[thechil]

I have a simple Bluetooth headset for my new BlackBerry and the voice quality is great both to and from callers. The problem is that the headset tends to pick up and even amplify almost all ambient noise (a running faucet, crumpling paper, etc) and transmit it on to the person I'm talking with, at a most annoying volume.

I'm not looking for a recommendation on a new/better headset.

I'm asking if anyone knows of a 3rd party program that provides voice DSP and runs on the BB itself, instead of leaving that task to the headset.

Thanks. I'm a fresh convert from WinMo Smartphone and BBforums searches have certainly made the transition a smooth one.

[CO_BBTechie]

IMO, you need a better headset

[thechil]

Originally Posted by CO_BBTechie

IMO, you need a better headset

Thanks. Unfortunately, I'm restricted on what mobile device I can carry to my office (the reason for switching to BB). They've also recently narrowed the list of approved BT devices so what I've got is what I'm stuck with for now.

Any suggestions for adhoc voice filtering would be appreciated.

[oakie]

no, there isnt. sorry.

[MBW]

There are a few tricks you can do - they may seem a bit geeky. I'm pulling these from the early days of radio, TV & 2-way communications.

First, you can use a mechanical cheat to make the mike more directional. If it's on a pipette (like a whisker mike), you can slip a length of plastic tubing (aquarium type, only smaller) over the end & use heat to permanently bend it (making sure to leave the center hole open) to point at your lips. If the mike is behind a hole in a piece of plastic, you can glue a small steel collar in place to (again) direct its sensitivity toward your lips & block some of the noise coming from the sides. You may also be able to get some results from using a foam collar around the mike hole.

Directional mikes (all the way up to shotgun mikes) work by opening side vents along the shank of the mike, behind the active element; sound pressure coming from off angles will balance each other out fore & aft while things directly ahead will just move the diaphragm one way. If your BT head set is really cheap, you can try using a tiny drill or saw (Dremel or dentist size) to drill side ports - but without knowing the specifics of the mike cartridge or the case, it's hard to be sure that will work.

There's another possibility.

Every time you get a call - especially from a boss - make sure to raise your voice and say "Sorry - please say again - I can't understand these cheap damned Bluetooth headsets".

[thechil]

Originally Posted by MBW

Every time you get a call - especially from a boss - make sure to raise your voice and say "Sorry - please say again - I can't understand these cheap damned Bluetooth headsets".

It didn't have the intended effect. I gave it a shot though.

Looks like I may be stuck for now. Thanks for the thoughts!