Bluetooth

Bluetooth on Linux

• Bluetooth headset - Archlinux wiki

Lot of detailed information.

Bluetooth codecs

Some detailed information:

• Understanding Bluetooth codecs - SOUNDGUYS.
• The ultimate guide to Bluetooth headphones: Wired is still king for quality - SOUNDGUYS

Mention the new SONY WH-1000XM3 !

• Audio quality of SBC XQ Bluetooth audio codec - SoundExpert

Including a long discussion on the support of SBC_XQ on PulseAudio, available patches, and faulty devices.

Tips

Sony WH-1000XM3

Reference

• https://www.redpill-linpro.com/techblog/2021/05/31/better-bluetooth-headset-audio-with-msbc.html
• https://blog.oblivioncoding.pro/sony-wh-1000mx3-linux-fix/

• However tip on headset-roles seems outdated (does not seem necessary).

• See also Pipewire.

Troubleshooting

bluetoothctl info 38:18:4C:4B:6A:3A
bluetoothctl info 38:18:4C:4B:6A:3A | grep -i battery

Tips

• For better support, install latest pipewire wireplumber package.
• Best playback codec is SBC_XQ. Select it in Gnome setting - Sound, or through pactl:

pactl set-card-profile bluez_card.38_18_4C_4B_6A_3A a2dp-sink-sbc_xq

• For confcall, use the mSBC codec. Again select it Gnome settings - Sound, or:

pactl set-card-profile bluez_card.38_18_4C_4B_6A_3A headset-head-unit-msbc

• View headset battery level in Gnome settings - Power. This requires enabling the bluetooth expiremental API [1]:

sudo systemctl edit bluetooth.service
# Edit file as:
# (file is /etc/systemd/system/bluetooth.service.d/override.conf)
#
#     [Service]
#     ExecStart=
#     ExecStart=/usr/libexec/bluetooth/bluetoothd --experimental
#
sudo systemctl restart bluetooth.service