Fiscon mic position

[AlanH]

Had Fiscon fitted last weekend, and the fitter put the mic behind the square left-hand grill in the lighting console above the rear view mirror. Tidy and out of sight, but means the mic is pointing at the passenger seat rather than the driver seat. Consequently, audio quality for anyone I call isn't great at their end - lots of road noise and voice level low. Behind the right-hand grill would have been far better as the mic would point at the driver's seat, but that grill seems to be blocked off with something behind it. I'm wondering if the top of the A pillar would be a much better mic position. Anyone with Fiscon care to comment on audio quality and mic position? Thanks.

[p3asa]

Have mine on the A pillar.
Folk I have spoke to have commented on how clear it sounds and not like I am using a handsfree kit.
I'm positive I read somewhere that, it was recommended not to put the mic in the place you are describing for the exact reasons you have given. Although I am sure it came from Fiscon themselves but obviously not.

[AlanH]

Thanks for that, and thanks for the pic too. I'm sure the mic's fairly directional, and if it's not pointing at the driver then it's going to struggle to provide decent audio quality. Looks like a trip to get the mic repositioned.

[p3asa]

There is an option to increase the gain the mic has. Have you tried that? Although it will just pick up more road noise as well.

[AlanH]

Yes, saw that, but as you say increasing the mic gain will also pull up the background noise. Repositioning is looking likely!

[keelaw]

where does the factory mic go?  wouldn't it make sense to put it there too?

[synnea]

I have my mic up behind the rear view mirror. Sound is perfect. You can run the wire in behind the fabric which runs along the glass there.

p3asa, worth nothing you may be in danger where you have it of obstructing the airbag if it goes off, but it may not be that big an issue, just worth mentioning. I will post photos later of where I have it once I get home.

[p3asa]

You are in danger where you have it of obstructing the airbag if it goes off. I will post photos later once I get home.

Yeah that is true but I gathered the airbag in the wheel would do its trick rather than the one in the A pillar. What is that for anyway? With the seatbelt on, I can't imagine you would need an airbag a way up there!!

[Rhyso]

where does the factory mic go?  wouldn't it make sense to put it there too?

exactly where the OP has it located now although it should be on the drivers side rather than the passenger side

You can swap the position easily enough - the light fitting should pop out 

[mac7]

where does the factory mic go?  wouldn't it make sense to put it there too?

I've put car kit mic's in the factory position before and it's always a poor result. If I recall the OE microphone has associated parts with it that insulate it against the wind/road noise which you get inside the console. I was going to find out if the VW mic was compatible or try using some audio sound deadening material but never got round to it. My mic is behind the mirror too and works fine.