Can I record audio with bluetooth headphones?

Bluetooth headphones have become increasingly popular in recent years due to their wireless convenience and ability to pair with smartphones and other devices. Unlike traditional wired headphones, Bluetooth headphones connect wirelessly via Bluetooth technology, allowing users to listen to audio without being tethered to a device. This makes them very convenient for activities like working out, commuting, or just general everyday use.

One useful feature of many Bluetooth headphones is the ability to record audio using built-in microphones. This allows users to capture audio on the go, hands-free, without needing to carry additional recording equipment. While the microphones in Bluetooth headphones may not offer the same high-fidelity quality as professional gear, they provide a handy option for quick voice memos, interviews, music recordings, and other casual audio capture needs.

Recording Audio Basics

To record audio, you need a microphone to capture the sound and convert it into an electrical audio signal. This analog signal then gets converted into digital data through an analog-to-digital converter (ADC). The digital audio data is encoded into a compressed audio format or codec, such as MP3 or AAC, at a certain bitrate or quality level. The bitrate determines how much data is used per second of audio, with higher bitrates capturing more detail and dynamic range. Common bitrates for music include 320kbps and 256kbps for high quality, and 128kbps or 96kbps for more compressed files, though this can vary based on the codec. The encoded audio data can then be saved to a file or streamed over the internet.

Some key components that affect audio recording quality include the microphone type and quality, the ADC bit-depth (16-bit is standard), and the codec and bitrate settings. Recording at higher bitrates captures more detail but results in larger file sizes. Finding the right balance is important. The microphones in consumer headphones and devices are generally lower quality than professional external mics. However, with proper settings and techniques, good recording quality is achievable in many modern devices. Understanding the basics of how digital audio works is helpful for recording and getting the highest quality recordings.

According to The Science of Audio Recording – A Beginner’s Guide (https://www.soundtrap.com/content/blog/the-science-of-audio-recording), the key components for quality audio recording are the microphone, ADC, codec selection, bitrate, and recording technique.

Bluetooth Headphone Microphones

Many modern Bluetooth headphones actually contain built-in microphones that allow you to take calls and communicate when paired to your smartphone. These built-in mics are designed mainly for phone calls and voice commands, but some models also allow you to use the headphones as a basic microphone for recording audio on your computer or mobile device.

The headphone’s mic quality will vary depending on the model. High-end Bluetooth headphones from brands like Bose and Sony tend to have better built-in mics that capture clearer audio than cheaper options. The mic won’t match the quality of a professional external mic, but can work decently in a pinch if you don’t have other equipment.

To use your Bluetooth headphones as a mic, you’ll need to consult your device and recording software’s documentation to ensure they support headset mic input. You’ll then need to select the Bluetooth headphones as the input device in your recording application before proceeding.

Recording Software

There are several great apps available for recording audio on mobile devices like phones and tablets. Some top options include:

On Android, Voice Recorder is a highly-rated free app that provides high quality recordings, an intuitive interface, and options to share files. Easy Voice Recorder is another top choice with customizable settings and the ability to edit recordings.

For iPhone, the built-in Voice Memos app is a convenient option that syncs recordings across Apple devices. Other top iOS apps include Rev, a transcription app that also records calls and meetings, and Otter, which generates automated transcripts of recordings.

Multi-platform options like RecForge II and Tape-a-Talk work across both Android and iOS. These apps allow you to edit, trim, and enhance recordings as needed.

The best app depends on your specific needs, but any of these highly-rated options will enable high quality audio recording using just a smartphone or tablet.

Recording with Headphone Mics

Recording audio using the microphone in Bluetooth headphones is possible on most smartphones, tablets, and computers. Here is a step-by-step guide:

On Android:

Open your voice recorder or audio recording app on your Android device.
Go to your Bluetooth settings and pair your Bluetooth headphones.
Open the app settings in your recording app and select your Bluetooth headphones as the microphone input.

Start your recording, speaking into the microphone on your Bluetooth headphones.
To stop recording, tap the stop button in your recording app.

On iPhone/iPad:

Open the Voice Memos app.
Go to Bluetooth settings and connect your Bluetooth headphones.
Tap the microphone icon in Voice Memos and select your Bluetooth headphones.

Tap record and speak into your Bluetooth headphones.
Tap stop when finished recording.

On Windows:

Open the Voice Recorder app.
Pair your Bluetooth headphones in Windows Bluetooth settings.
In Voice Recorder, select your Bluetooth headphones as the input device.

Click record and speak into the mic on your headphones.
Click stop to end the recording.

On Mac:

Open QuickTime Player and select File > New Audio Recording.
Connect your Bluetooth headphones in System Preferences > Bluetooth.
In QuickTime Player, choose your headphones as the input device.

Click the record button and speak into your headphones mic.
Stop the recording when finished.

And that’s it! Following these steps allows you to record audio using the built-in microphone on your Bluetooth headphones.

Audio Quality

When comparing audio quality between Bluetooth headphones and wired headphones, many experts conclude that wired headphones still have an edge. According to Rtings, the continual improvements in Bluetooth technology have narrowed the gap in audio quality, but wired headphones can still deliver a pure lossless audio signal.

That said, the difference may not be noticeable to casual listeners using streaming services, as the audio is compressed during streaming. Audiophiles listening to lossless music files are more likely to detect a difference. The lower bandwidth of Bluetooth can result in slightly compressed dynamic range.

Factors impacting Bluetooth audio quality include the headphone model, Bluetooth version, codec support, interference, and battery life. Newer versions like Bluetooth 5.0 offer improved bandwidth and efficiency. Support for advanced codecs like aptX and AAC also help. Overall, audio fidelity continues to improve with newer wireless headphones and Bluetooth versions.

Latency Considerations

Bluetooth audio can suffer from latency, which is a delay between the audio being played on the device and heard through the headphones. This is due to the wireless transmission process. While improvements have been made, latency still remains an issue, especially for real-time monitoring applications like recording vocals or instruments.

Specifically with Bluetooth headphones, the audio must be encoded and transmitted from the device, received and decoded by the headphones, then played through the drivers into your ears. This entire process introduces delays, usually ranging from 100-200ms. For some types of listening this lag may not be noticeable. But for musicians, gamers, or video editors who require precise audio timing, it can be problematic.

There are a few ways latency can potentially be improved when using Bluetooth headphones:

Use headphones with aptX Low Latency codec support – this can reduce delay to around 40ms.
Minimize distance between source device and headphones.
Avoid interference from other wireless devices.

Use latest Bluetooth version (i.e. 5.2) and protocols.
Try wired connection instead of wireless if possible.

When recording vocals or instruments, even small amounts of latency can be disruptive. Monitoring yourself with noticeable delay makes performing and staying in time very difficult. For any mission-critical audio applications, Bluetooth headphones may not be the best choice.¹

Recommended Models

When selecting Bluetooth headphones for recording audio, these models stand out as top picks:

Bose QuietComfort 45: With exceptional noise cancellation to reduce ambient noise, these over-ear headphones capture clean and balanced audio recordings. The built-in mic offers clear voice pickup.
Sony WH-1000XM4: Sony’s industry-leading noise canceling technology ensures high-quality audio capture. Dual microphones allow for clear voice audio. These are an excellent wireless option.

Beats Studio Buds: For recording on the go, the Beats Studio Buds offer strong Bluetooth connectivity and impressive mic quality in a compact form factor. Noise isolation helps reduce ambient noise.
Jabra Elite 85t: With multiple microphones optimized for voice, these earbuds excell at capturing audio clearly. Advanced noise reduction features help minimize background sounds.

Consider testing headphones in environments similar to your recording conditions. Over-ear models with noise cancellation tend to deliver the best results.

Additional Equipment

While you can record audio directly using just bluetooth headphones, adding some additional equipment can significantly improve audio quality and versatility:

External microphone – A dedicated external microphone, like a lavalier or shotgun mic, will provide much better audio quality than built-in headphone mics. Make sure the mic is compatible with your device. For iPhones, look for mics with a Lightning connector or TRS adapter.
Audio interface – An external audio interface like the Focusrite Scarlett gives you better quality mic preamps and A/D converters compared to those built into phones and laptops.

Digital recorder – A dedicated portable recorder like the Zoom H1n lets you record uncompressed audio separately from your phone or computer.
Microphone windscreen – Adding a windscreen or “deadcat” minimizes wind noise and plosives when recording vocals or interviews outdoors.
Headphone splitter – A headphone splitter cable allows you to monitor the incoming audio signal on headphones while also sending it to your recording device.

The right additional gear can give you much more control over your recordings and audio quality. Just make sure any external mics or devices you add are compatible with your headphones, phone, and recording software.

Conclusion

In summary, Bluetooth headphones can be used to record audio in many situations. The built-in microphones allow you to capture audio on-the-go without carrying extra equipment. While audio quality may not match a dedicated external microphone, headphone mics offer convenience and flexibility.

For casual voice recordings, gaming commentary, phone calls, and voice assistants, most Bluetooth headphone mics will work reasonably well. For music recording, podcasts, or other production uses, an external mic is recommended for best quality.

To get started recording audio with your Bluetooth headphones, ensure they have a built-in mic and are paired to a smartphone or computer. Use a recording app or software like GarageBand that supports headphone mic input. Position the mic properly near your mouth for optimal sound pickup.

While latency can cause sync issues for monitoring live audio, many models feature low latency modes. Opt for quality headphones optimized for recording like the Bose NC 700 or Jabra Elite 85h. With the right setup and expectation management, Bluetooth headphones can capture audio in a pinch virtually anywhere.