. The “silver” or “gold” wires must be connected together and connected to the common contact of the plug. You must connect the green or blue wire to the red or orange, after which it must be connected to the far contact.
There are also devices that are designed to connect a dynamic microphone that is equipped with other types of jacks. An example of this is most karaoke systems that have a 6.3 mm jack, and tape recorders are equipped with five-pin connectors. You have to cut off the plug from the headphones, replace it and connect it to a 6.3 mm jack using the method described above. If the player has two jacks, then you can use two pairs of headphones through which four people can sing at the same time.
To connect headphones instead of a microphone to a tape recorder with a five-pin socket (DIN, or ONTS-VG), gold or silver wires must be connected together and connected to the middle pin of the plug, and green or blue together with orange or red on the right side. If this microphone does not work, you must swap the last pair of wires to the left side.
Sound cards are not designed to work with a dynamic microphone. If you try to directly connect a microphone, you will get a barely audible sound. In order to amplify the signal, you must use a ready-made or home-made microphone amplifier. However, we must not forget that without frequency response correction, even the best amplifiers will produce a loud, but booming sound. Therefore, use an amplifier that is equipped with corrective circuits. Excellent results can be achieved using an amplifier board from a conventional music player. Its gain is very strong and you may need to install an attenuator.
Wireless headphones are a convenient, practical and compact audio transmission device that works wirelessly (hence the name). But why does one headset require a wired connection, while another can work at a distance, and what are its advantages and disadvantages? All answers about how to use wireless headphones in the article below.
What is Bluetooth and how does it work?
It is Bluetooth that allows wireless headphones to work without the use of forever torn wires. This is a technology based on the transfer of data between devices by exchanging information using radio waves.
"Bluetooth" is a radio frequency standard patented over 20 years ago, named after the King of Denmark, who ruled in the 900s. This is a spectrum of frequencies that other radio devices do not use - the range from 2.400 to 2.4835 GHz. In addition, this is a set of rules in the form of a protocol that normalizes the interaction of devices connected to each other.
Bluetooth appeared in response to the infrared data transmission technology that was popular at that time, the disadvantage of the transmission method was the high requirements for transmitters - they had to be placed in line of sight to the receivers and at a short distance from them. "Bluetooth" can even work through a wall and any surface that is capable of transmitting a radio signal.
Wireless technology operates through special piconets. There are active and passive devices. The first connects to the second and transmits information in the form of bits. In this case, the transfer rate can reach up to 3 Mbps. Since Bluetooth uses low-power waves, data transmission does not drain the device's battery at all and uses a minimum of charge.
Bluetooth range. How far can wireless headphones work from a signal source
The key problem of this technology is the presence of many devices equipped with radio modules. Because of this, there may be interference in operation when third-party equipment is accidentally connected to the transmitter. But the developers of Bluetooth did everything possible to prevent the occurrence of such a problem - they reduced the Bluetooth range as much as possible and activated frequency hopping.
As a result, you will not be able to listen to music through a wireless earphone if it is further than 10 meters. And so that an outside device does not accidentally interfere with your data transmission channel, the transmitter changes its frequency every second. Even if the frequencies match, it will be a short break in communication that you will not have time to notice.
How to pair devices via Bluetooth?
Not all electronics are equipped with this technology, and if the device has Bluetooth, it is not certain that it will be suitable for pairing with headphones. The developers of this data transfer method, in order to avoid interference, made it so that each device has its own set of protocols with which they can work.
The easiest way to connect devices is when both of them have Bluetooth. Then it is enough to activate this function in both devices and connect through the active gadget to the passive one for data transfer. If Bluetooth is not available in the device, then you can connect a special adapter, which will act as a removable radio module.
Wireless headphones sometimes come with an adapter and a receiver. In this case, you only need to connect the transmitter to the equipment that transmits sound, and insert the receiver into the headphones. True, this is far from being true for any equipment, and depending on the adapter configuration, you can connect it to a USB connector or to an audio output, for example, of a music center.
What are the profiles of wireless headphones?
How to use wireless bluetooth headphones and get the best sound quality? Not all wireless headphones perform equally well. This is because they use different codecs and profiles in their work. That is, they are based on different technologies, even though they work using the same networks. There are 3 main profiles with which the headphones function:
- Headset Profile - the most basic profile that was created to transmit sound in two directions: so that you can listen to music, and. But the attempt was not entirely successful - the quality of the transmitted sound is very low - at best it is 64 Kb / s.
- Handsfree Profile is a more advanced profile, much like its predecessor. The sound quality is better, but you still won't be able to listen to music. But for talking through the Handsfree Profile headphones is very well suited.
- Advanced Audio Distribution Profile is the best profile for connecting headphones with other devices. Although it compresses the sound (and it won't work any other way, because the Bluetooth technology is very limited), the sound quality remains about the same as if you were listening to music through wired headphones.
There is a so-called Bluetooth Profile, which describes the functionality of this wireless connection. In particular, the A2DP (Advanced Audio Distribution Profile) profile determines how well the audio will be transmitted (mono or stereo) when using Bluetooth.
In turn, A2DP supports several codecs that encrypt the original digital audio signal for transmission over Bluetooth. All Bluetooth-enabled devices support the so-called basic codecs (SBC), but may also support additional codecs such as Apt-X, AAC, MP3, etc. They provide better audio quality than SBCs and Apt-X is the most advanced audio codec available today.
The basic SBC codec uses a limited frequency range of the transmitted signal with a sharp drop in the frequency response above 14 kHz, so it is not suitable for high-quality music listening. getting worse.
The Apt-X codec uses ADPCM audio processing technology, which is a lossless data compression with support for 16 and 24-bit processing, and a dynamic range width of up to 120 dB. In fact, the differences between it and MP3/AAC codecs are the same as between audio files compressed in MP3/WMA and FLAC/WAV. At the same time, the Apt-X codec can transmit audio encoded in MP3 and AAC without additional processing, without degrading its quality.
How to connect wireless headphones to your phone, computer or tablet?
As a rule, in the package with the purchased headphones there are detailed instructions. If it was not at hand, then you will have to do the following:
- Set up Bluetooth on the transmitting device.
- Connect to headphones.
- Start audio transmission.
In the Bluetooth phone, it is very easy to set up. Just go to settings and enable wireless network bluetooth. Next, an automatic search for available devices is activated. Check that the headphones are turned on (usually, they are equipped with lights or indicators that allow you to quickly verify that the network is working). To turn on the headphones, find a special button on their case. When connecting, a password will be requested - enter "0000" or look for a different PIN on the headphone manufacturer's box.
It will be more difficult to connect to the headphones through a computer, since stationary PCs do not have a radio module. You will have to buy a separate Bluetooth adapter. Connect it via the USB hole, insert the driver disk, and then through the "Toolbox" in "Network adapters" find the wireless network and activate it. To connect with headphones, you will need to download a special program. Each headphone has its own, so ask about it in the instructions or call the manufacturer.
Wireless headphones are connected to the tablet in the same way as to a smartphone. Please note that when you connect for the first time, the device will be found in the search, but after connecting it will disappear, since synchronization will take place automatically.
How to improve the sound quality of wireless headphones?
In order for the sound not to hurt your ears, you need to achieve the maximum accuracy of the audio transmission through the headphones. To do this, use the Advanced Audio Distribution profile. To configure it, you need to install the appropriate drivers - you can try installing Bluesoleil of different versions, just keep in mind that they will work differently.
If you turn on the headset on the computer, do not let the headphones initiate the connection, otherwise they will do everything in their own way. Make sure that the sound is not spoiled by neighboring devices operating at a similar frequency. For example, it can be a router (Wi-Fi can take one or more of the 79 Bluetooth channels). Also, do not place the transmitter and receiver behind thick walls, as this will shorten the Bluetooth range.
And be careful not to use the headphones for too long, especially for mono devices. If you use a mono earpiece in one ear every day, it will degrade over time. Keep an eye on the transmitter volume so that a sharp grinding or interruption of the radio frequency does not deafen you or deafen your hearing!
What to do if the device does not see the Bluetooth headset?
The reason may be as follows:
- The headphones have run out of batteries.
- you have not enabled device sync;
- did not turn on the headphones.
Sometimes automatic synchronization is deactivated on the phone, so you have to connect to the headphones manually each time. On a computer, you already have to do this - each time you connect to the headset through a special program. Make sure the headphones are working before diving into the transmitter settings.
What are wireless headphones
There are three technologies for transmitting sound to the earphone at a distance: radio frequency, infrared signal and bluetooth. The first two are used in home overhead or full-size headphones with which they watch TV, play video games or listen to music from the speaker system. To transmit a radio wave or an infrared signal, they usually need a base, so listening to music on the street will not work. The most common are bluetooth headphones. Any device with bluetooth that can play sounds works with them.
A significant part of the wireless headphones on sale are large: either overhead or full-size. Plug-in ones are also sold, but these will not completely free you from wires: they consist of a receiving part (for example, a neckband), from which headphones with wires extend. A separate category is bone conduction headphones. Most often, they transmit sound via bluetooth, but not to the outer, but immediately to the inner ear.
Pros and cons of bluetooth headphones
Wireless headphones can be judged on sound quality, mobility and autonomy. The least quality sound is in bluetooth headphones. For transmission over the channel, it is compressed a little, especially in older versions of the standard. At latest versions the transfer rate is higher (about 3 Mbps), so the quality loss is almost imperceptible (if the standards of the smartphone and headphones are different, then the transfer will go to the lowest). Sometimes the quality depends on the smartphone or application, for example, with some the sound will stutter, while with others it will be quiet. In addition, such headphones pick up a signal at 10 meters, work for a relatively short time (5.5–12 hours) and drain the smartphone’s battery a lot, since it must always have Bluetooth activated.
Bone conduction headphones sound even worse. They are more like a wireless headset, which is convenient to run, answer calls, listen to podcasts and audiobooks, but not music.
How are the rest different from them?
RF headphones work on the principle of local radio and transmit sound at a certain frequency, only the base plays the role of a tower. The sound is better because it is not compressed. But they have another problem: background noise and interference, especially if there is equipment operating at the same frequency nearby, so the headphones have to be tuned to the correct channel. RF headphones receive a signal at a decent distance - up to 100-150 meters. Thus, you can turn on music on a computer in one part of the house, put on headphones, go up to another floor and listen in another part of the house. They also work longer - 10-25 hours.
The best sound is in headphones with an infrared channel. In them, it is not compressed (higher transmission speed - 5–10 Mbps) and is received without interference. These are advised to audiophiles and music lovers, but even here they have their own characteristics: you need direct visual contact with the transmitter at a distance of up to 12 meters, if it is lost, the song will end.
How secure are wireless headphones?
All three types of headphones use radio waves of different frequencies: IR channel - a few megahertz, radio channel - from 800 MHz to 2.4 GHz, bluetooth - higher unlicensed frequencies around 2.5 GHz. All frequencies refer to non-ionizing radiation, which is not capable of changing the structure of cells and developing diseases. Bluetooth headphones work at a shorter distance than Cell Phones(a cellular network station transmits a signal for several kilometers, and a bluetooth module only for 10 meters), so they need less power to transmit a signal. Hence, the coefficient of radiation absorbed by a person (measured in power per weight per unit of time) for headphones and headsets is less than for phones: for the iPhone 6s - 1.14 W / kg (with an allowable 1.6 W / kg), and for bluetooth - headset - about 0.001 W / kg.
The most advanced wireless headphones to date
At a recent CES, earbuds were introduced that do not need wires and additional modules; only two headphones - and that's it. For the first time these were released by the Swedish company Earin in November last year. Since the two headphones are not connected to each other in any way, the Bluetooth signal is transmitted first to one, and from it to the other. In the first reviews, journalists complained that they were uncomfortable, did not work for long (3 hours) and did not reproduce music well. There were also two important alternatives at CES: Bragi Dash, small headphones with Near Field Magnetic Induction (NFMIC) technology that transmits a signal to two headphones at once, and Onkyo wireless headphones that last up to 12 hours.
Five models of good wireless headphones
Very expensive headphones (the official price in Russia is 30,490 rubles) from a company owned by Apple since mid-2014. They work with an active noise cancellation system, which, firstly, blocks external noise, and secondly, seeks a balance between them and the music. The kit includes a wire to increase the operating time from 12 to 20 hours.
Some bluetooth headphones support NFC technology: To connect the headphones to a smartphone, you need to attach it to them. Sony headphones also have a higher frequency range (one of the sound quality characteristics) than Beats Studio: 10 Hz - 25 kHz (Beats Studio has 20 Hz - 20 kHz).
When you decide to purchase a gadget such as Bluetooth wireless headphones or headphones with headset capabilities, in order to get rid of interfering wires, you should know certain features of working with them. Unlike conventional headphones, Bluetooth headphones are a gadget with its own control system, connection and use features.
Therefore, so that you can choose the model that is optimal in terms of capabilities and most comfortable for you, check out the typical recommendations on how to use Bluetooth headphones. Please note that the possibilities different models may vary significantly, so please read carefully before purchasing. specifications and controls of the gadget you like.
Recommendations: 20 Best Wireless Bluetooth Headphones 
, How to charge your wireless headphones 
How to connect wireless headphones to your phone 
Basic Functions of Wireless Headphone Controls
Bluetooth headphones usually contain at least 3 hardware buttons, the functions of which can be combined depending on the options for pressing and holding the button. Here are the features that are typical for most gadgets:
- Inclusion. In most models, this is a combined button that turns the headset on and off by holding it for a long time (several seconds). There are models with a separate power button, including in the form of a microswitch.
- Volume "+" and volume "-" allow you to adjust the power of the built-in amplifier. Often they combine the function of rewinding to the next and previous tracks when listening to music.
- Play/pause start button. Used to control the player. Often combined with the functions of turning on / off, receiving a call, calling the last number, turning on voice dialing.
- Buttons for switching rewind to the next and previous track are used to control the player.
- A separate button for accepting a call, it also serves to end the conversation and dial the last number.
- A hardware microphone switch can also be found on some models of Bluetooth headphones with headset functions.
- Button for switching the signal source, for example, to FM radio or an installed SD card.
Obviously, the more functions assigned to one gadget button, the less quickly you can manage it. Therefore, the presence of the controls you need should be given special attention when choosing a specific model.
Connecting Bluetooth Headphones
Connecting wireless headphones based on the Bluetooth protocol to mobile devices, laptops and personal computers has several distinctive features. You should be aware of them, especially if you plan to use the headphones in conjunction with different devices.
Connecting wireless headphones with a microphone to a computer via bluetooth 
Connecting Bluetooth headphones to mobile devices
Connecting Bluetooth headphones to a smartphone or tablet is the easiest way. To do this, the first time you need to turn on the headphones, the Bluetooth receiver is in mobile device and search for available hardware. After that, you need to pair the found device. Then, if necessary, configure the parameters of data transfer protocols. For subsequent connections, simply turn on the headphones and Bluetooth on your smartphone or tablet. The connection should complete automatically.
Connecting Bluetooth headphones to a laptop
Most modern laptops include a Bluetooth module, so you don’t need to buy anything extra. As preconditions for the ability to connect Bluetooth headphones, you can name the included hardware or software Bluetooth module in the laptop and correctly installed drivers bluetooth.
You should look for them on the disk or on the manufacturer's website for the one you have installed. operating system. Selecting and connecting to a device is done through the computer's device management interface, which differs depending on the operating system.
If there is no Bluetooth module or it cannot be configured due to the lack of drivers, the problem should be solved in the same way as connecting wireless headphones to a personal computer.
Connecting Bluetooth headphones to a personal computer
The personal computer does not have a standard Bluetooth module, so you will have to purchase it, install it in one of the free USB connectors and configure the drivers. If you initially plan to actively use Bluetooth headphones with a computer, you can consider buying headphones with a base that connects to the computer with a standard USB cable.
Such a model will cost more, but you are guaranteed to save yourself from possible difficulties with setting up. In addition, the range of such systems is usually greater.
How to charge Bluetooth headphones
The need to periodically charge Bluetooth headphones is a kind of payment for freedom from wires. Charging is usually done using a standard USB cable that comes with the kit. It is recommended immediately after purchase to discharge the headphones before turning off, and then fully charge them. You can repeat 2-3 full charge-discharge cycles.
The built-in controller will not allow you to discharge the headphones to a deep discharge state and recharge it. However, it is recommended not to leave a fully charged gadget plugged in for a long time.
If you do not plan to use the headphones for some time, charge them first. You can find out the operating time of Bluetooth headphones after a full battery charge from the instructions. However, keep in mind that the average operating time in the main modes is shown there, which may differ depending on the mode of use of the headphones.
