Airpods sound robotic on MacOS

[shamguy4]

I have 2 macbook pro's 2019 16". (personal and work)

On one of them, the airpods, when connected make me sound like I'm a robot on the mic.
I have done everything. Fresh install of the OS (Monterey 12.2.1). Reset NVRAM. Reset SMC.

I did discover I can get it working in one of the following ways:

1. if I disconnect my bluetooth Logitech MX Mouse, it starts working again. Why is this suddenly happening. This doesnt happen on the other macbook pro. Same make and model.

2. If I open sound preferences and toggle the input from airpods, to macbook, back to airpods.

What the heck is going on? How can i fix this issue?

UPDATE:
i just realized the other mac was not on 12.2.1, but on something slightly older. 12.0.x
I updated that mac and now both have the issue.
It's a MacOS bug!!

How does one report that?

 

[waw74]

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[0xAlxL]

Hello,

I have the exact same problem with both of my Airpods Pro and Max.
I've tried your solution by cut off my MX Master 3 and the microphones of thoses Airpods starts working again.

I have Monterey 12.2.1 (21D62)

It is a macOS Bug but cannot found something relevant yet on the Internet.

 

[djorg]

Same issue, the odd part is that some people didn't mention the robot voice. Did they think that I actually sound like a robot?

 

[0xAlxL]

Same issue, the odd part is that some people didn't mention the robot voice. Did they think that I actually sound like a robot?

Because sometimes the robotic voice disappear but I don't know why.

 

[shamguy4]

Still an issue. I submitted a bug... not sure what else I can do.

 

[chugg]

I have the same issue and I have no idea how to fix this

 

[user307]

Same issue here. I tried also to uninstall a few apps. Still not working. Sometimes my Airpods Pro connect spontaneous to Zoom. Does some one of you have the same problem?

 

[luizperuch]

I have the same problem you guys are saying with my Airpods Pro as well, and I also have a MX Master 3 mouse.

@user307 totally noticed this today. I'm using a Sennheiser headset and from time to time the input/output changes to Airpods Pro and then comes back to my headset. very odd.

 

[DaddyYoureACrook]

Same problem started for me on Friday when I updated to 12.3.1. Walked through MANY steps with Apple via their text support. Nothing worked (all the resets, reconnect). When I turned off my bluetooth keyboard and mouse it went away. Sometimes, it was fine with only one (the mouse OR the keyboard) turned on, but not alway. @shamguy4, can you share the link for your bug report so others can add on?

 

[luizperuch]

Something that did work for me is to keep both keyboard and mouse off for a few seconds and then turn them back on.

 

[cbkoeck]

I've had the same problem the past few weeks. Had an old Apple Magic Mouse that needed replacing and opted for the MX Master 3 about a month ago. I've been going crazy trying to figure out what's causing the robotic voice and it never occurred to me that it could be the new mouse.

Recorded some voice memos with and without the MX Master 3 connected. The robotic voice definitely goes away when its disconnected - as annoying as it may be, at least the cause is now clear.

 

[rraallpphh]

Exact same! Logitech MX Master 3 + airpods pro or airpods 3, every 25 mins in the meeting they will say i'm turning robotic

See how it works if changing to a Apple mouse ....

 

[0xAlxL]

Exact same! Logitech MX Master 3 + airpods pro or airpods 3, every 25 mins in the meeting they will say i'm turning robotic

See how it works if changing to a Apple mouse ....

It will work with any other mouse than this one.
And Apple nor Logitech communicate on this, they didn't respond.

 

[n8236]

Can't believe this hasn't been resolved.

I use Airpods Max to take calls and not being able to sound normal is extremely disappointing. I've disconnected my Logitech 2S and still no joy.

 

[rndm]

Same for me!
With my Anywhere 3 mouse and AirPods Pro.
Unbelievable.
What a shame, Apple

 

[rndm]

I just had a call with Apple Support about this issue and they suggested me to bring my AirPods Pro to Apple Service Center for repair or replacement 🙈

 

[hknerdr]

i am so happy to see that i am not alone with this problem!
i have 16" macbook pro and mx anywhere 3, my airpods 2 sounds like robotic.
i think it is because of bluetooth channels are interferring each other.
it is a shame that there is still not a solution for such an easy problem.
hope we can get an update.
thanks

 

[n8236]

I just got a pair of Sony’s XM5 and while not perfect, people on the other end of the wire says it’s significantly better than the Max.

 

[rndm]

I contacted Apple Support multiple times about this problem.
They pointed me to Apple Service offline.
They changed both AirPods to new ones.
PROBLEM STILL HERE! 🤦‍♂️🤦‍♂️🤦‍♂️

 

[rndm]

I talked to Apple Support Senior Advisor again. I explained them about this thread and a Logitech Mice.
They don't care.
They said I have to talk to Logitech. 🤦‍♂️

 

[rndm]

I also found a big thread on Logitech forum:

Mx 3 master and airpods pro microphone issue

My airpods pro microphone is not working as expected when i connect mx master 3 and mx keys to the macBook pro intel 2019. Is there any solution for that?

support.logi.com

Many people experiencing same problem. Logitech and Apple are aware, but don't want to fix problem just ping-ponging one to each other.

 

[frankfrank]

I also posted about this on HackerNews hoping the extra attention would prompt either company to do something --https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=31939424. In general I still believe this is a Logitech issue. They create peripherals for Apple computers, and in this case it isn't (fully) compatible. At this point I've honestly given up on a fix and am hoping to fine a replacement mouse

 

[n8236]

Having to choose between my Max and MX mouse is a super lame proposition. I take a lot of Teams/Zoom meetings with much ambient noise, so I can't be using my MX mouse. Super lame.

 

[McoreD]

Wow, I cannot believe this is an issue. I am here because, I was told the same thing. They said, I sound like I am talking from underwater and they could not hear me properly. They also said I sound robotic. The AirPods work find on my iPhone.