A simple fix for the microphone wind noise issue

xwhit3devilx · 02-15-2012, 03:57 PM

I've heard quite a few people complain about how much the built in microphone in upper trim 2012's sucks. I can attest to this; at freeway speeds you have to scream at it to get it to understand anything you're saying. It's also virtually impossible to make a phone call as whoever you call thinks you're driving through a tornado.

I've devised a very simple (read, inexpensive) solution to this problem. It involves shoving sound deadening material in the space above the microphone to reduce the amount of ambient noise it picks up.

Video of how to do this is here
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sa0-e69pXEE&noredirect=1

It worked wonders for me; now I don't have to burst my lungs in order for it to play a little Stevie Ray Vaughn

.

You may wish to use more material than I did in the video; I added more after the first test run and it helped quite a bit.

captainsubt3xt · 02-15-2012, 04:01 PM

I have Dynamat left over from my last stereo build. Now I have a use for it! Have you heard of anyone replacing the microphone? Looks like it would be simple to do.

BlueIce · 02-15-2012, 04:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by captainsubt3xt

I have Dynamat left over from my last stereo build. Now I have a use for it! Have you heard of anyone replacing the microphone? Looks like it would be simple to do.

I know not everyone has a problem with it, me being one of those people. I wonder if it has something to do with being a titanium and/or having a sunroof.

captainsubt3xt · 02-15-2012, 04:19 PM

My main issue is not the voice commands but using the hands free over bluetooth. There is some serious background noise according to the people on the other end of the call. I'm thinking there has to be a better mic that would work with it. I'm going to do some research.

EDIT: Perhaps even a small directional mic?

xwhit3devilx · 02-15-2012, 04:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by captainsubt3xt

I have Dynamat left over from my last stereo build. Now I have a use for it! Have you heard of anyone replacing the microphone? Looks like it would be simple to do.

I don't believe anyone here has done it, but yes it should be extremely easy. All one would need to do is cut the old one off, acquire a new one, and splice the wires onto the mic. I really don't think changing it out is necessary though; people say it's very clear when driving around town- and now with all the sound dampening highway speeds shouldn't be an issue.

Quote:

Originally Posted by captainsubt3xt

My main issue is not the voice commands but using the hands free over bluetooth. There is some serious background noise according to the people on the other end of the call. I'm thinking there has to be a better mic that would work with it. I'm going to do some research.

EDIT: Perhaps even a small directional mic?

Like I said, the background noise is taken care of with the dampening. Save yourself some effort and try my mod first before replacing the mic- it's much less invasive.

captainsubt3xt · 02-15-2012, 04:50 PM

That's the plan. I'll let you know how the dynamat goes. I can also check and see how the titanium differs from the other versions as it has a sunroof and other controls up there.

cacophonous · 02-15-2012, 05:36 PM

I don't anyone is saying the mic sucks on upper trim levels? I think people are saying that using sync at highway speeds is not as clear than lower speeds or not using it completely for all trim levels that have sync.

Mine sounds fine, no yelling needed at even highway speeds, however it sounds better with phone to face.

Quote:

Originally Posted by xwhit3devilx

I've heard quite a few people complain about how much the built in microphone in upper trim 2012's sucks. I can attest to this; at freeway speeds you have to scream at it to get it to understand anything you're saying. It's also virtually impossible to make a phone call as whoever you call thinks you're driving through a tornado.

I've devised a very simple (read, inexpensive) solution to this problem. It involves shoving sound deadening material in the space above the microphone to reduce the amount of ambient noise it picks up.

Video of how to do this is here
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sa0-e69pXEE&noredirect=1

It worked wonders for me; now I don't have to burst my lungs in order for it to play a little Stevie Ray Vaughn

.

You may wish to use more material than I did in the video; I added more after the first test run and it helped quite a bit.

currentlyabsent · 02-15-2012, 05:52 PM

then where would i put my drugs?

jimmyt · 02-15-2012, 06:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by xwhit3devilx

I've heard quite a few people complain about how much the built in microphone in upper trim 2012's sucks. I can attest to this; at freeway speeds you have to scream at it to get it to understand anything you're saying. It's also virtually impossible to make a phone call as whoever you call thinks you're driving through a tornado.

I've devised a very simple (read, inexpensive) solution to this problem. It involves shoving sound deadening material in the space above the microphone to reduce the amount of ambient noise it picks up.

Video of how to do this is here
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sa0-e69pXEE&noredirect=1

It worked wonders for me; now I don't have to burst my lungs in order for it to play a little Stevie Ray Vaughn

.

You may wish to use more material than I did in the video; I added more after the first test run and it helped quite a bit.

Thanks for sharing this information!!