Super Serious Question: How to make sure new headphones don't come with a microphone?

[BeautifulWoman_1984]

Hey guys,

Sorry to be making a new thread but this is a serious question for me.

I just bought some new 3.5mm jack wired headphones from my local Target. However, I just opened them up and it says there is a microphone inside it. I'm very scared of being recorded while I'm using my headphones with my computer.

I want to buy some new 3.5mm jack wired headphones and I'm thinking of using Amazon.com this time.

How can I make sure that the new 3.5mm jack wired headphones I buy don't have a microphone inside?

Thank you for any advice!

 

[Allyance]

Stereo headphones for music use the 3.5 plug, that should have 3 points of contact; tip, ring and sleeve for left signal, right signal and common. If the headphones have 2 rings, then they might have an addition conductor for a microphone. Headphones that have one earpiece and a boom mic are for communications and would have the tip, ring sleeve, one connection for earpiece and one connection for mic and the sleeve is a common.

Typical stereo headset with 3.5 mm and 1/4" adapter. No mic.

 

[DeltaMac]

Here's a Sony-brand headphone - specifically states in the specs "No built-in microphone"

Sony ZX Series Wired On Ear Headphones - (MDR-ZX110)

Read reviews and buy Sony ZX Series Wired On Ear Headphones - (MDR-ZX110) at Target. Choose from contactless Same Day Delivery, Drive Up and more.

www.target.com

That appears to be stocked by Target, maybe available in your local store.

I'd like to give you a bit of assurance... Not every headphone that has a microphone provide any kind of output beyond the headphone itself. For example, the mic may be used as part of a noise-cancelling tech, which lots of headphones provide.

 

[BeautifulWoman_1984]

Thank you for your replies!

Here's a Sony-brand headphone - specifically states in the specs "No built-in microphone"

Sony ZX Series Wired On Ear Headphones - (MDR-ZX110)

Read reviews and buy Sony ZX Series Wired On Ear Headphones - (MDR-ZX110) at Target. Choose from contactless Same Day Delivery, Drive Up and more.

www.target.com

That appears to be stocked by Target, maybe available in your local store.

I'd like to give you a bit of assurance... Not every headphone that has a microphone provide any kind of output beyond the headphone itself. For example, the mic may be used as part of a noise-cancelling tech, which lots of headphones provide.

Are there any other headphones you can recommend like from Amazon? I'm looking to buy something within the $30-$60 range.

 

[DeltaMac]

I don't really have a recommendation, as such. It's been a long time since I last purchased headphones. (I mean that, I bought the Sony headphones, that I still use daily, in 1983. Amazingly (to me) I actually found my original receipt Sony MDR-V6, $88 @ Sears, if you are curious)

But, I did a quick look around at Amazon, searching for headphones without mic, and I would likely go for this one

OneOdio Wired Over Ear Headphones Studio Monitor & Mixing DJ Stereo Headsets with 50mm Neodymium Drivers and 1/4 to 3.5mm Jack for AMP Computer Recording Podcast Keyboard Guitar Laptop - Black

OneOdio Wired Over Ear Headphones Studio Monitor & Mixing DJ Stereo Headsets with 50mm Neodymium Drivers and 1/4 to 3.5mm Jack for AMP Computer Recording Podcast Keyboard Guitar Laptop - Black

smile.amazon.com

note that even though I chose to search for those without a microphone, and this was at the top of the list, even that one has a microphone on the cord. If you are completely against getting one with a built-in mic (and I do sorta understand), then you would look at another. But, that one I linked is not a built-in mic, and the microphone could certainly be "sealed away" with a bit of foam/tape/wrap/etc, so unlikely for any kind of recordable audio to get through.

 

[arw]

Or, you could just keep the headphones and simply use an extension cable/adapter with only 3 contacts so the microphone line isn't connected to your computer/device anymore.

3.5mm Male to Female Extension Stereo Audio Cable 1.5 ft,Yeung Qee AUX Headphone Extension Cable 3.5mm Male to 3.5mm Female Headphone Auxiliary Extension Adapter Cable (1.5FT/0.5m)

Plug & Play: Ready to use, once each end is connected to its respective port on a compatible device. Important Note This 3.5mm male to female audio cable Does Not support Microphone. Specification Premium quality metal connectors: straight head Stereo Jack 3.5 mm male to female. 24K Gold plated p...

www.amazon.com

Unfortunately, if your headphones have control buttons (play/pause/volume etc.) those also won't work anymore.

 

[BeautifulWoman_1984]

I don't really have a recommendation, as such. It's been a long time since I last purchased headphones. (I mean that, I bought the Sony headphones, that I still use daily, in 1983. Amazingly (to me) I actually found my original receipt Sony MDR-V6, $88 @ Sears, if you are curious)

But, I did a quick look around at Amazon, searching for headphones without mic, and I would likely go for this one

OneOdio Wired Over Ear Headphones Studio Monitor & Mixing DJ Stereo Headsets with 50mm Neodymium Drivers and 1/4 to 3.5mm Jack for AMP Computer Recording Podcast Keyboard Guitar Laptop - Black

OneOdio Wired Over Ear Headphones Studio Monitor & Mixing DJ Stereo Headsets with 50mm Neodymium Drivers and 1/4 to 3.5mm Jack for AMP Computer Recording Podcast Keyboard Guitar Laptop - Black

smile.amazon.com

note that even though I chose to search for those without a microphone, and this was at the top of the list, even that one has a microphone on the cord. If you are completely against getting one with a built-in mic (and I do sorta understand), then you would look at another. But, that one I linked is not a built-in mic, and the microphone could certainly be "sealed away" with a bit of foam/tape/wrap/etc, so unlikely for any kind of recordable audio to get through.

Thank you for your reply!

I'm looking at your link now and it seems great, but it says it has bluetooth technology which is something I definitely don't want...

 

[DeltaMac]

Those headphones are wired! There is nothing wireless or bluetooth related.
I checked in the manufacturer's user guide for those 'phones. Bluetooth, or anything wireless related is not there.
Just an error in Amazon's description, there's no bluetooth at all (definitely not in $30 cans!)

 

[BeautifulWoman_1984]

Those headphones are wired! There is nothing wireless or bluetooth related.
I checked in the manufacturer's user guide for those 'phones. Bluetooth, or anything wireless related is not there.
Just an error in Amazon's description, there's no bluetooth at all (definitely not in $30 cans!)

That's strange because the website definitely says to me:
"Wireless Communication Technology: bluetooth"

 

[DeltaMac]

Ah, OK.
I just went back to that same exact link. same page , about an hour after your last post -- Amazon NOW shows Connectivity Technology: Wired for the connection. No trace of the word "bluetooth" now. Huh (?)

The point that I ws trying to make is that the headphones, in this case, are wired, and don't have any mention of any wireless tech. It's only what Amazon has posted that leaves a question, not at the manufacturer's web site.
And now, it has randomly changed on Amazon to what I think is the real information.
I don't explain it - I just see it...

If you get nervous about what Amazon does, maybe you might want to go with a specialist in that type of gear, like zZounds.com - or sweetwater.com

 

[BeautifulWoman_1984]

Ah, OK.
I just went back to that same exact link. same page , about an hour after your last post -- Amazon NOW shows Connectivity Technology: Wired for the connection. No trace of the word "bluetooth" now. Huh (?)

The point that I ws trying to make is that the headphones, in this case, are wired, and don't have any mention of any wireless tech. It's only what Amazon has posted that leaves a question, not at the manufacturer's web site.
And now, it has randomly changed on Amazon to what I think is the real information.
I don't explain it - I just see it...

If you get nervous about what Amazon does, maybe you might want to go with a specialist in that type of gear, like zZounds.com - or sweetwater.com

Thank you for your reply!


I just re-checked your Amazon link again and it says this also with the mention of a wireless microphone:
"Most users do not need a license to operate this wireless microphone system. Nevertheless, operating this microphone system without a license is subject to certain restrictions: the system may not cause harmful interference; it must operate at a low power level; and it has no protection from interference received from any other device. Purchasers should also be aware that the FCC is currently evaluating use of wireless microphone systems, and these rules are subject to change. For more information, call the FCC at 1-888- CALL-FCC (TTY: 1-888-TELL-FCC) or visit the FCC’s wireless microphone website at https://www.fcc.gov/cgb/wirelessmicrophones."

It'd be great if I could view a selection of headphones that were wired and didn't include a microphone. I'm looking at the other links you gave: zzsounds.com and sweetwater.com

EDIT:
I just checked your https://www.zzounds.com/cat--Closed-Back-Headphones-Studio-and-Audiophile link and it says that page no longer exists.

 

[DeltaMac]

Looks like Amazon provides some "boilerplate", as the headphones are clearly not wireless.

I have no idea why the zzounds web site changed the link, but microphones are certainly still offered for sale.
current link appears to be https://www.zzounds.com/cat--Closed...ophile--4730?leiw=search-breadcrumb-container

I think the simple answer for you would be to get headphones that don't have a microphone. Appparently some have a microphone that is part of the cable.
Looks like if there is a microphone, it is mentioned in the tech information somewhere. You just have to look for any mention, then don't get that one if it has a microphone listed.
But, some of those specialist suppliers have pretty good customer support (varies, of course, like most places that sell the things that you want to buy.)
You have a question about microphones that a specialist site should be able to support with a correct answer.
Try giving someplace like Sweetwater a call

 

[Mr_Brightside_@]

Super serious answer:

Original  APPLE Earbuds White - NEW - from iPod Genuine | eBay

Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for Original  APPLE Earbuds White - NEW - from iPod Genuine at the best online prices at eBay! Free shipping for many products!

www.ebay.ca

the iPod ones don’t have em

 

[jb502]

Hey guys,

Sorry to be making a new thread but this is a serious question for me.

I just bought some new 3.5mm jack wired headphones from my local Target. However, I just opened them up and it says there is a microphone inside it. I'm very scared of being recorded while I'm using my headphones with my computer.

I want to buy some new 3.5mm jack wired headphones and I'm thinking of using Amazon.com this time.

How can I make sure that the new 3.5mm jack wired headphones I buy don't have a microphone inside?

Thank you for any advice!

Don't forget about the mic built into your laptop and your phone then. And you tv's, and your amazon devices.

 

[BeautifulWoman_1984]

Appparently some have a microphone that is part of the cable.
Looks like if there is a microphone, it is mentioned in the tech information somewhere. You just have to look for any mention, then don't get that one if it has a microphone listed.

Thank you for your reply!

I've been doing a lot of searching for headphones without an "inbuilt microphone" as you say "apparently some have a microphone that is part of the cable"...

I'm finding it very hard to find headphones that I can be 100% certain don't have a microphone attached... 😭😭😭

 

[BeautifulWoman_1984]

Don't forget about the mic built into your laptop and your phone then. And you tv's, and your amazon devices.

Thank you for your reply!

You're correct about the microphones being built into laptops/tablets etc but I can easily disable these from within Windows 10 or MacOSX...

 

[I7guy]

Thank you for your reply!

You're correct about the microphones being built into laptops/tablets etc but I can easily disable these from within Windows 10 or MacOSX...

Why can’t you disable the mic from a set of wired headphones the same way?

 

[stiligFox]

What's your price range? I'd recommend Audio-Technica ATH-M50X if you're looking for great audio quality around the $160 range. I have them, and they DO not come with a microphone. Just need to get the wired versions. I use mine for monitoring my audio while I'm streaming!

 

[BeautifulWoman_1984]

Why can’t you disable the mic from a set of wired headphones the same way?

Thank you for your reply!

Laptops/tablets with in-built microphones are different.

I just want to buy a set of headphones that do not have any form of microphone so I don't need to worry about turning the microphone off.

What's your price range? I'd recommend Audio-Technica ATH-M50X if you're looking for great audio quality around the $160 range. I have them, and they DO not come with a microphone. Just need to get the wired versions. I use mine for monitoring my audio while I'm streaming!

Thank you for your reply!

My range would be something less than $80!

EDIT:
It'd be great if people could post links with headphones that 100% do not contain any microphones so I can see what headphones are available to me.

 

[arw]

It'd be great if people could post links with headphones that 100% do not contain any microphones so I can see what headphones are available to me.

What about just picking/keeping ANY headphones you like and connecting them via a 3-pin adapter/cable like I suggested in post #6?
This way you have your 100% certainty and can focus on actual features/sound/models/price.

 

[DeltaMac]

Another thing to look for in a wired headphone will be the 3-contact connector. If there are only 3 contacts on the connector, you have headphones, no microphone possible.

A microphone needs a connection for the microphone to work, so if the plug has 4 contacts, then you can assume that headphone has a microphone.

The 3-pin extension suggestion is a good one. You end up with only the audio out, even if the headphones have a mic built-in. No connection, no recording possible - at least through those headphones...

 

[BeautifulWoman_1984]

What about just picking/keeping ANY headphones you like and connecting them via a 3-pin adapter/cable like I suggested in post #6?
This way you have your 100% certainty and can focus on actual features/sound/models/price.

Another thing to look for in a wired headphone will be the 3-contact connector. If there are only 3 contacts on the connector, you have headphones, no microphone possible.

A microphone needs a connection for the microphone to work, so if the plug has 4 contacts, then you can assume that headphone has a microphone.

The 3-pin extension suggestion is a good one. You end up with only the audio out, even if the headphones have a mic built-in. No connection, no recording possible - at least through those headphones...

Thank you for your replies!

I appreciate you explaining to me how the microphone works, but I just really want there to be no microphone present so I don't need to worry about it.

 

[BeautifulWoman_1984]

The only other feature I want is the headphones to be wired as I'm trying to stay away from wireless headphones as much as possible.

 

[stiligFox]

For the $80 range then, I'd recommend the M30x.

Audio-Technica ATH-M30x Professional Studio Monitor Headphones, Black

The M-Series ATH-M30x professional monitor headphones combine modern engineering and high-quality materials to deliver a comfortable listening experience, with enhanced audio clarity and sound isolation. Tuned for highly detailed audio, with strong mid-range definition, These versatile monitoring...

www.amazon.com

On sale right now for $80, and definitely no microphone or remote or anything, they'll sound good, and are 100% wired only.

Your other option would be the M20x for $50. Same deal - wired only, no microphone, etc, but not quite as premium as the M30x.

I've owned several wired only, no mic Audio-Technica headphones and they're my go to always for listening to music. Good all around sound and comfortable to boot. Granted, that's my experience - yours may be different.

 

[BeautifulWoman_1984]

For the $80 range then, I'd recommend the M30x.

Audio-Technica ATH-M30x Professional Studio Monitor Headphones, Black

The M-Series ATH-M30x professional monitor headphones combine modern engineering and high-quality materials to deliver a comfortable listening experience, with enhanced audio clarity and sound isolation. Tuned for highly detailed audio, with strong mid-range definition, These versatile monitoring...

www.amazon.com

On sale right now for $80, and definitely no microphone or remote or anything, they'll sound good, and are 100% wired only.

Your other option would be the M20x for $50. Same deal - wired only, no microphone, etc, but not quite as premium as the M30x.

I've owned several wired only, no mic Audio-Technica headphones and they're my go to always for listening to music. Good all around sound and comfortable to boot. Granted, that's my experience - yours may be different.

Thank you for your reply!

That set of headphones looks great, but the price is a bit too much for me. Is there another set of headphones that you could recommend that are considered premium but better value for money? Also, that shipping rate is a killer to Australia.