yashsingh1/xdaforums huggingface dataset:
[Nexus 7 General] jbot:
if the tablet mic is still on when you have a headset plugged in, it is not working properly. i'm still not convinced that your headset mic is working on your test. when you say the headset mic sounds lower, that's true in my case too, but it's not the case where it is working, but not as loud. it's really the case where the headset mic isn't working at all, and the tablet mic is still picking up my voice, but it's lower because my mouth is farther away from the mic hole because i'm trying to test the headset mic.

here's another test... if you whisper directly into the tablet mic with your mouth literally right next to the hole, you will probably be able to hear your voice during the skype test call playback. however, if you whisper directly into the headset mic while making sure you keep the tablet away as far away from you as possible (i'd actually cup the mic part of the headset in my hand and whisper into it), i bet you don't hear your voice, or it's very, very faint. that's because the tablet mic is the one that was picking up your voice the entire time even when you thought it was your headset mic.
[Nexus 7 General] player911:
I have a mic headset from my old trusty Nexus One and I did the blow test. Even with the mic plugged in and the Ear pieces working there is no audio from the Michael being recorded and the external Mic is still activated.

This headset also has music controls... and androids on them.

I also tried with my pair of Sony's that also did not work. The back microphone is super sensitive so talking won't work as it'll pick it up.

I'm doing the blow and tap tests while holding the tablets internal mic as far away as possible. Nothing.

Same with Motorola headset. Nothing.
[Nexus 7 General] clubtech:
I think it is safe to conclude that its not a defect but that the feature is simply nit there ?

The only guy confirming it was working really didn't know what he is testing it sounds.
[Nexus 7 General] jbot:
yes, this is what i'm experiencing. i bet a lot of the people out there that are saying that their headset mic is working isn't aware of how sensitive the tablet mic is. i mentioned whispering in my last post, but blowing and tapping as you mentioned would be more effective.

i think the creator of this thread mentioned contacting ifixit to confirm whether the the jack is wired for a mic (TRRS) or not (TRS). i am very interested in the findings.
[Nexus 7 General] demandarin:
Ill test one more time after I eat..lol. I will try these new test variables. Isn't a prong with 3 rings(2 rings stereo,1 mic) longer than just a prong with 2 rings(stereo). If so, and the nexus didn't support Mic on headset, then it wouldn't fit all the way in flush. Which mines go in all the way flush. Plus if tablet ICS is very sensitive/higher quality, then it will always sound louder/better than the cheapo cellphone earbuds with mic attached. Will post back shortly. Ill Ake sure to whisper and cover tablet mic hole.
[Nexus 7 General] iraf:
If we can't find a single working example, then I agree it is a "feature" (or lack of one) rather than a defect. If the headset mic is working properly, the internal mic is cut out altogether. Tapping on the external mic is a very easy way to determine if that is the source of the audio. It is hard to believe that Google could have saved much by using a cheaper jack but unless someone can demonstrate that their unit works it would appear that external audio is not possible (unless a USB audio adaptor will work---perhaps with a rooted system).
[Nexus 7 General] Pond-life:
Given the lengths we are going to in attempting to shield the internal mic to check external I'm thinking that it'll work fine in normal use on IM anyway?

And 3 ring plug is same length as stereo one

Just looked through that guide again does mention bluetooth headsets (for making calls it says directly) so could be a workaround :)

Also realised I'd covered one mic on nexus 7 when testing and there are two...
[Nexus 7 General] iraf:
For many (most?) people it may very well not matter if the jack is wired for an external mic but for those who would like to put the tablet in their pocket while using Skype or VOIP or who want to connect a mic that is better than the internal mic (not a cheap headset), this is a disappointment.
[Nexus 7 General] hamjunk:
I can confirm that my headset microphone does not work either. I tried to call my cell phone with a sip app and tapping and blowing on the mic holes. It definitely is only picking up from the tablet. There are 2 mics on the tablet. One on top and one on the side with the pogo pin contacts. It seems to pic up quite strongly but still its the principal of the headset mic not working.
[Nexus 7 General] demandarin:
Thanks for your persistence in seeing I'f this is really working or not. Well I ran both tests. First I used Sound meter. Normal readings in my home showed about 65db. Tapping on the tablet mic had it spike from 80-almost 90db. Tapping on the headset mic did nothing.

Then I did the Skype one again. Whispering this time. Did the headset first and covered up the tablet mic hole, then whispered directly into tablet mic afterwards. All in same test. All I heard was when I whispered into tablet directly. Which still sounded very loud. Amazed with the quality/sensitivity of tablet mic.

So at least from my end, it seems THST you were right. Tablet mic is so sensitive it was giving me false positives making me think headset mic is working. I only tried one set though. I have another set which I might try later. But for now, headset Hoc is not working.

I think its a software issue of the device not switching to the external mic(on headset) when it's plugged in. Hopefully this will be fixed in future update.

Has anyone tried a dedicated microphone, by itself, with nexus 7? If prong is too big, you can always use a 3.5mm adapter and it'll fit/should work.

Thanks for your persisitence though. I almost forgot about you thenni seen this thread again. Didn't want to leave you hanging ;)

I can understand why this is important to some. Maybe next thing to try is Bluetooth headset. Ill be keeping an eye on this thread for developements. As I Skype/ videochat often and sometimes like to use headset. At least I know now the built in mic on tablet works very well. Really sensitive and picks up things clearly. So it'll be good for videochat without headsets also.
[Nexus 7 General] iraf:
I just tested a Samsung HM3500 Bluetooth headset. Audio out worked fine; however, audio in did not. Only the tablet microphone worked. Now, that is a software issue which I don't think is the case with the wired headset jack.
[Nexus 7 General] rman726:
Edit: I did more testing and I don't think it works. I think the mics are just really really good in the actual tablet itself and can still hear underneath a pillow.
[Nexus 7 General] iraf:
just because we seem to be getting so many mixed signals on this, could you please say how you tested the headset microphone to be sure that you weren't picking up from the tablet mic. Thanks.
[Nexus 7 General] player911:
Exactly, the mic is very sensitive. Its the little pin hole on the back at the top. It won't be a problem at all. If your using a wired headset then you'll be in plenty good range for getting picked up.

I tried barely snapping my fingers at the furthest distance I could the unit and it was pretty audible during playback. No one will be missing anything listening to you on a N7.
[Nexus 7 General] jbot:
if this is really a limitation by design (I.e. it's a trs jack and not a trrs jack), I'd be fine with that. If it is actually a trrs jack, and mine is broken, I'm not cool with that.

The one thing that's preventing me from fully believing this is supposed to be a trs jack is the little metal contact close to the entry of the jack . that's typically indicative of a trrs jack. trs jacks are the ones that are lacking that first contact which would be touching the ring closest to the base of the plug.

i have a laptop that has one headphone jack (trs) and one headset jack (trrs). what I just mentioned above is what I see on the headset jack. trs the headphone jack is smooth with no contact close to the entry.
[Nexus 7 General] fenturi:
I have a feeling it is not there, this would be why the Square card reader does not work as well.
[Nexus 7 General] joelee100:
I would have sworn my headset mic was working. I have been using grooveip regularly on the Nexus 7(with a wired headset) to make and receive phonecalls. However after reading this thread, I did some more testing and was disappointed to realize that the headset mic was not working.

When the tablet was covered with a bunch of pillows and the headset plugged in...Google Now couldn't hear me. However, when I removed the pillows, google now heard me just fine(even when I spoke softly).
[Nexus 7 General] aquadoodle:
Has anyone on here tested a USB mic with their Jelly Bean device?

I've tried without using external power, nothing happened of course. I don't know how much power the USB host port on Android devices carry.

I have one of those dual USB cables that can plug into two ports for extra power somewhere in my room so I'll hunt it down and test the mic it with that.

I've sent Google an email asking about the inline mic support. I want a replacement Nexus as my speakers are also blown, they distort at half volume.

It's not looking like the jack supports mic though, either that or there's just a ton of defective devices. Could be just that though, there seems to be a ton of issues with them.. Mine has a crazy flicker at low brightness and blown speakers.
[Nexus 7 General] aquadoodle:
I received an email back from Google.

"Hi Jake,

The Nexus 7 does not support 4-pole headphones with a microphone.

A replacement device will be provided and your original device will be inspected if you elect to send it in for warranty replacement.

*Important*

RETURN YOUR ORIGINAL DEVICE

You’ll need to return your original device to our service center. Additional charges for the full price of the device will be incurred if our service center doesn’t receive your original device within 21 days of your replacement delivery."

---

I added the extra few lines just so people don't think I'm making stuff up about the email. It's a genuine response from Google.

This kinda sucks! I can see why they haven't included support for a microphone as you can't make voice calls, and I guess they expect people will use skype with the built in mic.

But if you're outside and want the mic to be closer whilst skyping then you're screwed!

I needed the mic input for using a Multitrack audio recording app.

Still, if I can get the usb mic to work then I'll be happy.
[Nexus 7 General] kenyee:
So this means the Square credit card reader won't work? Seems like a bad omission if true...
[Nexus 7 General] iraf:
I also just confimed with Google that the Nexus 7 DOES NOT support an inline microphone via the 3.5mm jack. Maybe someone can get a USB mic connected via an OTG adaptor.
[Nexus 7 General] iraf:
BTW, with regard to the Square Reader, if you go to the Play store and try to get the Square Card Reader app it says that "Your device isn't compatible with this version".
[Nexus 7 General] Outrager:
I tested my Moshi Audio Vortex's microphone and it didn't work.

I also can't seem to get my headset's button to work. On my iPod Touch I can press the single button to play/pause, etc but can't get it to work at all on my Nexus 7. Anyone have this problem too and/or know how to fix it? Is there some sort of app that will show me if the nexus is even getting any sort of signal when I press it?
[Nexus 7 General] iraf:
It would appear that the Nexus 7 audio output jack is wired for 2 channels of audio and no input.
[Nexus 7 General] tylerwatt12:
And I can confirm this
[Nexus 7 General] chronicle:
Great, just great. Google marketed this as having headphone jack / mic combo, I read all the reviews that sated this too, and all the video reviews that said it was a headphone / mic jack...now i'm trying to use Skype with various wired mic / headset combos and I find out there is no mic capability, only the inbuilt mic.

Massively annoyed right now. :mad:
[Nexus 7 General] iraf:
I haven't seen where Google marketed or advertised the tablet as having the ability to connect to an external mic but I'm guessing that reviewers just assumed (as many of us did) that it had that capability. I still find it hard to believe given how much (or little) that feature would cost but such is the case.
[Nexus 7 General] chronicle:
I think that you're right with regards to the marketing. I can't find any direct quotes or published specs from Google pertaining to the mic actually being included within the headphone socket.

But it would appear that Every single tech blog and mainline website (Engadget, Verge etc... reported this as being in the specs). Google could have been a little more proactive in putting them right.

Annoyed as now I have to hold the Nexus 7 up close to my mouth when making skype calls in noisy environments. Silly buggers, that would have cost next to nothing to implement.

Other than that, I a loving my rooted USB OTG supporting N7.
[Nexus 7 General] klosik:
Well the specs on the Asus page do list it as a headset jack, rather than a headphone jack...

http://www.asus.com/Tablet/Nexus/Nexus_7/#specifications
[Nexus 7 General] sashusmom:
I just tested groove ip with a skullcandy headset and called my daughters phone. She said she heard me fine- just like a normal phone. I assumed the headset was picking up my voice since I was not talking into the tablet. It's disappointing to know that it was the tablet mics and not the headset. :( But for me the end result is the same. She heard me fine and my headset picked up her audio perfectly. Like the rest of you, I assumed it was a headset/mic combo jack. I look forward to getting a definitive answer.
[Nexus 7 General] AZImmortal:
Not only is a headset jack listed, but there's a note at the bottom of the specs that says:
[Nexus 7 General] cazzo69:
mine works too but you have to really put it in till the end the last bit is quiet hard to put in
[Nexus 7 General] iraf:
Google support has confirmed that the external mic is not supported (i.e. is not wired) so if anyone can find that theirs works (using the test described above), that would be most interesting.
[Nexus 7 General] sashusmom:
Just tested a bluetooth earpiece with groove ip. Paired fine, dial tones came from tablet speaker, the ringing transferred to the bluetooth earpiece, when the phone is answered there is dead airspace. Nothing can be heard on the phone, bluetooth earpiece, or tablet. Tried it twice. Next step is trying a stereo bluetooth headset that is charging.
[Nexus 7 General] craigwillie:
Tried a bluetooth earpiece with Talkatone. Worked fine, call was transferred to the earpiece and both ends of the conversation could hear the audio just fine.
[Nexus 7 General] volwrath:
My Moto S305 only shows media and not the headset profile after I paired it. I didnt mess with it long.
[Nexus 7 General] joelee100:
Using a Plantronics BackBeat 903+ stereo headset with mic, I was able to make a phone call using groovip, however the only way I was able to get sound out of the headset was to turn off the Bluetooth button from within grooveip during a call. Doing this transferred the sound from the Nexus 7 speaker to the headset. Unfortunately it didn't appear that the headset mic was working because as a got farther away from the Nexus 7, the person I was talking to told me it sounded like I was talking to him from across the room(Which I was).

Also the Nexus 7 indicates that the headset is paired with a "phone audio" profile and also a "media" profile.
[Nexus 7 General] japzone:
I had the same issue. I'm thinking it's a software issue. It seems no external Mics are working, Jack or Bluetooth. Maybe a Dev can investigate.
[Nexus 7 General] Kroneage:
One time I think it's working and the next not. But couldn't pulling the cover confirm if the port has 4 wires instead of 3 for stereo sound? Also... why are they're issues with Bluetooth as well then? What's going on with different Bluetooth devices with some working and some not? I's just whacked that Google ASUS would leave external mic abilities out, when by cheapy $100 7" w/ a Capacitive touch screen no less has working external mic and Nexus 7 doesn't. Bluetooth even works on my cheapy tablet. But I certainly can't play many games or good Apps with it though...... slower than hell!

OK the Bluetooth is working in Spare Phone for sure. Just have to enable in the App settings each time. I guess to push you to buy the upgrade! .....but still nothing w/ the jack! :(
[Nexus 7 General] :
Are you sure? The built in mic is super sensitive so I think you should try recording with the N7 under a pillow and then without...

I have yet to make my N7 jack mic work, unless the TRRS layout for my headset mic is jumbled.
[Nexus 7 General] chronicle:
There is no N7 mic jack! This has been confirmed by Google on a few other threads.
[Nexus 7 General] ExploreMN:
I was using a Motorola HS850 and GrooveIP last night on the N7 and it worked fine. I did have to unselect and reselect Bluetooth in the GrooveIP interface once, but it hasn't been a problem since.
[Nexus 7 General] Kroneage:
I downloaded GrooveIP and it's works even with N7 covered with pillows and using a 15ft extension away. This is a nice App even with the Free version. Gives you a chance to adjust full settings. Which you don't have on all these Apps. Default settings on I would suppose the Nexus 7 (which this gives you access to, were all the way down for mic). I turned everything up and it worked. As does the Bluetooth on this App automatically. But I do notice some scratchiness when the cable or connector in the jack, gets jostled. That may be due to my extension or mic head set though. Interestingly I got two or three spontaneous reboots and I'm not sure what that was from!
[Nexus 7 General] player911:
Yea I never thought about the SquareUp card reader. I never used mine but I've been waiting on PayPal to send me a demo unit for their new service. It would be hella nice to be able to take credit cards directly to my PayPal.

I always have my phone but this is ****ty. What was the cost savings by using a cheaper plug?

Personally I hope its just a software lock or a driver missing or something.
[Nexus 7 General] iraf:
iFixit reply

I received a reply from iFixit regarding what is inside the Nexus 7:

I think that the matter is now closed...notwithstanding reports to the contrary, the Nexus 7 does not support a headset mic via the audio jack.
[Nexus 7 General] kattara:
Which is very weird because look here: http://promos.asus.com/US/Nexus7/#.UBiPDZzn_ng

If you look at the bottom, the specs say "head-out/MIC"

So, wtf? Has someone contacted Asus directly yet?
[Nexus 7 General] japzone:
Great :(

Anybody know of a Credit Card reader that works via, say Bluetooth?
[Nexus 7 General] rmm200:
English is not their native language. That is not the first error I have seen in their specs.
[Nexus 7 General] kattara:
Ru serious? Being a huge company like that, they should at least employ native English speakers to do the specs! This is kinda letdown for me, but luckily the built-in mics work really well...
[Nexus 7 General] sark666:
I've been posting on a thread here about my experience in trying to get bluetooth recording working:

http://xdaforums.com/showthread.php?t=1804119

My stereo headset pairs with two profiles media and phone. No app I've tried so far works with bluetooth recording. Some either crash or simply use the mic on the nexus 7. The only posts I've seen where people say the mic works via bluetooth is with grooveip. I wonder what that app is doing that no other app seems to be not doing. Or if it is in fact actually using the bluetooth mic? You can tell by either walking away from your tablet or tapping on the mic on the nexus. If the caller hears those taps, you know it's the nexus 7 doing the recording.

I suspect it's an issue with the audio profiles for the nexus 7 which seems to have happened on other devices to prevent voip calls. I've read this is more on phones so I'm surprised it's on a tablet. But I believe I read the same issue on the acer a500. People hacked the profiles to get it working.

If it is something unique grooveip is doing? Why is this? Wouldn't it be the OS's job to manage audio hardware. I would think when I pair a bluetooth audio device the OS would now route all audio output and input (if the bluetooth device has a mic) seamlessly and apps wouldn't need to code for this. But I see comments on the google play with some apps stating now supporting bluetooth in latest version. Why would an app need to code for that?

I've tried 4 bluetooth headsets and so far 0 for 4 on recording. All of them are stereo headsets so I don't know if that's the issue. I'd like to try grooveip but I live in Canada. I even installed it hoping it had a audio test but can't get by the login screen.
[Nexus 7 General] arusiasotto:
USB jack

Has anyone tried something like this Logitech USB To 3.5mm Jack Audio Adapter? I can't post links yet, so someone google it?
[Nexus 7 General] runamonk99:
Tested mine without headphones and Skype and it worked fine.
[Nexus 7 General] RI5E:
I hate this 10 post rule
[Nexus 7 General] volwrath:
I paired my plantronics 520 headset to my n& and it appeared to me the bt mic works fine. While talking on grooveip I was able to close the case, and move 15' and whisper and the person on the other end said I sounded fine.

I still cannot get the N7 to see the phone profile of my MotoS305 though unfortunately.

But grooveip works great with my Plantronsics headset.
[Nexus 7 General] sark666:
Thanks for this info. So that sounds like it was definitely working. A final confirmation would be simply tapping on the bluetooth mic and if hears that rough mic tapping sound, you know it's recording. But again sounds like it does.

So I tried 4 stereo bluetooth headsets but I see yours is not. I'm wondering if that's the issue? I can't believe I have the bad luck of 0 out of 4 working when they work fine with other devices.

Does your device pair showing a phone audio profile and a media audio profile? I'd assume it's the same for mono/stereo but just curious. Or maybe grooveip is one of the only apps that does bluetooth audio recording properly and mine would work as well. Can't test it as I'm from Canada.

That's what I still don't get, I see some voip apps boasting 'new version has bluetooth support' Why would the program need to be changed for bluetooth? You'd think the OS would take care of that and any audio app would just use the bluetooth device. It works that way for listening in all apps so why not recording?
[Nexus 7 General] rmm200:
If you are talking Bluetooth, don't forget the show units (white back) came with Bluetooth 2.0.

Production units come with Bluetooth 4.0.

That is about the only hardware difference I have heard of with the show units.
[Nexus 7 General] Jroyd:
*chuckle* Many US companies don't even employ native English speakers to write their manuals! I can tell you that Cisco's are written in India.
[Nexus 7 General] volwrath:
Ill need a recording program to test the bt mic but will do that tomorrow since headset is at work. It only (correctly) shows up as a phone profile. My S305 should show both phone and media but only shows media though
[Nexus 7 General] kattara:
You'd think they'd at least get a native english speaker to proofread it! Epic fail!
[Nexus 7 General] sark666:
Ah I see. Yeah as I mentioned mine being stereo shows up as media and phone which I understand to be correct, but no joy so far in bluetooth recording.

There aren't many apps that boast bluetooth recording support. I tried this one:

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.samalyse.free.tapemachine&feature=more_from_developer#?t=W251bGwsMSwxLDEwMiwiY29tLnNhbWFseXNlLmZyZWUudGFwZW1hY2hpbmUiXQ..

That indicates it supports bluetooth recording. You have to enable it in the options. For my it gives an error 'unable to open audio input'