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How to Use Earbuds as Microphones

You might not be aware of just how similar headphones and microphones are. Headphones produce acoustic waves, but they can also pick up sound in the same way microphones do. Earbuds and microphones are both transducers, and while earbud headphones have not been designed to be used in place of high-quality microphones, they can perform the same function. Knowing how to use earbuds in place of a microphone is a useful if you want to record or amplify sound but don't own a microphone.

Things You'll Need

  • Earbuds
  • Computer or amplifier
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Instructions

    • 1

      Plug your earbud headphones into a port where a microphone is normally inserted. You can plug your earbuds into your computer's microphone or line-in jacks, an amplifier or an external audio interface.

    • 2

      Turn on the amplifier that you will use to amplify your voice, or turn on your computer's speakers and open a software program to record sound from your earbuds. You may use audio software programs such as Pro Tools, Audacity or Windows Sound Recorder. To access Sound Recorder using Windows 7, go to "Start," select "All Programs," then "Accessories" and finally "Sound Recorder."

    • 3

      Speak into the left channel of the earbuds to test the sound signal. Only the left channel is able to be used as a microphone. Look for a small "L" written on the side of one of the earbuds.

    • 4

      Record or amplifier your voice holding the earbuds close to your mouth.

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