Hi guys,

I am installing a bluetooth head unit that has an external microphone.

Where would be the best place to install it?
I am thinking of either installing it where the instrument cluster is (facing the driver) or installing it on the top of the A pillar near the sunvisor.

Any recommendations?

Most people will put them where the a pillar meets the headliner.

I installed mine adhered to the back of the rear view mirror, pointing down. Completely invisible, and optimally placed imo. Through dash, up A pillar, across headliner.

I've got mine on the a-pillar, wedged in behind the plastic with the rubber guard clipped over it. That way it can be removed no problem

Yeah I had one installed recently and it was installed at the top of the a pillar too. Works well.

Jakey, people hear you well on the other side of the call?

No one thought that mounting it near the instrument cluster would be a good idea? Sort of hanging from the top binnacle part so it's near invisible and pointing towards the driver

Mines on the A pillar and everyone complains about echo. Any suggestions on how to stop this??

Jakey, people hear you well on the other side of the call?

No one thought that mounting it near the instrument cluster would be a good idea? Sort of hanging from the top binnacle part so it's near invisible and pointing towards the driver

Definitely. I'm surprised more people aren't doing this, it's no further from you than the A pillar. If anything, it's marginally closer.

Those mics are generally pretty good at picking up voices, mine's at the top of the A pillar and velcroed to the roof lining (so removal would leave no marks or holes) but under the binnacle 'verandah' would be fine I'd reckon. If you're not sure, test it before installing fully by giving someone a call.

Might have to make a few calls while driving before settling on a single spot.
At the moment though it seems hanging from the binnacle (or mounted on top of the steering column but this will be more visible) or where the A pillar meets the hoodliner

top of A-pillar for me.

It works just fine unless I have the sun visor at a certain angle, then people can't hear me because it's obscured. No biggie though, I just put the visor all the way up or down when on a call.

Having it on the instrument cluster might obstruct your voice whenever you're turning a corner and pass your hand/arm in front of it.

Next to the A pillar for me too. I've tacked mine to the windscreen though. Probably going to change to the A-pillar itself.

I considered putting it on top of my steering column surround but I was certain the mic would pick up noises from my indicator clicking and as above, the voice dropping out from being blocked by hands/steering wheels and potentially engine noises.

Thanks guys.
Seems like A pillar is the best option.

I hardly think these tiny microphones are an ugly sight anyway! I think its real neat look on the top of the A Pillar. Definitely performs well!
Concerning your echo Rush, if you have a no name headunit or you bought it off the net, Id guess thats just how it is. Otherwise, see if you have an echo cancelling adjustment in your settings.
Thinking about it now, youd think there would be echo if there was nothing cancelling it out.

I have my pioneer mic mounted just under the ashtray, in front of the gear stick. It's out of the way and works just fine. I originally did it as a temporary job as I didn't need to run the cable very far. But it's been that way for 4 years.

I have mine just hanging down from the map light fitting in the center of the cieling. This way the passenger can be herd as well. Seems to work ok if you don't talk too softly. Its connected to a JVC headunit. I found the echo that the person on the other end gets is because the volume in your car is turned up too much causing them to hear themselves back.

Just did some Google research and some people advise against mounting the microphone at the top of the A pillar as it can pick up too much road/wind noise.
The owners manual says to mount it on top of the steering column as well.

I hardly think these tiny microphones are an ugly sight anyway! I think its real neat look on the top of the A Pillar. Definitely performs well!
Concerning your echo Rush, if you have a no name headunit or you bought it off the net, Id guess thats just how it is. Otherwise, see if you have an echo cancelling adjustment in your settings.
Thinking about it now, youd think there would be echo if there was nothing cancelling it out.

I have a JVC unit. No idea as to what it has, it was $377 though so id suspect it has something?? Or i havent done something right

Edit: just read the manual. Think it does, will try today

I've seen microphones mounted high up on the "A" pillar, but they tend to be for alarm systems. For bluetooth middle of the car away from possible road and wind noise, near head height, is probably better. Really only leaves high up on the dash, mirror, the interior light or in the head unit itself.

Gotta experiment really. lol

Mine has a clip attachment, so I attached it to the bottom of the instrument cluster where it meets the steering column shroud; works fine with no issues, and wiring can be hidden behind/under dash