Android Audio
AC Contributor, vinyl collector, and hobbyist drummer Brady Snyder dives into the world of headphones, earbuds, audio system, streaming, and all the pieces in between in Android Audio.
The very best headphones and earbuds normally include a strong quantity of equipment, from further ear tip sizes to circumstances and chargers. Chances are high, you will ultimately want extra equipment or alternative components in your Android audio gear ultimately. The excellent news is that you probably have entry to a 3D printer, you may make all the pieces you want at house.
Initially, I did not assume to make use of my 3D printer for my headphones and earbuds. I printed a number of wall mounts for storage, and that was about it. Then, the headscarf on my AirPods Max wore out, and it might be round $300 to get it fastened from Apple. I clearly did not do this, and as a substitute discovered an affordable repair utilizing my Bambu Lab A1 printer that value merely 22 grams of filament.
That despatched me down a rabbit gap — what different issues may I print for my large assortment of wi-fi headphones and earbuds? I discovered equipment for the Google Pixel Buds Professional 2, OnePlus Buds Professional 3, Beats Solo Buds, and extra on Bambu Lab’s free MakerWorld database.
After a number of hours of printing, I had a handful of really helpful companions for my audio gear, and you may make them too.
Android Bot case for Google Pixel Buds Professional 2
By far, the best accent I 3D printed was an Android Bot case for the Google Pixel Buds Professional 2. Not everybody makes use of circumstances on their earbuds’ included charging case, however it may well assist add further safety in opposition to drops and scuffs. You’d be stunned how a lot an earbud case can get roughed up sharing a pocket or bag together with your keys. So, this 3D printed protecting case had my consideration.
What’s extra is that this Pixel Buds Professional 2 case is designed to resemble the Android Bot mascot. It has the eyes, the well-known Bot head, and the arms. Truthfully, this practice case is a must have accent for Android followers. It provides a little bit of safety and a singular look that you simply gained’t discover on many different Pixel Buds Professional 2 circumstances on the market.
It seems to be merely superior, with the “mouth” opening as much as reveal the earbuds when the case is open. There are cutouts for the standing mild, USB-C port, and speaker. I printed this in inexperienced translucent PETG filament, however versatile TPU would work higher for this sort of factor. I simply could not resist making a inexperienced Android Bot to match the Mint colorway of my Pixel Buds Professional 2.
H/T – @spasbilyarski on MakerWorld
Carabiner loop case for OnePlus Buds Professional 3
Subsequent up, my OnePlus Buds Professional 3 wanted a makeover. I discovered this minimal TPU case with a lanyard/carabiner loop. This print file provides the right mixture of utility and design. It basically provides you a small mounting gap that you need to use to clip the Buds Professional 3 case onto your waist, a lanyard, or a bag.
I like this idea, because it ought to assist ensure that your earbuds are at all times close by if you want them. The TPU strip most likely will not present a lot drop safety, because it solely covers a fraction of the charging case physique. Nonetheless, if you do not need a cumbersome case, it is a neat approach to connect your OnePlus Buds Professional 3 securely to one thing else. In my testing, the TPU supplies grips the charging case properly.
H/T – @im.jackharvest on MakerWorld
Alternative ear suggestions for Beats Solo Buds
I am certain we have all misplaced an ear tip at one level or one other — I do know I’ve. As a substitute of painstakingly looking for the precise alternative in your mannequin at an internet retailer, you may print replacements at house in minutes. These ear suggestions for the Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 Professional are a fast print and match properly on a wide range of stem-based earbuds. I attempted them with the Beats Solo Buds, and so they labored nice.
I will not lie and say these are essentially the most snug ear suggestions on the earth, however they’re actually satisfactory. Utilizing the softest TPU yow will discover, these slide proper onto your earbuds and match solidly within the ear.
H/T – @newstream on MakerWorld
Wrap case for KZ ZSN Professional X
Wired earbuds are clutch, even in 2025. They’re simply tough to maintain tidy. Wrap circumstances remedy that drawback, as they provide you a approach to neatly wrap your wired earbuds securely in place. The KZ ZSN Professional X are my wired earbuds of selection, and somebody made a customized wrap case for this mannequin. After printing, this instantly grew to become a part of my on a regular basis carry.
When you have a unique pair of wired earbuds, there are numerous renditions of the traditional wrap case on the internet that yow will discover for any pair.
H/T – @B_Cinematic on MakerWorld
Earbuds are notoriously soiled, with mud, earwax, hair, and sweat getting in them over time. Cleansing them may be difficult, and lots of firms need to promote you specialised instruments only for this objective. As a substitute of shopping for them, you may make instruments at house with a 3D printer. This earbud cleansing device solely makes use of one gram of filament and takes eight minutes to print.
It is important for cleansing out the nooks and crannies of your earbuds and their charging case. Since its time and filament prices are so little, you may simply toss this device and print one other if it will get too soiled or worn down.
H/T – @fifindr on MakerWorld
Why you would possibly need to 3D print audio equipment
3D printing comes with quite a few advantages for creating audio-related equipment. For starters, it is typically cheaper to make one thing in your headphones or earbuds at house.
Then, it is value contemplating that it may be faster to make your personal accent than await one to reach within the mail. When you lose or break an ear tip, you may instantly print a alternative so your earbuds are nonetheless wearable whilst you await an official answer.
Making one thing at house additionally provides you the prospect to customise it to your liking. I used the default settings for these publicly accessible print designs, however you may create your personal or remix an current file. It lets you make the accent you need even when it would not exist wherever else.
If you do not have a 3D printer at house, verify your native faculties and libraries. They could have group 3D printers that anybody can use, and if not, there are on-line print outlets that may make what you want for affordable.
