Hey all. I am interested in learning more about DIY modifications to wired earbuds. I have a background in robotics/SDLC but have yet to dive into an audio project like this, so forgive any beginner ignorance on my questions here.
The specific mod I am looking to do is to take a pair of Apple Earpods USB-C and reterminate them with MMCX connectors. This would enable use of MMCX IEMs while retaining functionality of the existing Apple Earpods inline mic. The reason why I want to do this is because the inline mic on this Earpods cable is miles better than any alternative I've tried, yet I find the earbuds quite uncomfortable. I need a reliable solution for work calls, which entails me traveling a lot. I'm not a fan of wireless earbuds, overear headsets, or standalone mic type solutions. A service provider did this mod already but it's unclear if the microphone retains its function post-mod.
Is this a feasible mod?
The specific mod I am looking to do is to take a pair of Apple Earpods USB-C and reterminate them with MMCX connectors. This would enable use of MMCX IEMs while retaining functionality of the existing Apple Earpods inline mic. The reason why I want to do this is because the inline mic on this Earpods cable is miles better than any alternative I've tried, yet I find the earbuds quite uncomfortable. I need a reliable solution for work calls, which entails me traveling a lot. I'm not a fan of wireless earbuds, overear headsets, or standalone mic type solutions. A service provider did this mod already but it's unclear if the microphone retains its function post-mod.
Is this a feasible mod?
Yes, the mod is possible, but it is difficult to save the microphone. It is important to connect the contacts correctly: MMCX connectors usually do not transmit a microphone signal. Try checking the pinout and using a TRRS-MMCX adapter.
Thank you, I've pivoted slightly here. Due some complexities with the type C cable, I am going to use the 3.5mm TRRS version of the EarPods, snip off the headphones, splice the cable to identify the audio, ground, and mic wires. From there, solder these wires to respective 2 pin .78mm audio and ground wires, which I’ve harvested from a different iem cable. The Apple mic wire would be kept as-is and not soldered.
Do you think this will work?
Do you think this will work?
I’ve had no success with this mod so far. I’ve identified the ground, audio, and mic lines from the Apple pin out but cannot get an audio signal to come through, even when I’ve soldered the two lines together on the non-mic side of the cable split (which should be the easiest).
Part of the issue is that the Apple wires are quite tiny so it’s very hard to work with them or strip them without damage. I heard that the wires have some sort of enamel coating which prevents the wires from conducting, so I burned that off with a lighter as well. All in all, nothing so far. I’m going to try again later with fresh segments of the wire.
Part of the issue is that the Apple wires are quite tiny so it’s very hard to work with them or strip them without damage. I heard that the wires have some sort of enamel coating which prevents the wires from conducting, so I burned that off with a lighter as well. All in all, nothing so far. I’m going to try again later with fresh segments of the wire.
I've successfully completed the mod! I picked up some standard 2-pin connectors and soldered the audio and ground wires to each pin. My newly converted "Apple Earpods IEMs" worked immediately, playing music clearly, and the inline microphone still functions perfectly.
But even though it's working, it's not perfect. I'm experiencing some static shocks (ESD) through the left earpiece, likely because I didn't isolate or solder the ground wire precisely enough. Also, the inline microphone is positioned too high - it sits above my ear rather than just below my mouth. This is because typical IEM cables loop around the ear, unlike Apple's straight-down cable design. I could lengthen the mic position by adding an extra piece of wire, but that risks further weakening the cable.
Doing this project really puts in context advanced manufacturing processes - precision soldering, insulation, effective strain reliefs, etc. Achieving similar reliability at home without professional tools is pretty challenging.
Given these challenges, I'm thinking it might be easier to extract Apple's original microphone capsule and wire, then pair them with new, high-quality audio cables, and properly terminate them with TRRS and 2-pin connectors. Alternatively, it could make sense to find an experienced tech with the right equipment (or extremely steady hands) and sub out a job to them to build a more reliable cable assembly.
But even though it's working, it's not perfect. I'm experiencing some static shocks (ESD) through the left earpiece, likely because I didn't isolate or solder the ground wire precisely enough. Also, the inline microphone is positioned too high - it sits above my ear rather than just below my mouth. This is because typical IEM cables loop around the ear, unlike Apple's straight-down cable design. I could lengthen the mic position by adding an extra piece of wire, but that risks further weakening the cable.
Doing this project really puts in context advanced manufacturing processes - precision soldering, insulation, effective strain reliefs, etc. Achieving similar reliability at home without professional tools is pretty challenging.
Given these challenges, I'm thinking it might be easier to extract Apple's original microphone capsule and wire, then pair them with new, high-quality audio cables, and properly terminate them with TRRS and 2-pin connectors. Alternatively, it could make sense to find an experienced tech with the right equipment (or extremely steady hands) and sub out a job to them to build a more reliable cable assembly.
