AirPods, iMacs and 2-way audio

[Jeaz]

Hey,

Got a question that maybe one of the early adopters of AirPods can answer for me.

Normally, when connecting a bluetooth headset to a Mac (at least with all the ones I've tried), sound works fine as long as it's just 1-way, like just listening to music. But as soon as you enable the microphone, like join a Skype call, it swaps to a lower quality and mono. This is ok for calls, but if you say, play a game and use Skype or Discord, it's gets quite noticeable.
As far as I've understood, it's a bandwidth issue but considering the AirPods connect individually (but appear as one), maybe it's not this time.

So, could help me find an answer to this?

 

[Clete2]

Probably won't be different. Can't say for sure until someone gets their hands on it and tests it.

 

[rockyromero]

But as soon as you enable the microphone, like join a Skype call, it swaps to a lower quality and mono. This is ok for calls, but if you say, play a game and use Skype or Discord, it's gets quite noticeable.
As far as I've understood, it's a bandwidth issue but considering the AirPods connect individually (but appear as one), maybe it's not this time.

I'm also interested in using Airpods for a full MAC experience with calls, dictation and webinars.

My BT experience has been less than satisfying and have resorted to wired headphones.

Most people that I see on webinars do the same.

I hope to change that & have a better experience with the Airpods.

I'll know soon enough.

➰

 

[posguy99]

As far as I've understood, it's a bandwidth issue but considering the AirPods connect individually (but appear as one), maybe it's not this time.

It's a profile issue, of course. Has zero to do with bandwidth.

http://theheadphonelist.com/wireless-fidelity-making-sense-bluetooth-headphone-technology/#profiles

Read especially the section titled "Profile limitation".

(cue insane rant about how that can't possibly be how BT works)

 

[jonathanbloom]

Glad I am not the only one with this issue. I hope these fix it.

 

[Jeaz]

It's a profile issue, of course. Has zero to do with bandwidth.

http://theheadphonelist.com/wireless-fidelity-making-sense-bluetooth-headphone-technology/#profiles

Read especially the section titled "Profile limitation".

(cue insane rant about how that can't possibly be how BT works)

I'm not well-read enough on the subject, but isn't the profiles dictated by the capacity of bluetooth? I mean, it's not like they set up these limited profiles for the heck of it.

 

[posguy99]

I'm not well-read enough on the subject, but isn't the profiles dictated by the capacity of bluetooth? I mean, it's not like they set up these limited profiles for the heck of it.

Ask the standards association why they set up A2DP without a microphone component. HSP is obvious enough, it's meant for a headset, you don't need more than 64k mono. Why send unnecessary data?

 

[jonathanbloom]

Can confirm that when I was in Discord voice chat channel, sounds became "tinny" using airpods.

 

[tonoboon]

I tried , the sound not quite good as 1 way when using Skype.

 

[Jeaz]

Shame. Not really AirPods to blame for that, but rather Bluetooth in general.

Thanks for the answer anyways!