SoundLink around-ear II microphone too low when connected to Macbook Pro

[katd22]

I have brand new Soundlink II headphones and am pairing via bluetooth with my Macbook Pro. My main usage is for video conference calls. When trying to use the Soundlink microphone, the volume is so low that other participants struggle to hear me. 

I have manually adjusted the system settings "Input volume" on my Mac to 100% with no better results. I have tested the mic in Zoom, Discord, and Slack...none are able to pick up the microphone. 

The only way I can get a decent level of mic input is to turn the volume on the headset up to near full, which is painfully loud to listen to. Help?

[Tegan_M]

Hi Katd22, 

I am sorry that you are having issues with using your microphone for conference calls. 

Does this occur when you take calls via mobile also?

Can you also test a cabled connection to your laptop to see if this persists?

I would suggest you check for any available firmware updates for your headphones. This can be done via a computer using a USB and visiting our firmware update website btu.bose.com, which will provide you with full instructions.

I look forward to hearing from you.

[katd22]

Thank you for reaching out Tegan. 

When using the headphones with a mobile device (aka standard phone call) the microphone performs much better and I can be heard in conversation. The trouble seems to be when using with the Macbook  Pro via bluetooth connection.

When I use the 3.5 jack cord that came with the headphones with my computer, the Macbook only displays the headphones as a speaker (listening) option, they do not appear under inputs (microphone) and instead the computer uses the internal microphone.

Should the headphone microphone be available to the computer via the 3.5 cord?

[Tegan_M]

That's great, thank you. 

When you insert the audio input cable to your headphones, this disables all Bluetooth functionality of the headset. This does include the microphone as it uses Bluetooth profiles in order to function. This will be why the microphone is not working on your calls when connected to your computer via cable. 

There are two ways we can get around this. You can opt in to use a Bluetooth connection to your Macbook instead. Or if you look into purchasing the audio input cable for our QuietControl 25 headphones, this includes an inline microphone on the cable.

Do let us know if you have any further questions.