Running Windows 10 on latest update. My PC is running great, except I tried to start using some bluetooth headsets/headphones recently, and having a weird issue. For starters, this is occurring on multiple different bluetooth audio devices and brands, so it's not just a bad unit, installation/driver or brand. I've tried wireless bt (bluetooth ) earbud style and over the ear headset. They both are headphones, but as is typical, have a microphone built in with the assumption that people would need to answer or make calls when connected to a phone. So regardless of the device, it connects without issue to the pc, shows up in audio devices and Mic (input devices) etc.... However, it's listed twice each time. One will be "Headphones (insert brand/model name) Stereo", and the other listing is "Headset (insert brand/model) Hands Free AG" in the audio settings. If I select the "headphones ___ stereo" as the output on any type of bluetooth , I will see the audio meter responding as if it's playing audio (albeit, a little lower intensity than expected), it's set as default, Every single level slider on any interface or settings page is turned up and active. And yet, not a sound, not a peep through any of the headphones. Doesn't matter what I do seemingly, re-install/discover, driver update, disabling individual related devices one at a time for process of elimination etc). But I'll be seeing output on the audio gauge. The testing feature does not sound a tone, and the troubleshooting finds no problems. I've also tried reinstalling the bluetooth driver and audio drivers. If I start something that uses audio like a game, it will even report that the game is using the device. No enhancements or anything active.
Now, if I switch to the "handset __ handsfree AG" device and set as default, every single issue is gone! Every piece of audio content and test tone playback without issue on the bluetooth device, and the mic input also works fine. This is without any config needed except for selecting it. One major problem though....the audio quality on the handsfree device....it sounds like someone playing back a phone call recorded from speakerphone at low bit rate through AM radio!!! It's so incredibly horrible to the point of being unusable.
It's not the devices themselves, because they sound outstanding anywhere else they are used. I noticed that when I go to the properties for this however, the ONLY option in the dropdown is basically low quality mono. There is no stereo or 16+ bit, 44.1 k + settings for this "hands free device". There is for the stereo listing of the same device, but no matter what I switch it to, still not a peep, not a beep. I'm out of ideas. I've tried this now with 4 completely different bluetooth devices with different makes, models and form factors. Also to note, it's NOT bad quality from the bluetooth signal or transfer. The poor audio seems to be because it's like phone hands free quality combined with only low quality options for that "device" (even though they are the same device). I'm all ears for any suggestions
Now, if I switch to the "handset __ handsfree AG" device and set as default, every single issue is gone! Every piece of audio content and test tone playback without issue on the bluetooth device, and the mic input also works fine. This is without any config needed except for selecting it. One major problem though....the audio quality on the handsfree device....it sounds like someone playing back a phone call recorded from speakerphone at low bit rate through AM radio!!! It's so incredibly horrible to the point of being unusable.
It's not the devices themselves, because they sound outstanding anywhere else they are used. I noticed that when I go to the properties for this however, the ONLY option in the dropdown is basically low quality mono. There is no stereo or 16+ bit, 44.1 k + settings for this "hands free device". There is for the stereo listing of the same device, but no matter what I switch it to, still not a peep, not a beep. I'm out of ideas. I've tried this now with 4 completely different bluetooth devices with different makes, models and form factors. Also to note, it's NOT bad quality from the bluetooth signal or transfer. The poor audio seems to be because it's like phone hands free quality combined with only low quality options for that "device" (even though they are the same device). I'm all ears for any suggestions
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