Bluetooth headphones microphone not working correctly

Hello Manjaro Community,

I need your help with my issue about the microphone/audio input of my wireless headphones (Philips UH202).

The issue appeared after I fixed another issue which was the headphones were not connecting via Bluetooth. This Bluetooth issue arised after the latest updates, and I did this to fix it:

  • I switched from PulseAudio to PipeWire (as advised e.g. in this post).
  • I downgraded bluez from 5.83 to 5.79 (similarly like advised here).

After these steps, the headphones are connecting properly and audio output is working (I can hear the music), but turned out than the headphones built-in microphone is not working.

Instead, I can slightly hear my voice through a lot of noises from the laptop built-in microphone and not from the headphones mic.

What I observed is that previously it was enough to have Internal Microphone - Built-in Audio set as Input Device, but now this is not working.
And if I switch to second option Handsfree - Philips UH202, then the sound coming from mic is very mumbled and almost not able to be heard, and the audio output quality goes down drastically too.

Here are outputs of some useful commands, but let me know if you need some more info from me.

❯ cat /etc/*-release
Manjaro Linux
DISTRIB_ID="ManjaroLinux"
DISTRIB_RELEASE="25.0.6"
DISTRIB_CODENAME="Zetar"
DISTRIB_DESCRIPTION="Manjaro Linux"
Manjaro Linux
NAME="Manjaro Linux"
PRETTY_NAME="Manjaro Linux"
ID=manjaro
ID_LIKE=arch
BUILD_ID=rolling
ANSI_COLOR="32;1;24;144;200"
HOME_URL="https://manjaro.org/"
DOCUMENTATION_URL="https://wiki.manjaro.org/"
SUPPORT_URL="https://forum.manjaro.org/"
BUG_REPORT_URL="https://manjaro.org/help/"
PRIVACY_POLICY_URL="https://manjaro.org/privacy-policy/"
LOGO=manjarolinux
❯ inxi -vSAEazy                 
System:
  Kernel: 5.15.189-1-MANJARO arch: x86_64 bits: 64 compiler: gcc v: 15.1.1
    clocksource: tsc avail: hpet,acpi_pm
    parameters: BOOT_IMAGE=/boot/vmlinuz-5.15-x86_64
    root=UUID=aa888284-b24b-47f9-ab34-1d1b1d216658 rw quiet apparmor=1
    security=apparmor resume=UUID=0558fb8a-2495-4190-b6ae-883c75ac851d
    udev.log_priority=3 DEEPIN_GFXMODE=
  Desktop: GNOME v: 48.3 tk: GTK v: 3.24.49 wm: gnome-shell
    tools: gsd-screensaver-proxy dm: GDM v: 48.0 Distro: Manjaro base: Arch Linux
Audio:
  Device-1: Intel Comet Lake PCH cAVS vendor: Micro-Star MSI
    driver: snd_hda_intel v: kernel alternate: snd_soc_skl,snd_sof_pci_intel_cnl
    bus-ID: 00:1f.3 chip-ID: 8086:06c8 class-ID: 0403
  API: ALSA v: k5.15.189-1-MANJARO status: kernel-api with: aoss
    type: oss-emulator tools: alsactl,alsamixer,amixer
  Server-1: sndiod v: N/A status: off tools: aucat,midicat,sndioctl
  Server-2: PipeWire v: 1.4.6 status: active with: 1: pipewire-pulse
    status: active 2: pipewire-media-session status: active 3: pipewire-alsa
    type: plugin 4: pw-jack type: plugin tools: pactl,pw-cat,pw-cli
Bluetooth:
  Device-1: Intel AX201 Bluetooth driver: btusb v: 0.8 type: USB rev: 2.0
    speed: 12 Mb/s lanes: 1 mode: 1.1 bus-ID: 1-14:5 chip-ID: 8087:0026
    class-ID: e001
  Report: btmgmt ID: hci0 rfk-id: 0 state: up address: N/A
❯ pacman -Q sof-firmware alsa-utils alsa-tools pipewire pipewire-{alsa,jack,media-session,pulse}
sof-firmware 2025.05-1
alsa-utils 1.2.14-1
alsa-tools 1.2.14-1
pipewire 1:1.4.6-1
pipewire-alsa 1:1.4.6-1
pipewire-jack 1:1.4.6-1
pipewire-media-session 1:0.4.2-3
pipewire-pulse 1:1.4.6-1
❯ pactl list cards                                                                                  
Card #41
	Name: alsa_card.pci-0000_00_1f.3
	Driver: alsa
	Owner Module: n/a
	Properties:
		device.enum.api = "udev"
		device.api = "alsa"
		media.class = "Audio/Device"
		api.alsa.path = "hw:0"
		api.alsa.card = "0"
		api.alsa.card.name = "HDA Intel PCH"
		api.alsa.card.longname = "HDA Intel PCH at 0xc4410000 irq 155"
		device.plugged.usec = "2939001"
		device.bus_path = "pci-0000:00:1f.3"
		sysfs.path = "/devices/pci0000:00/0000:00:1f.3/sound/card0"
		device.bus = "pci"
		device.subsystem = "sound"
		device.vendor.id = "0x8086"
		device.vendor.name = "Intel Corporation"
		device.product.id = "0x06c8"
		device.product.name = "Comet Lake PCH cAVS"
		device.form_factor = "internal"
		device.name = "alsa_card.pci-0000_00_1f.3"
		device.description = "Built-in Audio"
		device.nick = "HDA Intel PCH"
		device.icon_name = "audio-card-pci"
		api.alsa.use-acp = "true"
		api.acp.auto-profile = "false"
		api.acp.auto-port = "false"
		api.dbus.ReserveDevice1 = "Audio0"
		factory.id = "15"
		client.id = "32"
		object.id = "41"
		object.serial = "41"
		object.path = "alsa:acp:PCH"
		alsa.card = "0"
		alsa.card_name = "HDA Intel PCH"
		alsa.long_card_name = "HDA Intel PCH at 0xc4410000 irq 155"
		alsa.driver_name = "snd_hda_intel"
		alsa.mixer_name = "Realtek ALC233"
		alsa.components = "HDA:10ec0235,146212bb,00100002 HDA:8086280b,80860101,00100000"
		alsa.id = "PCH"
		device.string = "0"
	Profiles:
		off: Off (sinks: 0, sources: 0, priority: 0, available: yes)
		output:analog-stereo+input:analog-stereo: Analog Stereo Duplex (sinks: 1, sources: 1, priority: 6565, available: yes)
		output:analog-stereo: Analog Stereo Output (sinks: 1, sources: 0, priority: 6500, available: yes)
		output:hdmi-stereo+input:analog-stereo: Digital Stereo (HDMI) Output + Analog Stereo Input (sinks: 1, sources: 1, priority: 5965, available: no)
		output:hdmi-stereo: Digital Stereo (HDMI) Output (sinks: 1, sources: 0, priority: 5900, available: no)
		output:hdmi-stereo-extra1+input:analog-stereo: Digital Stereo (HDMI 2) Output + Analog Stereo Input (sinks: 1, sources: 1, priority: 5765, available: no)
		output:hdmi-stereo-extra2+input:analog-stereo: Digital Stereo (HDMI 3) Output + Analog Stereo Input (sinks: 1, sources: 1, priority: 5765, available: no)
		output:hdmi-stereo-extra3+input:analog-stereo: Digital Stereo (HDMI 4) Output + Analog Stereo Input (sinks: 1, sources: 1, priority: 5765, available: no)
		output:hdmi-stereo-extra4+input:analog-stereo: Digital Stereo (HDMI 5) Output + Analog Stereo Input (sinks: 1, sources: 1, priority: 5765, available: no)
		output:hdmi-stereo-extra1: Digital Stereo (HDMI 2) Output (sinks: 1, sources: 0, priority: 5700, available: no)
		output:hdmi-stereo-extra2: Digital Stereo (HDMI 3) Output (sinks: 1, sources: 0, priority: 5700, available: no)
		output:hdmi-stereo-extra3: Digital Stereo (HDMI 4) Output (sinks: 1, sources: 0, priority: 5700, available: no)
		output:hdmi-stereo-extra4: Digital Stereo (HDMI 5) Output (sinks: 1, sources: 0, priority: 5700, available: no)
		output:hdmi-surround+input:analog-stereo: Digital Surround 5.1 (HDMI) Output + Analog Stereo Input (sinks: 1, sources: 1, priority: 865, available: no)
		output:hdmi-surround71+input:analog-stereo: Digital Surround 7.1 (HDMI) Output + Analog Stereo Input (sinks: 1, sources: 1, priority: 865, available: no)
		output:hdmi-surround: Digital Surround 5.1 (HDMI) Output (sinks: 1, sources: 0, priority: 800, available: no)
		output:hdmi-surround71: Digital Surround 7.1 (HDMI) Output (sinks: 1, sources: 0, priority: 800, available: no)
		output:hdmi-surround-extra1+input:analog-stereo: Digital Surround 5.1 (HDMI 2) Output + Analog Stereo Input (sinks: 1, sources: 1, priority: 665, available: no)
		output:hdmi-surround71-extra1+input:analog-stereo: Digital Surround 7.1 (HDMI 2) Output + Analog Stereo Input (sinks: 1, sources: 1, priority: 665, available: no)
		output:hdmi-surround-extra2+input:analog-stereo: Digital Surround 5.1 (HDMI 3) Output + Analog Stereo Input (sinks: 1, sources: 1, priority: 665, available: no)
		output:hdmi-surround71-extra2+input:analog-stereo: Digital Surround 7.1 (HDMI 3) Output + Analog Stereo Input (sinks: 1, sources: 1, priority: 665, available: no)
		output:hdmi-surround-extra3+input:analog-stereo: Digital Surround 5.1 (HDMI 4) Output + Analog Stereo Input (sinks: 1, sources: 1, priority: 665, available: no)
		output:hdmi-surround71-extra3+input:analog-stereo: Digital Surround 7.1 (HDMI 4) Output + Analog Stereo Input (sinks: 1, sources: 1, priority: 665, available: no)
		output:hdmi-surround-extra4+input:analog-stereo: Digital Surround 5.1 (HDMI 5) Output + Analog Stereo Input (sinks: 1, sources: 1, priority: 665, available: no)
		output:hdmi-surround71-extra4+input:analog-stereo: Digital Surround 7.1 (HDMI 5) Output + Analog Stereo Input (sinks: 1, sources: 1, priority: 665, available: no)
		output:hdmi-surround-extra1: Digital Surround 5.1 (HDMI 2) Output (sinks: 1, sources: 0, priority: 600, available: no)
		output:hdmi-surround71-extra1: Digital Surround 7.1 (HDMI 2) Output (sinks: 1, sources: 0, priority: 600, available: no)
		output:hdmi-surround-extra2: Digital Surround 5.1 (HDMI 3) Output (sinks: 1, sources: 0, priority: 600, available: no)
		output:hdmi-surround71-extra2: Digital Surround 7.1 (HDMI 3) Output (sinks: 1, sources: 0, priority: 600, available: no)
		output:hdmi-surround-extra3: Digital Surround 5.1 (HDMI 4) Output (sinks: 1, sources: 0, priority: 600, available: no)
		output:hdmi-surround71-extra3: Digital Surround 7.1 (HDMI 4) Output (sinks: 1, sources: 0, priority: 600, available: no)
		output:hdmi-surround-extra4: Digital Surround 5.1 (HDMI 5) Output (sinks: 1, sources: 0, priority: 600, available: no)
		output:hdmi-surround71-extra4: Digital Surround 7.1 (HDMI 5) Output (sinks: 1, sources: 0, priority: 600, available: no)
		input:analog-stereo: Analog Stereo Input (sinks: 0, sources: 1, priority: 65, available: yes)
		pro-audio: Pro Audio (sinks: 6, sources: 1, priority: 1, available: yes)
	Active Profile: output:analog-stereo+input:analog-stereo
	Ports:
		analog-input-internal-mic: Internal Microphone (type: Mic, priority: 8900, latency offset: 0 usec, availability group: Legacy 1, availability unknown)
			Properties:
				port.type = "mic"
				port.availability-group = "Legacy 1"
				device.icon_name = "audio-input-microphone"
				card.profile.port = "0"
			Part of profile(s): input:analog-stereo, output:analog-stereo+input:analog-stereo, output:hdmi-stereo+input:analog-stereo, output:hdmi-surround+input:analog-stereo, output:hdmi-surround71+input:analog-stereo, output:hdmi-stereo-extra1+input:analog-stereo, output:hdmi-surround-extra1+input:analog-stereo, output:hdmi-surround71-extra1+input:analog-stereo, output:hdmi-stereo-extra2+input:analog-stereo, output:hdmi-surround-extra2+input:analog-stereo, output:hdmi-surround71-extra2+input:analog-stereo, output:hdmi-stereo-extra3+input:analog-stereo, output:hdmi-surround-extra3+input:analog-stereo, output:hdmi-surround71-extra3+input:analog-stereo, output:hdmi-stereo-extra4+input:analog-stereo, output:hdmi-surround-extra4+input:analog-stereo, output:hdmi-surround71-extra4+input:analog-stereo
		analog-input-mic: Microphone (type: Mic, priority: 8700, latency offset: 0 usec, availability group: Legacy 2, not available)
			Properties:
				port.type = "mic"
				port.availability-group = "Legacy 2"
				device.icon_name = "audio-input-microphone"
				card.profile.port = "1"
			Part of profile(s): input:analog-stereo, output:analog-stereo+input:analog-stereo, output:hdmi-stereo+input:analog-stereo, output:hdmi-surround+input:analog-stereo, output:hdmi-surround71+input:analog-stereo, output:hdmi-stereo-extra1+input:analog-stereo, output:hdmi-surround-extra1+input:analog-stereo, output:hdmi-surround71-extra1+input:analog-stereo, output:hdmi-stereo-extra2+input:analog-stereo, output:hdmi-surround-extra2+input:analog-stereo, output:hdmi-surround71-extra2+input:analog-stereo, output:hdmi-stereo-extra3+input:analog-stereo, output:hdmi-surround-extra3+input:analog-stereo, output:hdmi-surround71-extra3+input:analog-stereo, output:hdmi-stereo-extra4+input:analog-stereo, output:hdmi-surround-extra4+input:analog-stereo, output:hdmi-surround71-extra4+input:analog-stereo
		analog-output-speaker: Speakers (type: Speaker, priority: 10000, latency offset: 0 usec, availability group: Legacy 3, availability unknown)
			Properties:
				port.type = "speaker"
				port.availability-group = "Legacy 3"
				device.icon_name = "audio-speakers"
				card.profile.port = "2"
			Part of profile(s): output:analog-stereo, output:analog-stereo+input:analog-stereo
		analog-output-headphones: Headphones (type: Headphones, priority: 9900, latency offset: 0 usec, availability group: Legacy 4, not available)
			Properties:
				port.type = "headphones"
				port.availability-group = "Legacy 4"
				device.icon_name = "audio-headphones"
				card.profile.port = "3"
			Part of profile(s): output:analog-stereo, output:analog-stereo+input:analog-stereo
		hdmi-output-0: HDMI / DisplayPort (type: HDMI, priority: 5900, latency offset: 0 usec, availability group: Legacy 5, not available)
			Properties:
				port.type = "hdmi"
				port.availability-group = "Legacy 5"
				device.icon_name = "video-display"
				card.profile.port = "4"
			Part of profile(s): output:hdmi-stereo, output:hdmi-stereo+input:analog-stereo, output:hdmi-surround, output:hdmi-surround+input:analog-stereo, output:hdmi-surround71, output:hdmi-surround71+input:analog-stereo
		hdmi-output-1: HDMI / DisplayPort 2 (type: HDMI, priority: 5800, latency offset: 0 usec, availability group: Legacy 6, not available)
			Properties:
				port.type = "hdmi"
				port.availability-group = "Legacy 6"
				device.icon_name = "video-display"
				card.profile.port = "5"
			Part of profile(s): output:hdmi-stereo-extra1, output:hdmi-stereo-extra1+input:analog-stereo, output:hdmi-surround-extra1, output:hdmi-surround-extra1+input:analog-stereo, output:hdmi-surround71-extra1, output:hdmi-surround71-extra1+input:analog-stereo
		hdmi-output-2: HDMI / DisplayPort 3 (type: HDMI, priority: 5700, latency offset: 0 usec, availability group: Legacy 7, not available)
			Properties:
				port.type = "hdmi"
				port.availability-group = "Legacy 7"
				device.icon_name = "video-display"
				card.profile.port = "6"
			Part of profile(s): output:hdmi-stereo-extra2, output:hdmi-stereo-extra2+input:analog-stereo, output:hdmi-surround-extra2, output:hdmi-surround-extra2+input:analog-stereo, output:hdmi-surround71-extra2, output:hdmi-surround71-extra2+input:analog-stereo
		hdmi-output-3: HDMI / DisplayPort 4 (type: HDMI, priority: 5600, latency offset: 0 usec, availability group: Legacy 8, not available)
			Properties:
				port.type = "hdmi"
				port.availability-group = "Legacy 8"
				device.icon_name = "video-display"
				card.profile.port = "7"
			Part of profile(s): output:hdmi-stereo-extra3, output:hdmi-stereo-extra3+input:analog-stereo, output:hdmi-surround-extra3, output:hdmi-surround-extra3+input:analog-stereo, output:hdmi-surround71-extra3, output:hdmi-surround71-extra3+input:analog-stereo
		hdmi-output-4: HDMI / DisplayPort 5 (type: HDMI, priority: 5500, latency offset: 0 usec, availability group: Legacy 9, not available)
			Properties:
				port.type = "hdmi"
				port.availability-group = "Legacy 9"
				device.icon_name = "video-display"
				card.profile.port = "8"
			Part of profile(s): output:hdmi-stereo-extra4, output:hdmi-stereo-extra4+input:analog-stereo, output:hdmi-surround-extra4, output:hdmi-surround-extra4+input:analog-stereo, output:hdmi-surround71-extra4, output:hdmi-surround71-extra4+input:analog-stereo

Card #496
	Name: bluez_card.4C_65_A8_97_34_C8
	Driver: module-bluez5-device.c
	Owner Module: n/a
	Properties:
		device.api = "bluez5"
		device.bus = "bluetooth"
		media.class = "Audio/Device"
		device.name = "bluez_card.4C_65_A8_97_34_C8"
		device.description = "Philips UH202"
		device.alias = "Philips UH202"
		device.form_factor = "headset"
		device.string = "4C:65:A8:97:34:C8"
		api.bluez5.icon = "audio-headset"
		api.bluez5.path = "/org/bluez/hci0/dev_4C_65_A8_97_34_C8"
		api.bluez5.address = "4C:65:A8:97:34:C8"
		api.bluez5.device = ""
		api.bluez5.class = "0x240404"
		api.bluez5.connection = "connected"
		device.icon_name = "audio-headset-bluetooth"
		bluez5.auto-connect = "[ hfp_hf hsp_hs a2dp_sink ]"
		factory.id = "15"
		client.id = "32"
		object.id = "63"
		object.serial = "496"
	Profiles:
		off: Off (sinks: 0, sources: 0, priority: 0, available: yes)
		a2dp-sink: High Fidelity Playback (A2DP Sink, codec SBC) (sinks: 1, sources: 0, priority: 18, available: yes)
		a2dp-sink-sbc_xq: High Fidelity Playback (A2DP Sink, codec SBC-XQ) (sinks: 1, sources: 0, priority: 17, available: yes)
		headset-head-unit: Headset Head Unit (HSP/HFP, codec CVSD) (sinks: 1, sources: 1, priority: 2, available: yes)
	Active Profile: a2dp-sink
	Ports:
		headset-input: Handsfree (type: Headset, priority: 0, latency offset: 0 usec, available)
			Properties:
				port.type = "headset"
			Part of profile(s): headset-head-unit
		headset-output: Headset (type: Headset, priority: 0, latency offset: 0 usec, available)
			Properties:
				port.type = "headset"
			Part of profile(s): a2dp-sink, a2dp-sink-sbc_xq
		headset-hf-output: Handsfree (type: Headset, priority: 0, latency offset: 0 usec, available)
			Properties:
				port.type = "headset"
			Part of profile(s): headset-head-unit
❯ amixer scontents
Simple mixer control 'Master',0
  Capabilities: pvolume pswitch pswitch-joined
  Playback channels: Front Left - Front Right
  Limits: Playback 0 - 65536
  Mono:
  Front Left: Playback 65536 [100%] [on]
  Front Right: Playback 65536 [100%] [on]
Simple mixer control 'Capture',0
  Capabilities: cvolume cswitch cswitch-joined
  Capture channels: Front Left - Front Right
  Limits: Capture 0 - 65536
  Front Left: Capture 48287 [74%] [on]
  Front Right: Capture 48287 [74%] [on]
❯ pactl list sources
Source #46
	State: SUSPENDED
	Name: alsa_output.pci-0000_00_1f.3.analog-stereo.monitor
	Description: Monitor of Built-in Audio Analog Stereo
	Driver: PipeWire
	Sample Specification: s32le 2ch 48000Hz
	Channel Map: front-left,front-right
	Owner Module: 4294967295
	Mute: no
	Volume: front-left: 65536 / 100% / 0,00 dB,   front-right: 65536 / 100% / 0,00 dB
	        balance 0,00
	Base Volume: 65536 / 100% / 0,00 dB
	Monitor of Sink: alsa_output.pci-0000_00_1f.3.analog-stereo
	Latency: 0 usec, configured 0 usec
	Flags: HARDWARE DECIBEL_VOLUME LATENCY 
	Properties:
		object.path = "alsa:acp:PCH:8:playback"
		api.alsa.path = "front:0"
		api.alsa.pcm.card = "0"
		api.alsa.pcm.stream = "playback"
		port.group = "playback"
		device.icon_name = "audio-card-analog"
		audio.channels = "2"
		audio.position = "FL,FR"
		device.routes = "2"
		alsa.resolution_bits = "16"
		alsa.card = "0"
		alsa.card_name = "HDA Intel PCH"
		alsa.long_card_name = "HDA Intel PCH at 0xc4410000 irq 155"
		alsa.driver_name = "snd_hda_intel"
		alsa.mixer_name = "Realtek ALC233"
		alsa.components = "HDA:10ec0235,146212bb,00100002 HDA:8086280b,80860101,00100000"
		alsa.id = "ALC233 Analog"
		device.api = "alsa"
		device.class = "monitor"
		alsa.class = "generic"
		alsa.subclass = "generic-mix"
		alsa.name = "ALC233 Analog"
		alsa.subdevice = "0"
		alsa.subdevice_name = "subdevice #0"
		alsa.device = "0"
		alsa.sync.id = "00000000:00000000:00000000:00000000"
		device.profile.name = "analog-stereo"
		device.profile.description = "Analog Stereo"
		card.profile.device = "8"
		device.id = "41"
		factory.name = "api.alsa.pcm.sink"
		priority.driver = "1009"
		priority.session = "1009"
		media.class = "Audio/Sink"
		node.nick = "HDA Intel PCH"
		node.name = "alsa_output.pci-0000_00_1f.3.analog-stereo"
		device.description = "Built-in Audio"
		device.bus = "pci"
		device.bus_path = "pci-0000:00:1f.3"
		device.form_factor = "internal"
		node.pause-on-idle = "false"
		factory.id = "19"
		clock.quantum-limit = "8192"
		client.id = "33"
		node.driver = "true"
		node.loop.name = "data-loop.0"
		library.name = "audioconvert/libspa-audioconvert"
		object.id = "46"
		object.serial = "46"
		device.enum.api = "udev"
		api.alsa.card = "0"
		api.alsa.card.name = "HDA Intel PCH"
		api.alsa.card.longname = "HDA Intel PCH at 0xc4410000 irq 155"
		device.plugged.usec = "2939001"
		sysfs.path = "/devices/pci0000:00/0000:00:1f.3/sound/card0"
		device.subsystem = "sound"
		device.vendor.id = "0x8086"
		device.vendor.name = "Intel Corporation"
		device.product.id = "0x06c8"
		device.product.name = "Comet Lake PCH cAVS"
		device.name = "alsa_card.pci-0000_00_1f.3"
		device.nick = "HDA Intel PCH"
		api.alsa.use-acp = "true"
		api.acp.auto-profile = "false"
		api.acp.auto-port = "false"
		api.dbus.ReserveDevice1 = "Audio0"
		device.string = "0"
	Ports:
		analog-output-speaker: Speakers (type: Speaker, priority: 10000, availability group: Legacy 3, availability unknown)
		analog-output-headphones: Headphones (type: Headphones, priority: 9900, availability group: Legacy 4, not available)
	Active Port: analog-output-speaker
	Formats:
		pcm

Source #47
	State: SUSPENDED
	Name: alsa_input.pci-0000_00_1f.3.analog-stereo
	Description: Built-in Audio Analog Stereo
	Driver: PipeWire
	Sample Specification: s32le 2ch 48000Hz
	Channel Map: front-left,front-right
	Owner Module: 4294967295
	Mute: no
	Volume: front-left: 48287 /  74% / -7,96 dB,   front-right: 48287 /  74% / -7,96 dB
	        balance 0,00
	Base Volume: 6554 /  10% / -60,00 dB
	Monitor of Sink: n/a
	Latency: 0 usec, configured 0 usec
	Flags: HARDWARE HW_MUTE_CTRL HW_VOLUME_CTRL DECIBEL_VOLUME LATENCY 
	Properties:
		object.path = "alsa:acp:PCH:0:capture"
		api.alsa.path = "front:0"
		api.alsa.pcm.card = "0"
		api.alsa.pcm.stream = "capture"
		port.group = "capture"
		device.icon_name = "audio-card-analog"
		audio.channels = "2"
		audio.position = "FL,FR"
		device.routes = "2"
		alsa.resolution_bits = "16"
		alsa.card = "0"
		alsa.card_name = "HDA Intel PCH"
		alsa.long_card_name = "HDA Intel PCH at 0xc4410000 irq 155"
		alsa.driver_name = "snd_hda_intel"
		alsa.mixer_name = "Realtek ALC233"
		alsa.components = "HDA:10ec0235,146212bb,00100002 HDA:8086280b,80860101,00100000"
		alsa.id = "ALC233 Analog"
		device.api = "alsa"
		device.class = "sound"
		alsa.class = "generic"
		alsa.subclass = "generic-mix"
		alsa.name = "ALC233 Analog"
		alsa.subdevice = "0"
		alsa.subdevice_name = "subdevice #0"
		alsa.device = "0"
		alsa.sync.id = "00000000:00000000:00000000:00000000"
		device.profile.name = "analog-stereo"
		device.profile.description = "Analog Stereo"
		card.profile.device = "0"
		device.id = "41"
		factory.name = "api.alsa.pcm.source"
		priority.driver = "2009"
		priority.session = "2009"
		media.class = "Audio/Source"
		node.nick = "HDA Intel PCH"
		node.name = "alsa_input.pci-0000_00_1f.3.analog-stereo"
		device.description = "Built-in Audio"
		device.bus = "pci"
		device.bus_path = "pci-0000:00:1f.3"
		device.form_factor = "internal"
		node.pause-on-idle = "false"
		factory.id = "19"
		clock.quantum-limit = "8192"
		client.id = "33"
		node.driver = "true"
		node.loop.name = "data-loop.0"
		library.name = "audioconvert/libspa-audioconvert"
		object.id = "47"
		object.serial = "47"
		device.enum.api = "udev"
		api.alsa.card = "0"
		api.alsa.card.name = "HDA Intel PCH"
		api.alsa.card.longname = "HDA Intel PCH at 0xc4410000 irq 155"
		device.plugged.usec = "2939001"
		sysfs.path = "/devices/pci0000:00/0000:00:1f.3/sound/card0"
		device.subsystem = "sound"
		device.vendor.id = "0x8086"
		device.vendor.name = "Intel Corporation"
		device.product.id = "0x06c8"
		device.product.name = "Comet Lake PCH cAVS"
		device.name = "alsa_card.pci-0000_00_1f.3"
		device.nick = "HDA Intel PCH"
		api.alsa.use-acp = "true"
		api.acp.auto-profile = "false"
		api.acp.auto-port = "false"
		api.dbus.ReserveDevice1 = "Audio0"
		device.string = "0"
	Ports:
		analog-input-internal-mic: Internal Microphone (type: Mic, priority: 8900, availability group: Legacy 1, availability unknown)
		analog-input-mic: Microphone (type: Mic, priority: 8700, availability group: Legacy 2, not available)
	Active Port: analog-input-internal-mic
	Formats:
		pcm

Source #497
	State: SUSPENDED
	Name: bluez_output.4C_65_A8_97_34_C8.a2dp-sink.monitor
	Description: Monitor of Philips UH202
	Driver: PipeWire
	Sample Specification: s16le 2ch 48000Hz
	Channel Map: front-left,front-right
	Owner Module: 4294967295
	Mute: no
	Volume: front-left: 65536 / 100% / 0,00 dB,   front-right: 65536 / 100% / 0,00 dB
	        balance 0,00
	Base Volume: 65536 / 100% / 0,00 dB
	Monitor of Sink: bluez_output.4C_65_A8_97_34_C8.a2dp-sink
	Latency: 0 usec, configured 0 usec
	Flags: HARDWARE DECIBEL_VOLUME LATENCY 
	Properties:
		api.bluez5.transport = ""
		api.bluez5.profile = "a2dp-sink"
		api.bluez5.codec = "sbc"
		api.bluez5.address = "4C:65:A8:97:34:C8"
		device.routes = "1"
		card.profile.device = "1"
		device.form_factor = "headset"
		device.bus = "bluetooth"
		device.id = "63"
		device.description = "Philips UH202"
		node.name = "bluez_output.4C_65_A8_97_34_C8.a2dp-sink"
		factory.name = "api.bluez5.a2dp.sink"
		priority.driver = "1010"
		priority.session = "1010"
		device.icon_name = "audio-headset-bluetooth"
		node.pause-on-idle = "false"
		factory.id = "9"
		clock.quantum-limit = "8192"
		device.api = "bluez5"
		media.class = "Audio/Sink"
		media.name = "Philips UH202"
		node.driver = "true"
		port.group = "stream.0"
		node.loop.name = "data-loop.0"
		library.name = "audioconvert/libspa-audioconvert"
		object.id = "65"
		object.serial = "497"
		client.id = "32"
		device.name = "bluez_card.4C_65_A8_97_34_C8"
		device.alias = "Philips UH202"
		device.string = "4C:65:A8:97:34:C8"
		api.bluez5.icon = "audio-headset"
		api.bluez5.path = "/org/bluez/hci0/dev_4C_65_A8_97_34_C8"
		api.bluez5.device = ""
		api.bluez5.class = "0x240404"
		api.bluez5.connection = "connected"
		bluez5.auto-connect = "[ hfp_hf hsp_hs a2dp_sink ]"
		device.class = "monitor"
	Ports:
		headset-output: Headset (type: Headset, priority: 0, available)
	Active Port: headset-output
	Formats:
		pcm
❯ sudo dmesg | egrep -i '(snd|sound|sof|hda|alsa)'
egrep: warning: egrep is obsolescent; using grep -E
[    0.252258] pps_core: Software ver. 5.3.6 - Copyright 2005-2007 Rodolfo Giometti <giometti@linux.it>
[    0.360224] PCI-DMA: Using software bounce buffering for IO (SWIOTLB)
[    0.360225] software IO TLB: mapped [mem 0x00000000884f9000-0x000000008c4f9000] (64MB)
[    2.807693] snd_hda_intel 0000:00:1f.3: enabling device (0000 -> 0002)
[    2.807857] snd_hda_intel 0000:00:1f.3: Applying patch firmware 'hda-jack-retask.fw'
[    2.808913] snd_hda_intel 0000:00:1f.3: bound 0000:00:02.0 (ops i915_audio_component_bind_ops [i915])
[    2.863189] snd_hda_codec_realtek hdaudioC0D0: autoconfig for ALC233: line_outs=1 (0x14/0x0/0x0/0x0/0x0) type:speaker
[    2.863192] snd_hda_codec_realtek hdaudioC0D0:    speaker_outs=0 (0x0/0x0/0x0/0x0/0x0)
[    2.863193] snd_hda_codec_realtek hdaudioC0D0:    hp_outs=1 (0x21/0x0/0x0/0x0/0x0)
[    2.863195] snd_hda_codec_realtek hdaudioC0D0:    mono: mono_out=0x0
[    2.863196] snd_hda_codec_realtek hdaudioC0D0:    inputs:
[    2.863196] snd_hda_codec_realtek hdaudioC0D0:      Mic=0x1a
[    2.863197] snd_hda_codec_realtek hdaudioC0D0:      Internal Mic=0x12
[    2.946363] input: HDA Intel PCH Mic as /devices/pci0000:00/0000:00:1f.3/sound/card0/input23
[    2.946402] input: HDA Intel PCH Headphone as /devices/pci0000:00/0000:00:1f.3/sound/card0/input24
[    2.946434] input: HDA Intel PCH HDMI/DP,pcm=3 as /devices/pci0000:00/0000:00:1f.3/sound/card0/input25
[    2.946469] input: HDA Intel PCH HDMI/DP,pcm=7 as /devices/pci0000:00/0000:00:1f.3/sound/card0/input26
[    2.946500] input: HDA Intel PCH HDMI/DP,pcm=8 as /devices/pci0000:00/0000:00:1f.3/sound/card0/input27
[    2.946534] input: HDA Intel PCH HDMI/DP,pcm=9 as /devices/pci0000:00/0000:00:1f.3/sound/card0/input28
[    2.946564] input: HDA Intel PCH HDMI/DP,pcm=10 as /devices/pci0000:00/0000:00:1f.3/sound/card0/input29
sudo alsa-info.sh --upload

http://alsa-project.org/db/?f=8f315a1a27a10fc33388fac5c70824d113384ed7

I’ve already tried some fixes posted in similar threads on this forum, but none of them worked.

I feel like I’m lost, so any help is appreciated!

Thank you in advance :slight_smile:

Welcome to Manjaro Forum @Piotr

Headset has two High Fidelity Playback (A2DP Sink) profiles for playing audio to headphone output
and Headset Head Unit (HSP/HFP) profile to capture audio from microphone input and play audio to headphone output

To change the active profile to HSP/HFP

pactl set-card-profile bluez_card.4C_65_A8_97_34_C8 headset-head-unit

Or change profile in Gnome Sound > Configuration drop-down list

Hi @nikgnomic,

Thank you for your fast reply, I really appreciate it!

Unfortunately, after running the command you suggested the sound coming from the mic is very soft (almost not audible) and with poor quality.
Also, I can hear that the output sound gets worse with this profile active (sounds like mono).

Previously the quality of the input and output sound was perfect, so this doesn’t really fix my issue.

I’ve already tried increasing the Input Volume ( in Gnome Sound > Input), but this didn’t help.

What’s a bit strange for me is that the HSP/HFP profile is not available in the Gnome Sound > Configuration drop-down list – only the two High Fidelity Playback (A2DP Sink) profiles are there:

But after I run the command you suggested, then both Input Device and Output Device change to Handsfree - Philips UH202:

Is there a way to improve the quality of input (and output) sound of the headphones?
Or maybe there’s a way to restore the default audio configuration, so that I get back to the previous settings when it was working perfectly?

Are there any other things I should try out?

Thanks!

Install PulseAudio Volume Control ( pavucontrol ) for better control of card profiles
Profiles can be changed in Configuration tab – pavucontrol --tab=5

A2DP sink is stereo output only, no microphone input source - sinks: 1, sources: 0
HSP/HPF is mono output + mono input - sinks: 1, sources: 1

What is a Bluetooth profile HSP, HSP, A2DP, AVRCP? | Philips
HSP (Handset Profile) and HFP (Hands Free Profile) Bluetooth profiles are those required for typical, mono Bluetooth headset operations; A2DP and AVRCP are important for stereo headsets.

A2DP uses SBC or SBC-XQ codecs for High Fidelity playback (up to 48 kHz sample rate and 320 kb/s) for listening to music
HSP/HFP uses CVSD codec that is much lower quality (8 kHz 64 kbit/s) for telephony use.
The Lower sample rate eliminates high frequencies in voice communication and improves audio clarity for listeners or voice recognition software

Philips UH202 headset does not have a boom arm for the microphone, microphone is in one of the ear-cups. Laptop internal microphones are better at capturing audio because you can talk directly at them, and also use a higher sample rate

❯ pactl list sources

Source #47
 
	Name: alsa_input.pci-0000_00_1f.3.analog-stereo
	Description: Built-in Audio Analog Stereo
 
	Sample Specification: s32le 2ch 48000Hz
1 Like

Thank you for your explanation, now it really makes sense.

Thanks to it, it turned out that solution for me was pretty easy:

  1. Do NOT change the active profile (i.e. keep the default High Fidelity Playback (A2DP Sink) profile).
  2. Decrease the Input Volume for the laptop internal built-in microphone in order to avoid the noises (probably coming from the laptop fan).

Thanks again @nikgnomic for your help!

1 Like

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