This article explains how Bluetooth devices work generally and how they work with Krisp.
How do Bluetooth devices work in general?
Generally, Bluetooth headsets are two-channel devices. When listening to music, for example, you use the device as a speaker only. This means that both of the channels are assigned to the speakers and the sound can be in stereo.
The Bluetooth microphone itself is generally a mono device. Whenever the Bluetooth headset microphone is used, one of the channels gets assigned to it. This means both the speaker and the microphone will be in mono.
How do Bluetooth devices work with Krisp?
First, let's talk about Bluetooth devices working with Mac devices without Krisp.
When you use the speakers only, the sound is stereo, the moment you start using the Bluetooth microphone, both the microphone and the speaker become mono automatically. If the microphone stops being used, the speakers go stereo again. This usually goes unnoticed, as you don't talk and listen at the same time.
Now let's add Krisp to this.
If you have your Bluetooth microphone and speaker both selected in the Krisp app, they will always work in mono. Also, take into account that the voice quality you get through the speakers will be 16000hz maximum. This is the case with AirPods Pro, for example, when the speakers themselves support HD voice, but not when used with Krisp. In any case, this shouldn't change your experience noticeably.
First, let's talk about the Bluetooth headsets working with Windows 10 devices without Krisp.
Any Bluetooth headset connected to a Windows 10 device appears in two versions:
- Headphones (Stereo)
- Headset (Hands-Free AG Audio)
The Headphone (Stereo) version allows you to use the headset as a speaker only and get stereo sound. If you intend to use both the microphone and speakers of the device, the Headset (Hands-Free AG Audio) version should be selected for both. The incoming and outgoing sounds will be in mono. If you leave the speakers on the Headphone version, you will be able to use the headset microphone, but won't hear through its speakers.
Now let's add Krisp to this.
If you want to use the Headset version as a microphone and speaker with Krisp, you should select the Headset version for both devices in the Krisp app.
If you want to select the Headphones version as a speaker, make sure to select the built-in or another non-Bluetooth device as a microphone.
However, keep in my mind that Krisp doesn’t support stereo sound.
Krisp automatically chooses the Headphone version as a speaker, when it’s available. If not, Krisp automatically switches to the Headset version. This way, Krisp assures that the best available Bluetooth profile of the device is chosen.