SONY ES-9000ES POOR PHONE VOICE QUALITY (MIC)

I have that Enfig mic installed and routed to the spot in the overhead console where the mic is located in certain model years (all Gen2, but some earlier 2.5’s as well). It’s a basic Mono mic (essentially same as what comes with the aftermarket HU’s) that is pulled out of the generic plastic housing and put into a 3D printed one that fits in the OH console spot. It works fine with my Alpine, but I still yearn to have one less wire buried in there.

There is some misinformation, or at least misunderstanding, of what the Maestro dies regarding the mic - at least with people talking about gain, etc. In the case of the aftermarket HU’s and their mic input, the Maestro does absolutely nothing. The maestro is the interface to take factory wires (and signals) and translate them to corresponding connections on the aftermarket HU. In the case of the aftermarket HU mic input, that is connected directly to the mic - it is not “passing through” the maestro. So you’ll find no setting in the maestro that will affect anything on the input to the HU.

Now, as @llonpilgrimg has alluded to, it looks like maestro got part way down the path of doing something on certain versions of their harness (evidenced by the “mic” 3-pin pigtail) but didn’t fully execute (and have also not correctly matched some pins in there main harness it seems). But as it sits right now there is not a direct adapter to interface between the factory mic (which requires +5V and power ground, and a specific resistance on the Mic+ line) and the maestro or any aftermarket HU’s.

 

In my Alpine there are independent sound settings for each input. CarPlay has individual adjustments for music volume gain, mic gain, notifications, siri, etc.

 

This is crazy to see. My Sony call quality has been excellent. I'm using the Sony mic, mounted in the overhead console, with 3d printed mount/adapter from TGP.

Can't think of what could be causing problems for some but not others.

 

I have not seen the same feature either in CarPlay or the SONY HU. I checked the manual online (it's underwhelming), but I have SONY, Apple, and TGP on the docket for calls to T/S in the AM (in that order).

From reading some other (older posts - same XAV-9000ES HU) sometimes the mic position / orientation in the OEM location is route cause, but I've already pull the mic and goofed around prior to reinstall with no change in quality so I don't think that's the smoking gun.
If I get this resolved I'll be sure to post the resolution/solution for the Team.

 

Talked to the Trail Grid Pro folks after Apple (who wasn't very helpful).
Ran out of time to call Sony.

Flipped the mic (inverted) and the Technician said it was "slightly improved" but thought the issue is with the OEM microphone so they are sending a new one...I'll use the old mic cable to pull the new one through the dash so it shouldn't take as long. I'll post here once I get the. new mic in and how it sounds.

 

This is also relevant to placement / function of an aftermarket Mic. So...

Now that we have a semi-coordinated Tech Team, I'll re-state something redacted a long time ago from the article I read which made me go Yes!

"The math is a bit over my head and I googled-up a blog which aids understanding of theory: https://intshop.jzmic.com/blogs/blog/microphone-impedance-how-does-it-matter
Although they're discussing guitar / amp / sound equipment tech, this stands out: ((redacted))"

• Low Load Impedances also add more emphasis on the low end and lower midrange frequencies, as well as picking up the resonances lower down the spectrum much more.

You'd think: "Not relevant to the Sony Mic / Sony Head" circumstance.
However, if you put the Mic in an Enfig housing, be sure it's mounted firmly and at the exposed edge of the housing, not buried in here -->]
Get this wrong and sound waves might bounce around the opening before getting to the Mic element itself, which may amplify (or cancel) them at certain frequencies.
('sealed' vs. 'ported' sub enclosures... same design principles at work... you may find decibels [SPL] are higher outside the car vs. inside)

Alternatively: When adapting Factory Mic to aftermarket Head, Impedance is everything!
It must be high enough to diminish lower and mid-range 'resonances' (so they Do Not Echo, ie: Feedback) and low enough to not limit dynamics.
Power the Factory Mic with 5V+, and send the signal to the H.U. with corrected Impedance.
In principle, that's all there is to it.

(Notwithstanding CarPlay 'issues')

 

(I reserve the trade-mark: CMS - Car Mic Saver)

If you're electrically adept and can read a harness diagram, you can solder or T-Tap it for your particular Tundra / Radio combo.
Worst-case, you've ruined a Maestro HRN-HRR-TO1/TO2/TO3 harness ($50-$75)

Otherwise, there are innumerable ways this non-existent adapter might be set up, including chip based with selectable impedance / signal DIP switches and all.
The most logical way would be a male/female insert harness which must also change to mimic Factory plugs. Then, it wouldn't matter which brand Stereo harness you buy.
An additional $100 harness is insanity. Even at half that, 97.5% of potential customers will use the supplied free Mic...
With CarPlay 'issues' compounding the problem, any potential customer base adjusts to: 0.01%

Remember when life was simple?
Scosche TA02BCB Stereo Wiring Harness: $9.19 - and free shipping (wire colors/routing on the package)

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HBSzbn1jR7Y (Lynard Skynard - Pure & Simple - 1991)

 

Found the signal adjustment settings on my Kenwood. It's also available on screen when a call is active. Bumped Mic gain to 3-4-5 and called my bro-in-law. He affirmed I sounded "hollow / tinny with echo just threatening to appear." Slid it back to Flat and all was much improved on his end.

So... How goes your efforts to adapt the factory Mic to your Safety Sense / Telemetrics system (2020)?

 

Team,

Thought I would follow up, I relocated the mic outside the factory location and it was/is crystal clear.
It looks like the SONY mic is far from omni-directional and doesn't do well in the OEM location.

All good now, and very happy wit the SONY head unit, but stinks I couldn't have it in the OEM position.

Cheers, and thank you for all the great help as always.

 

Just installed this same radio, I have the mic stuck to the top of the steering column with double sided tape, can confirm sounds great with no echo, static, etc.

EDIT:
Above post was performed during the honeymoon period of having the radio and call quality was only tested in the garage at rest. After taking a call on the highway at speed, have been informed it sounds like I'm in a wind tunnel...

 

Same, on the steering column; works fine!

 

One other thing I thought of, I had at one time my iPhone in a battery case. The case caused very poor microphone quality inside and outside of the truck. Case is in the trash!