Upgrade Cable with a Mic: Music Quality vs Voice Clarity, KEYSION MIC01, Tested
Most upgrade cables cut the microphone—this doesn't matter to pure audiophiles, but it's a pain for those who listen to music during their commute and play mobile games at night. The MIc01 fills this gap: 8 strands × 14 cores silver-plated oxygen-free copper body, microphone integrated at the inline remote, CNY 99 (USD 15).
| Parameter | MIc01 Value | What It Means |
|---|---|---|
| Conductor | 8 strands × (14×0.06mm) silver-plated oxygen-free copper | Silver-plated structure for smooth highs; 8 strands for moderate body |
| Microphone | In-line remote | Works for calls, game voice, and voice assistants |
| Connector | MMCX / 0.78mm 2Pin | Both pin types available |
| Plug | 3.5mm stereo / 4.4mm balanced | Both plugs available |
| Color | Black and brown braided | Stain-resistant, low-key appearance |
| Length | 1.20-1.25m | Standard length |
Silver-plated and pure copper have different sound signatures: silver-plated typically has brighter highs and more detail, suitable for warmer-sounding earphones; if you find highs too piercing, the pure copper 16G is a safer choice.
Plug and play when driven directly by a phone; the inline control button layout is compatible with mainstream phones (single button: play/pause/answer calls). Note for mobile gaming voice: some front-ends (such as dongle DACs) lack a microphone path, in which case the microphone will not work. Only direct connection via a phone's Type C adapter or native 3.5mm port is effective.
- Suitable for: those who have only one IEM with replaceable cables and also need to handle calls and game voice; those who find the original cable hard and without a mic.
- Not suitable for: those who only listen to music and want a multi-core thick cable (24G series); those who need TFZ connector (not available in this model).
FAQ
Does the microphone work on all devices?
3.5mm works when directly plugged into phones, tablets, and computers (TRRS 4-pole standard); when plugged into a USB-C dongle or player's headphone jack, most front-ends do not transmit microphone signals, so only music playback is available.
Does the silver-plated cable make treble harsh?
Silver-plated construction typically makes treble brighter. It depends on the IEM's own tuning: for darker/muffled IEMs, silver-plating brightens; for already bright IEMs, choose the pure copper series (16G / 3in1).
Can the in-line remote control volume?
Single-button inline control supports play/pause/answer/end; volume adjustment depends on the phone system, most Android devices support it, while iPhone only supports answering in some scenarios.
Is the 8-core cable durable?
Each strand of the 8-core × 14-core cable has a moderate thickness, more resistant to bending than 4-core; with normal over-ear use and storage, lifespan is consistent with mainstream upgrade cables.
