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Audio Quality Issues with MacBook Pro Microphone after Using Blutoooth Headphones

I’m experiencing an issue with my MacBook Pro when using its built-in microphone with headphones. Whenever I connect headphones, the audio output automatically switches to them, but it also changes the sound quality of the microphone. As a result, the audio sounds tinny and scratchy until I switch back to the internal input in the sound settings of the MacBook Pro. Manually switching it every time is annoying. It should work automatically. How can I solve this in the long term?

MacBook Pro 16″, macOS 15.1

Posted on Nov 11, 2024 3:11 AM

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2 replies

Nov 11, 2024 7:11 AM in response to Cooperbarns

Cooperbarns wrote:

I’m experiencing an issue with my MacBook Pro when using its built-in microphone with headphones. Whenever I connect headphones, the audio output automatically switches to them, but it also changes the sound quality of the microphone. As a result, the audio sounds tinny and scratchy until I switch back to the internal input in the sound settings of the MacBook Pro. Manually switching it every time is annoying. It should work automatically. How can I solve this in the long term?


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Nov 13, 2024 9:52 AM in response to Cooperbarns

https://www.reddit.com/r/mac/comments/ukzl3z/why_does_the_output_codecsound_quality_change/

This seems to be the issue: the hands-free profile is two-way audio and Bluetooth 5.2. Posts from frustrated users go back three years or more. I’ve only started to really notice it in 2024 with the MacBook Pro and AirPods Max. It’s a shame that so much value is placed on audio, yet this problem isn’t addressed at all.

Audio Quality Issues with MacBook Pro Microphone after Using Blutoooth Headphones

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