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Requirements

Compatibility Requirements

Phone Compatibility

Compatible:

  • iPhone (with 3.5mm jack or Lightning-to-3.5mm adapter)
  • Android phones with 3.5mm headphone jack
  • Any phone using AHJ standard connector (most cell phones)

Not compatible:

  • Phones without headphone jack and no adapter
  • Phones using OMTP standard (rare, mostly older European/Asian models)

How to check: If your current headset works with your phone, your phone is compatible.

Headset Compatibility

Requirements:

  • Must be compatible with YOUR phone
  • Standard 3.5mm TRRS connector (4-pole)
  • Known-working headsets: Apple EarPods, most phone headsets

How to test compatibility:

  1. Plug headset directly into phone (no RECAP)
  2. Make test call
  3. Verify: Can you hear them? Can they hear you?
  4. If both YES → Headset is compatible

Common incompatibilities:

  • Old headsets using OMTP standard (mic/ground pins reversed)
  • Headsets designed for different phone brands
  • Damaged or worn-out headsets
  • PC gaming headsets (often use different connector types)

⚠️ Important: Distance of microphone boom to mouth affects volume. Keep mic 1-2 inches from corner of mouth.

Computer Compatibility

The Critical Requirement: STEREO Microphone Input

This is where most compatibility issues occur.

✅ Compatible:

  • Computers with stereo MIC IN port (2 channels)
  • Older Windows laptops/desktops (pre-2015)
  • Some desktop PCs with dedicated sound cards
  • Computers using USB adapter (Andrea recommended)

❌ NOT Compatible (without USB adapter):

  • Most modern laptops (2015+) - usually MONO input only
  • Most Mac computers - usually MONO input or LINE IN only
  • Computers with only LINE IN port (no bias voltage)
  • Computers with only headphone/speaker outputs

How to check: Visit https://recapmycalls.com/audio/ and run the free device scanner.

Port types explained:

Port Type Compatible? How to Identify
MIC IN (stereo) ✅ YES Pink port or mic icon, supports stereo
MIC IN (mono) ❌ NO - need USB adapter Pink port but only 1 channel
LINE IN ❌ NO Blue port, no bias voltage
Combo port ❌ Usually MONO One port for both headphones + mic
Headphone OUT ❌ NO Green port, output only

Solution for incompatible computers: Use Andrea USB stereo adapter ($20-40)

Recording Device Compatibility

Compatible devices:

  • Digital voice recorders with stereo external mic input
  • Portable recorders (Zoom, Tascam, etc.) with stereo MIC IN
  • Professional recorders with stereo line-level input + preamp

Requirements:

  • Must accept stereo external microphone (2 channels)
  • Must provide bias voltage (or use adapter with bias voltage)
  • Not LINE IN - must be MIC IN or have MIC mode

How to check your recorder:

  • Look in user manual for "stereo external microphone" support
  • Some recorders have mono/stereo switch - must be set to STEREO
  • Some have MIC IN / LINE IN switch - must be set to MIC IN

NOT compatible:

  • Voice recorders with only mono mic input
  • Devices with only LINE IN (no bias voltage)
  • iPhone/iPad/Android as recording device (combo ports only)

What's NOT Compatible

❌ LINE IN ports

  • Don't provide bias voltage needed to power RECAP
  • Usually blue color or line icon
  • Found on: Older desktops, some Macs, stereo equipment

❌ +48V Phantom Power

  • Professional mixer equipment
  • Will damage RECAP - never connect to phantom power!
  • RECAP designed for computer mic bias only (2V max)

❌ Mobile devices as recorder

  • iPhones, iPads, Android phones/tablets
  • Have combo ports (headphone + mic combined)
  • RECAP requires dedicated stereo MIC IN port
  • No adapter exists for this configuration

❌ Splitter cables

  • No supported configuration for using splitters
  • Splitters are for different purpose (sharing audio)