The Sony WH-XM2, part of Sony’s esteemed line of wireless noise-canceling headphones, is appreciated for its impressive audio quality, robust noise cancellation, and comfortable design. However, many PC users wondering whether this headset’s built-in microphone can function seamlessly with a computer are sometimes left uncertain. This article will take an in-depth look at how — and if — you can use the XM2’s microphone on a PC, what limitations you might face, and how to optimize performance across devices.
TL;DR:
Yes, the XM2’s microphone can be used on a PC, but with caveats. It works best over Bluetooth when using specific audio drivers, although audio quality may drop in mic mode due to Bluetooth limitations. Using a wired connection via a TRRS adapter improves compatibility. For the best experience, tweak your PC settings and know the device’s Bluetooth audio profiles.
The Basics: XM2 Microphone Capabilities
The Sony WH-XM2 headphones come equipped with a built-in microphone designed primarily for phone calls and voice assistant commands on smartphones. But the microphone’s hardware is fully capable of functioning with other devices — including desktop or laptop computers.
The question of compatibility, however, is not solely dependent on the microphone itself. Instead, it hinges largely on how the PC communicates with the headphones — whether it’s via Bluetooth or through a 3.5mm audio cable.
Connectivity Options
There are two main ways to use the XM2 with a PC:
- Bluetooth Connection
- Wired Connection using an Audio Cable
1. Using the XM2 Microphone over Bluetooth
Connecting the Sony WH-XM2 to a PC via Bluetooth is straightforward in terms of audio output. However, input — meaning the microphone — presents a few complications.
When the PC connects via Bluetooth to the XM2, it uses one of several audio profiles:
- A2DP (Advanced Audio Distribution Profile) – for high-quality audio playback only; no microphone support.
- HFP (Hands-Free Profile) – enables microphone use, but severely limits audio output quality, which sounds more like a phone call than stereo headphones.
When using the mic, many PCs will automatically switch to HFP mode, significantly compromising the audio streaming quality. This trade-off is a limitation of the Bluetooth protocol rather than the headphones themselves.
Bluetooth Fixes and Workarounds
Some possible solutions for improving the Bluetooth mic experience include:
- Using third-party Bluetooth dongles that better support dual channel HFP profiles.
- Installing custom Bluetooth drivers like Bluetooth Audio Receiver by Microsoft.
- Opting for software that separates mic input and audio output channels. For example, using your XM2 as a mic while routing PC playback through another set of speakers or headphones.
2. Using the XM2 via Wired Connection
For more stable and reliable microphone usage, the wired option is often better. The XM2 comes with a 3.5mm audio cable that includes a four-pole TRRS connector (Tip-Ring-Ring-Sleeve). This kind of jack includes separate channels for stereo audio output and microphone input.
However, most desktop PCs have separate jacks for headphone output and mic input — they are TRS (Tip-Ring-Sleeve) jacks. In this case, you’ll need a TRRS to dual TRS splitter or adapter to properly use both the headphones and mic.
Once connected with the correct adapter, the PC should recognize the XM2 microphone and allow you to select it as the input device in system settings.
How to Configure XM2 Microphone on Windows
If you want to use the XM2 mic on a Windows PC, here’s a quick guide:
- Connect your XM2 headphones via Bluetooth or audio cable.
- Open the Sound Settings (Right-click the volume icon > Sound Settings).
- Under Input, select the Sony WH-XM2 microphone.
- Speak into your headphones to verify that the system captures audio input.
- Adjust input levels and test with your desired software or video call tool (Zoom, Skype, etc.).
Note: If your voice sounds muffled or robotic, check that your PC hasn’t defaulted to the “Headset” Bluetooth profile instead of the higher-quality “Stereo” one. You can change this in the Windows Sound Control Panel under the Recording and Playback tabs.
MacOS Compatibility
MacBooks and iMacs with Bluetooth have decent native compatibility with Bluetooth mics, but they still suffer from the same Bluetooth profile limitations discussed earlier. A wired TRRS connection offers much better results for those prioritizing microphone quality on MacOS.
Audio Quality Expectations
It’s worth setting realistic expectations regarding microphone quality. The XM2 is primarily engineered for playback quality, with its microphone serving as a utility feature rather than a professional-grade recording tool. Therefore, while acceptable for calls and casual meetings, it may fall short for podcasting, streaming, or high-fidelity voice capture.
Optimizing for Video Calls and Gaming
If you’re aiming to use the XM2’s mic for gaming or online meetings, ensure:
- Blu-ray headset settings on your gaming platform (PS5, Xbox via Bluetooth or AUX cable).
- Enable noise suppression features in Zoom/Teams/Skype settings.
- Avoid streaming music or videos simultaneously when using the mic via Bluetooth due to bandwidth constraints on the HFP profile.
When You Should Consider a Separate Mic
If you’re finding the audio quality from the XM2’s microphone lacking or consistently problematic, it might be wise to invest in a dedicated microphone. Even modestly priced USB options like the Blue Snowball or Fifine mic deliver vastly superior clarity for voice applications — often without complicated setup.
Conclusion
To summarize, yes — the microphone on the Sony WH-XM2 can be used on a PC, but it depends on how you’re connecting it. Bluetooth allows for wireless freedom, though often at a cost to sound fidelity when using the mic. Wired connections with the right adapter offer better consistency and are ideal for professional or semi-professional use. For casual meetings and calls, the XM2 mic on PC performs sufficiently — just with a few caveats to be aware of.
FAQs
- Can the XM2 microphone be used during a Zoom call?
Yes, as long as the mic is selected as the input device in the system’s audio settings. Expect reduced speaker audio quality if connected via Bluetooth. - Why does audio sound bad when using the XM2 mic with Bluetooth?
This is due to Bluetooth switching to the Hands-Free Profile (HFP), which compresses audio to allow two-way communication. - Does the wired 3.5mm cable transmit microphone audio on PC?
Only if you’re using a TRRS-to-dual TRS adapter and your PC supports mic input via that connection. - Is the XM2 mic good enough for streaming or podcasting?
Not really — it’s passable for calls but doesn’t rival dedicated external microphones for content creation. - Can I use the XM2 mic on a Mac?
Yes, using either Bluetooth or wired methods. Wired offers better control and consistency on macOS systems.
