Android Audio
AC Contributor, vinyl collector, and hobbyist drummer Brady Snyder dives into the world of headphones, earbuds, audio system, streaming, and all the things in between in Android Audio.
The most effective headphones and earbuds often include a stable quantity of equipment, from additional ear tip sizes to circumstances and chargers. Chances are high, you will ultimately want extra equipment or alternative components to your Android audio gear in the end. The excellent news is that when you’ve got entry to a 3D printer, you can also make all the things you want at dwelling.
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 huge 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 actually helpful companions for my audio gear, and you can also 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 will possibly assist add additional safety towards 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 novel look that you simply received’t discover on many different Pixel Buds Professional 2 circumstances on the market.
It seems merely superior, with the “mouth” opening as much as reveal the earbuds when the case is open. There are cutouts for the standing gentle, USB-C port, and speaker. I printed this in inexperienced translucent PETG filament, however versatile TPU would work higher for this type 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 affords the right mixture of utility and design. It basically provides you a small mounting gap that you should utilize to clip the Buds Professional 3 case onto your waist, a lanyard, or a bag.
I really like this idea, because it ought to assist be sure your earbuds are all the time close by once you want them. The TPU strip in all probability will not present a lot drop safety, because it solely covers a fraction of the charging case physique. Nonetheless, if you don’t 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 effectively.
H/T – @im.jackharvest on MakerWorld
Substitute 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 an alternative of painstakingly looking for the precise alternative to your mannequin at a web based retailer, you’ll be able to print replacements at dwelling in minutes. These ear suggestions for the Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 Professional are a fast print and match effectively on quite a lot 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 planet, however they’re definitely satisfactory. Utilizing the softest TPU you’ll find, 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 clear up that downside, 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 turned a part of my on a regular basis carry.
In case you have a special pair of wired earbuds, there are numerous renditions of the basic wrap case on the net that you’ll find 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 tough, and lots of firms wish to promote you specialised instruments only for this function. As an alternative of shopping for them, you can also make instruments at dwelling with a 3D printer. This earbud cleansing software 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’ll be able to simply toss this software and print one other if it will get too soiled or worn down.
H/T – @fifindr on MakerWorld
Why you may wish 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 to your headphones or earbuds at dwelling.
Then, it is value contemplating that it may be faster to make your individual accent than look forward to one to reach within the mail. In the event you lose or break an ear tip, you’ll be able to instantly print a alternative so your earbuds are nonetheless wearable when you look forward to an official resolution.
Making one thing at dwelling additionally provides you the prospect to customise it to your liking. I used the default settings for these publicly accessible print designs, however you’ll be able to create your individual or remix an present file. It lets you make the accent you need even when it would not exist anyplace else.
If you do not have a 3D printer at dwelling, test your native colleges and libraries. They may have group 3D printers that anybody can use, and if not, there are on-line print retailers that may make what you want for affordable.
