While many musicians make sensible choices in audio equipment, connecting those devices to portable internet connected devices is far from clear.

The problem is that your mobile internet devices, such as your smart phone or laptop, are designed to different audio standards than typical musical equipment.  What intuitively seems should work, just doesn't.   It's fitting a figurative square peg in a round hole.

In this scenario, our 'square peg' is difference between 'line level' and 'mic level' audio.  Most professional audio equipment will output a signal at 'line level', which is as much as ten times more power than the 'mic level' expected by your smart phone.  Since smart phones don't need to send signals over long wires, and run on batteries instead of wall outlet power, the lower power usage is appropriate.  But, unfortunately, sending a 'line level' signal to a 'mic level' device is just too loud.

To alleviate the problem, without impacting your choice of devices, we've released more variations of our "Mic-Line" line level audio adapters.

You can now connect Mono or Unbalanced 3.5mm, 1/4 Inch or XLR outputs from your preferred mixer, turntable or soundboard at the correct volume to your smartphone, tablet or laptop!

We also have "Plus" models, which include a 3.5mm headphone port for monitoring your audio, after the level has been adjusted.  You can listen in confidence, as what you hear is what is being heard by your device.

You can now connect a large variety of professional audio devices to your streaming device and achieve great audio with just a single cable!

It won't matter if your output looks like this, this or this...!

When you order directly through Headset Buddy, you will get the added benefit of Route!

Why we love it and why you will too:

Visual tracking - When you download the Route app you can see your where your package is with awesome and user friendly updates. Stay informed with real-time delivery notifications. 

Shipping Insurance- We all know things can go wrong with shipping, especially nowadays. So save yourself the worry with Route shipping insurance. This makes it easy to submit a claim and get a new package out to you next day! 

If you love convenience and security like me, then you'll love this app! You can also sync Route with Amazon and Gmail to track other purchases you make. My Route tracking map is my best friend because I have a online shopping problem. :) 

I hope you love this app and enjoy your purchase through Headset Buddy! 

Customer message:

"Dear Bryan and the Headset Buddy Team,

Too often we fail to acknowledge those who have made our lives easier. This note is an attempt to fix that.

I'm a 57-year old electrical engineer who works across North America in the electric power and railroad signaling industries. This means that I sometimes travel for work. I bought my first 2.5mm to 3.5mm Headset Buddy to allow the use of a wired headset with my old iPhone 5 while driving. These days, I'm still using it with my iPhone XR and desktop iMac. The COVID-19 pandemic has only increased my use of headsets, as even more of my meetings with customers are now held on-line via Zoom, Skype, FaceTime, Microsoft Meetings, etc. I couldn't live without my Headset Buddy! Between my wife and myself, we now have about a half-dozen of them in our various cars and offices. (She has been using her Headset Buddy almost daily since she began working from home at the start of the pandemic.)

So I just wanted to drop you a quick note to let you know how you've made my world better. You see, I've had some hearing "challenges" since I was young, and now wear $7,000 worth of hearing aids every day. (I'm on my third eardrum on the left side, and my right ear isn't perfect either.) However, even with all of this amplification and equalization technology, the result is still less than ideal, and I'm always struggling to make the audio in my world as clear as possible. This means that Bluetooth headsets and earbuds are a "no-go" for me, as the additional delay and distortion that they introduce makes phone conversations just that much more difficult for me. I'm "old school", and don't mind wearing a wired headset because of the superior audio that they provide.

Your Headset Buddy adapters are a quality product that makes better phone call audio possible for both me and my wife, and I just wanted you to know that your products make a difference in our lives.

Thank You!"

This article will help you if you are having issues with your audio and you're not sure if it's your Mic-Line or another cable. 

This is a really simple way to determine if it's your Mic-Line. 

1. Plug a 3.5mm TRRS male to 3.5mm TRRS male into the Headset Jack of your computer.

2. Plug the 3.5mm TRRS plug into the Mic-Line jack (blue line in)

3. Plug the 3.5mm TRRS Mic-Line into Headset Buddy lightning adapter*

4. Open Camera app - Video - Record - Play Audio*

5. Un-plug your lightning adapter and playback your video! 

*1 - Apple lightning adapters only work with new Apple iPhone 12 

*2 I use djay pro by Pioneer to send audio out.

https://youtu.be/jvPyQwhv054

Let's start with the basics:

CM1502 - Bose QC15

CM2502 - Bose QC25

CM3504/CM3505 - Bose QC35 I, II, 700

CM3512 - Beats and other 3.5mm headphones

"How do I know which headphones I have?"

Well, you can look here on Bose's serial number lookup, which will tell you exactly what you have. The 17 digit (last four will identify) serial number is located underneath the upper-right portion of the scrim within the right ear cup. You may have to slightly lift the inner fabric to see the label.

Now that you know which headphones you have, it's time to determine which Clear Mic is for you. You probably have already figured it out but let's recap and then talk details!

CM1502 - Bose QC15

CM2502 - Bose QC25

CM3504/CM3505 - Bose QC35 I, II, 700

CM3512 - Beats and other 3.5mm headphones

"The built in mic on my Bose is fine, why do I need a Clear Mic?"

Thanks for asking! Our Clear Mic adds to the noise cancelling feature of the Bose headphones. You will be surprised at how much background noise is actually getting through without it! You are also able to answer/end calls, adjust volume levels, and mute mic with the toggle switch! Watch this YouTube video from Bryan demonstrating. 

Please Note: 

CM3511 and CM3504 are now discontinued. 

CM3505 is the NEW go-to mic for QC 35 headphones. 

CM3512 coming soon! 

I hope this helps you pick your Clear Mic!

After a test of multiple adapters, Emma of Studio Scratches wrote:

If you have been wondering how to record a line out of your mixer directly into your phone this article will show you how.

If you want to get a clean sound without fader clicks, some kind of audio input cable / device is needed for the phone.

Previously to get a clean sound without fader clicks or to avoid recording movie and sound separately then syncing them before exporting and uploading. Quote a bit of work.

Using a @headsetbuddy cable and the standard iPhone camera app. It gives slightly more volume.

Winner: The Headset Buddy cable won for me in terms of volume and ease of connection.

You can find this video on @schoolofscratches Instagram account. 

How to use: 

1. Plug the adapter from your Line Out of your mixer into the Headset Buddy blue 'Line' jack.
2. Plug the Headset Buddy into the headphone jack on your device*
3. Open up the standard built in camera app - video - record - create! 

*A generic adapter is needed with newer devices

Podcasts

- Art of Manliness 

- Black Beauty Bytes by Tresse Noire

- Classical Ideas

- Tara Brach

- Raising Good Humans

- Nothing Much Happens

- Tranquility Talk

Musicians

- Marco Polo Beats

- Axixa Of America

- LBSTR de la HOYA

- Glass Animals

- Buster Harris

- Hooked Like Helen

- Bjoern Beats

- Kold Kuts

- JJ on Drums

- DJ Yogi 

- DAGE

- DJ RobOut

- MIKE Vicious 

- Natica Music

- Eddy Street Band

- Envoy Sound

Businesses 

- Paranormal Electronics Ltd

- Hip Hop On Deck

- Pura Video

- School of Scratch

- True Hemp Science

- Eisenberg Instruments

- Fronds Plants

- Raytheon

- Bose 

- Neb's World of Video

Film

- Lightly Held Films

- Yonder Blue Films

Radio

- CSC Talk Radio 

- Florida Public Radio, Inc.

Influencers

- Aerospace_Escapes

Simple Multipoint: 

With simple multipoint, a Bluetooth headset can be connected to two separate devices at the same time. When one of them rings, the headset knows which one it is. So when you answer the call, you will automatically be connected from the right device. If you’re already talking on your first phone, the headset will alert you if there’s an incoming call on a second one. You can then pick up this second call directly from the same headset. However, simple multipoint comes with one minor inconvenience: When you answer a second incoming call, your headset actually drops the connection to the call you’re already on. 

Advanced Multipoint: 

Advanced multipoint is almost exactly the same as simple multipoint, only advanced. The main function of advanced multipoint is the same: there are two connected devices and one headset that can answer two separate calls. But with advanced multipoint – the first call is not dropped when you pick up the second incoming call. Instead, the first call is put on hold, so you can return to it once you’re done with the other one. In fact, you can keep switching between the two calls all you want! 

https://youtu.be/1Wst_TA3J0E

Triple Connectivity:

These newer professional headsets from Jabra take this even further! These headsets have a docking base with a nice touch screen. The base connects all of your devices– cell phone, desk phone, computer, etc. You can connect to three devices at once and control them all via the touch screen! These professional headsets let you not only switch between calls but even merge them into one conversation.

Check out this video to see more: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0494fvzWG80

• What does line level mean?
• How is line level different from microphone level?
• How is professional line-level different from consumer line-level?
• What about aux level?
• What are signs that you need a different audio input?
• What device to I need?

What does line level mean?

A device that operates at line level either has a very strong output signal, or only functions properly when you feed a very strong signal into it. Examples of line level outputs include mic preamps, mixers, soundboards, the "line out" of an amp, and some effects-loop "send" jacks.

While it varies from device to device, typically line level is in the region of 0 dBV (1.000 volt). See professional line-level v. consumer line-level for more of a rabbit hole.

How is line level different from microphone level?

A mic-level or microphone-level signal is the voltage amount that comes out of a microphone when someone speaks into it, typically just a few ten-thousandths of a volt. Of course, this voltage varies in response to changes in voice level and and in the talker-to-mic distance. But the signal is still quite small relative to line-level.

Microphone level is in the region of -60 dBV (0.001 volt) to -40 dBV (0.010 volt), or just a fraction of line-level.

How is professional line-level different from consumer line-level?

Even though you might be using a line-level input or output, turns out it's more complicated than that. You need to know if you're using a professional line-level or a consumer line-level.

Professional line level is generally thought of as a signal whose level is at +4 dBu (1.23 volts or significantly higher). Signal-processing equipment and professional mixing consoles are examples of professional line level equipment.

Consumer line level is generally thought of as a signal whose level is at -10 dBV (0.316 volts). CD players and DVD players are examples of consumer line level equipment.

What about aux level?

You may also encounter jacks marked "aux," or auxiliary. Aux-level inputs and outputs are found on many kinds of equipment, including DVD player, tape recorders, CD players, and some computer sound cards. Aux-level is near to line-level, but aux-level inputs and outputs are nearly always unbalanced, using RCA connectors or 1/4" phone plugs. Microphones will not operate properly if connected to aux inputs.

What are signs that you need a different audio input?

Generally speaking if you send an instrument-level signal into a device that needs line-level input, you will get weak sound and probably extra noise as you increase the signal to compensate. If you send a line-level signal into a device that's meant for instrument or mic-level input, you will get distortion.

What device do I need?

1) To go up in dBV
You can boost microphone level signals up to line level signals. Mixers are the most popular piece of equipment. A mixer will not only boost a microphone level signal, but it will also combine multiple signals together into a single output. There are also devices called Mic preamplifiers or Mic-to-Line amplifiers. These are available as single-channel or multi-channel devices.

2) To go down in dBVYou can reduce, or attenuate a line level signal down to a microphone level signal, using our iPhone-Mic-Line Level Adapter for an 1/8" plug, Mic-Line-Plus Adapter for monitoring, or our Mic-Line-Pro Adapter for a 1/4" plug.

We also have dynamic microphone adapters, ECM (batteryless) microphone adapter cables, and line level to mic level adapters for DSLR cameras.

Mic-Line: -20dBV

Mic-Line Plus: -17 dBV

Mic-Line ECM: 0 dBV

Mic-Line Dynamic: Corner Frequency of 60 Hz

Not bored yet?

See the attachment below for a detailed explanation of the difference between dBu, dBv, and dBV, or have fun with this dB and voltage calculator.

Mic-Line models we offer are:
Mic-Line - 3.5mm line-level female to 3.5mm mic-level male
Mic-Line Plus - 3.5mm line-level female, 3.5mm headphone monitoring female, to 3.5mm mic-level male
Mic-Line Pro - 1/4" line-level male to 3.5mm mic-level male
Mic-Line DSLR - 3.5mm to 3.5mm microphone line-in for DSLR cameras
Mic-Line ECM - 3.5mm female to 3.5mm male for ECM (battery-less) mics
Mic-Line Dynamic - 3.5mm female to 3.5mm male for Dynamic or battery powered mics

Mic-Line

The Mic-Line allows you to record line-level audio onto your smartphone, laptop, or tablet from mixers, soundboards or other professional audio equipment.

Specs:-The Mic-Line is mono-Attenuation is -20 dBV
-3.5mm female to 3.5mm male
-TRRS(male end), TRS(female end)
-Cord length 12 inches
-CTIA

Good to know:
-You will need a generic adapter for phones with a USB-C or lightning adapter
-Works for Facebook Live
-Having your phone updated to the most recent version will produce best results
-Ensure your mic is being recognized by your phone in your sound settings
-Recording audio from a CD Player to a phone will not work
-Not for microphones or wireless lavaliers (Sennheisser), see Mic-Line ECM or Dynamic
-If you are getting distorted sound either you are inputting too much volume into your phone OR the cable is defective. In the case that it is defective, see here for replacements or returns

How to Use:Plug the Mic-Line male 3.5mm (1/8 in.) TRRS plug into the headset jack, and then plug your audio source into the female 3.5mm (1/8 in.) TRS end of the Headset Buddy adapter. The handheld device will recognize that an external audio source is connected and turn its internal microphone off allowing you to record using the external source. This adapter works with all audio/video recording apps and other functions just as the internal mic would.

Check out our YouTube video! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kVhLMmhcNKk&feature=youtu.be

Mic-Line Plus

Our Mic-Line Plus allows you to record line-level audio from a mixer or soundboard to a smartphone, laptop, or tablet with the added function of headset monitoring so you can listen to the audio while recording!

Specs:-This Mic-Line Plus is mono-Dual 3.5mm female to 3.5mm male
-Attenuation -17 dBV
-TRRS(male end), TRS(female ends)
-Cord length 12 inches
-CTIA

Good to know:-Requires you to use a recording app such as FiRe 2.6, Rode Rec or StudioMini that have monitoring feature
-You will need a generic adapter for phones with a USB-C or lightning adapter
-Works for Facebook Live
-Having your phone updated to the most recent version will produce best results
-Ensure your mic is being recognized by your phone in your sound settings
-Recording audio from a CD Player to a phone will not work
-Not for microphones or wireless lavaliers (Sennheisser), see Mic-Line ECM and Dynamic
-If you are getting distorted sound either you are inputting too much volume into your phone OR the cable is defective. In the case that it is defective, see here for replacements or returns

How to Use:Plug the Mic-Line Plus (3.5 mm TRRS) into the headset jack and then plug your audio source cable into the (3.5 mm TRS) jack, plug your headphones into the additional (3.5mm TRS). The headset monitoring allows for you to hear what you're recording while doing so. The iPhone will recognize that an external audio source is connected and turn its internal mic off allowing you to record using the external source. This adapter works with all audio/video recording apps and other functions just as the internal mic would.

Mic-Line Pro

The Mic-Line Pro allows you to record from audio output jacks, mixers or soundboards that have line-level outputs directly to your smartphone, tablet, or laptop.

Specs:-This adapter works with mono or stereo 1/4 inch output jack but only records inmono-1/4" male to 3.5mm male
-TRRS(3.5mm end), TRS(1/4 end)
-Cord length 40 inches
-CTIA

Good to know:-You will need a generic adapter for phones with a USB-C or lightning adapter
-Works for Facebook Live
-Having your phone updated to the most recent version will produce best results
-Ensure your mic is being recognized by your phone in your sound settings
-Recording audio from a CD Player to a phone will not work -Does not work with microphones
-If you are getting distorted sound either you are inputting too much volume into your phone OR the cable is defective. In the case that it is defective, see here for replacements or returns

How to Use:Plug the Mic-Line Pro (3.5mm TRRS) into the headset jack and then plug the 1/4" plug into a line-level output on your equipment . The device will recognize that an external mic is connected and turn its internal mic off allowing you to record using the external audio source. The Pro works with all audio/video recording apps and other functions just as the internal mic would.

Mic-Line DSLR

The Mic-Line DSLR allows you to send a direct output from your audio interface to a mic input on a camcorder or DSLR camera to record video of live performances with CD-quality audio.

Specs:-Mic-level- -35dB L Pad attenuator- 3.5mm male to 3.5mm male
- TRS(male ends)
-Cord length 10 inches
-CTIA

Good to know:-Solves the unbalanced stereo mic level audio problems with most of today's DSLR cameras such as Canon, Nikon, Pentax and Panasonic

How to Use: Plug the Mic-Line DSLR side marker "Camera" (3.5mm TRS) into your camcorder or camera and plug the other end labelled "Line-Level" (3.5mm TRS) into your audio source.

Mic-Line ECM

The Mic-Line ECM allows you to record mic-level audio from your battery-less microphone to your smartphone, laptop or tablet.

Specs:-3.5mm male to 3.5mm female-Corner frequency of 60Hz
-TRRS(male end), TRS(female end)
-Cord length 12 inches
-CTIA

Good to know:
-Works with battery-less microphones
-You will need a generic adapter for phones with a USB-C or lightning adapter
-Having your phone updated to the most recent version will produce best results
-Ensure your mic is being recognized by your phone in your sound settings
-If you are getting distorted sound either you are inputting too much volume into your phone OR the cable is defective. In the case that it is defective, see here for replacements or returns

How to Use: Plug the Mic-Line ECM (3.5mm TRRS) into the headset jack and then plug your microphone into the ECM (3.5MM TRS). The device will recognize that an external mic is connected and turn its internal mic off allowing you to record using the external microphone. The ECM works with all audio/video recording apps and other functions just as the internal mic would.

Mic-Line Dynamic

The Mic-Line Dynamic allows you to record from mic-level outputs such as dynamic microphones, wireless microphone systems, and other battery-operated microphones.

Specs:-3.5mm male to 3.5mm female
-Attenuation 0dBV
-TRRS(male end), TRS(female end)
-Cord length 12 inches
-CTIA

Good to know:
-Works with microphones WITH batteries
-Passive DC blocking/isolation and impedance matching allows for use of many different types of microphones
-You will need a generic adapter for phones with a USB-C or lightning adapter
-Having your phone updated to the most recent version will produce best results
-Ensure your mic is being recognized by your phone in your sound settings
-If you are getting distorted sound either you are inputting too much volume into your phone OR the cable is defective. In the case that it is defective, see here for replacements or returns

How to Use: Plug the Mic-Line Dynamic (3.5mm TRRS) into the headset jack and then plug your microphone into the Dynamic (3.5mm TRS). The device will recognize that an external mic is connected and turn its internal mic off allowing you to record using the external microphone. The Dynamic works with all audio/video recording apps and other functions just as the internal mic would.

Good Apps to UseAndroid

1. Audio Evolution Mobile Studio
2. BandLab
3. Easy Voice Recorder
4. FL Studio Mobile
5. Hi-Q MP3 Voice Recorder

1. Music Maker Jam
2. Smart Recorder
3. Voice Recorder
4. Walk Band
5. OEM recording apps

Apple

1. GarageBand
2. Animoog
3. Moog Filtatron
4. Figure and Take - Propellerhead
5. Korg iElectribe
6. Korg iKaossilator
7. Steinberg Cubasis 2
8. Native Instruments iMaschine 2
9. Casio Chordana Play
10. Voice Memos

Please contact us for any other questions!