The HP Spectre x360 is one of the most elegantly designed and powerful 2-in-1 laptops on the market today. With features geared toward professionals and power users alike, it boasts an ultra-slim profile, robust processing capabilities, and an immersive display. However, one simple but often-asked question among users is:
Where is the microphone located on the HP Spectre x360?
It may seem like a straightforward inquiry, but with the continuing trend of compact hardware designs, port and sensor placements can easily become concealed. Whether you’re troubleshooting poor audio quality during a video call or simply curious about your device’s features, identifying the location of your laptop’s microphone is more relevant than ever.
TL;DR Summary:
The HP Spectre x360’s microphone is typically located along the top edge of the display bezel, near the webcam. Depending on the model, there may be dual microphones (stereo) for better audio pickup during calls and recordings. Unlike traditional laptops, its slim and premium design means the mic may not be easily visible. Knowing its position can help you better manage audio input and troubleshoot issues effectively.
The Basics of Microphone Placement in Modern Laptops
With laptop designs becoming ever more streamlined, manufacturers like HP carefully optimize component placement. The microphone, once traditionally embedded near the keyboard or below the screen, now often resides in less obvious spots. This shift is especially common among ultrabooks and premium build models like the HP Spectre x360.
HP integrates microphones for:
- Clear voice input during video calls using platforms like Zoom or Teams
- Voice assistant functionality, such as Microsoft’s Cortana or Alexa
- Sound recording for notes, lectures, or meetings
The placement is designed to maximize voice pick-up and minimize ambient noise. Knowing this, let’s dive into where exactly those tiny, powerful microphones are hiding on your Spectre x360.
Location of the Microphone on HP Spectre x360
In most recent iterations of the HP Spectre x360 — including the 13, 14, and 15-inch models — the microphones are placed:
- On the top bezel of the display, generally near the webcam
- Sometimes on either side of the webcam for stereo audio input
Look closely at the screen’s upper frame when the laptop is open. You will notice tiny pinholes flanking the camera lens. These are the microphone grills, small but strategically placed to capture your voice clearly even if you’re slightly farther from the screen.
On ultra-slim laptops like the Spectre x360, space is a premium. That’s why HP often combines the webcam and microphones into a compact ‘communication module’ at the top edge. This central positioning aids in voice pickup when the device is used in laptop or tablet mode, maintaining versatility without compromising sound quality.
Variations Across Different Spectre x360 Models
Different configurations and generations of the HP Spectre x360 may have slight mic placement differences. Here are a few examples from popular models:
HP Spectre x360 13 (Early Models)
- Single or dual microphones surrounding the HD webcam
- Generally on the top bezel, slightly left and right of the lens
HP Spectre x360 14 (2020 and Newer)
- Dual array digital microphones
- Positioned right next to the camera for active noise cancelation
- Some models also include temporal noise-reduction software built-in
HP Spectre x360 15
- Dual microphones (digital stereo) integrated into the camera housing
- May include physical shutters for privacy, so be sure shutters aren’t covering mics accidentally
To verify your laptop’s mic location, you can refer to the user manual or use the Windows Sound Settings to perform a sound test while inspecting the device layout.
How to Test If the Microphone Works
If you’re unsure whether your microphone is functioning, follow these steps to test it on Windows:
- Right-click the sound icon in the taskbar
- Select Sounds or Open Sound settings
- Scroll to Input and choose your internal microphone from the dropdown
- Speak to see if the meter bar moves
If the bar moves in response to your voice, your internal microphone located near the webcam is working properly.
Tips for Better Audio Performance
Even though your HP Spectre x360 has high-quality microphones, poor voice input performance may still occur in certain situations. Here are some troubleshooting tips and best practices:
- Ensure you’re speaking toward the top bezel, where the microphones are located
- Do not block the area near the webcam during calls
- Use built-in microphone settings to adjust levels and enable noise cancellation
- Update your audio drivers through HP Support or Device Manager
In cases where you’re dealing with a noisy environment or need studio-quality input, consider using an external microphone or headset. However, for daily Zoom meetings and voice notes, the built-in microphones on the Spectre x360 are more than capable.
Why You Might Not See the Microphone Right Away
The aesthetic minimalism of modern ultrabooks means components are often stealthily integrated. This is true for the HP Spectre x360. Rather than drawing attention to themselves, the microphones are subtly embedded in the black strip of the bezel. They are nearly invisible to the naked eye, especially if you’re not actively looking for them.
Sometimes users mistake the mics as dust or design seams. They’re that subtle. If you use your system in low-light environments, even spotting them near the webcam can take a moment. However, rest assured: the engineers at HP placed them there deliberately to ensure maximum clarity and functionality.
Security Features to Consider
Modern HP Spectre models may feature a physical webcam kill switch or an integrated privacy shutter. While this is primarily for camera privacy, it’s crucial to note that toggling or closing these covers may inadvertently impact the microphone if not aware of their placement or dual integration.
If you’re experiencing complete microphone silence or no input detection, double-check if:
- The physical camera shutter is engaged
- Your microphone access is blocked by privacy settings (Settings > Privacy > Microphone)
Conclusion
Understanding where your laptop’s microphone is located may seem minor, but it has practical value for day-to-day usage. On the HP Spectre x360, the microphones are delicately placed along the top bezel of the screen, typically on either side of the webcam. This central, elevated position helps capture accurate sound regardless of how you’re using the device — whether in laptop, stand, or tablet mode.
With this knowledge, you can better manage your device’s audio input for everything from virtual meetings to voice recordings. Plus, if you’re ever troubleshooting audio problems, knowing exactly where to look gives you a leg up in resolving them faster.
Stay tuned for more guides and tutorials to help you get the most from your HP devices.
