michollock

The CD player finally went out in my 2000 996 so it is time to finally upgrade the deck. I am going with a Kenwood KDC-X996 from Crutchfield with an install kit. The deck comes with an external mic for the bluetooth. Has anyone experimented to find a good location to install the mic? Also more importantly could you also explain in detail, or with photos, how to wire it to that location cleanly? This is my first go at a radio install so the more info the better. I am a novice in this department.

Thank you in advance for the help!

Gonzo911

In between the header bar and windshield in line with your head.

michollock

Thank you Gonzo. Any advice on how to snake the wire up there from the back of the deck and how to secure the mic?

Dennis C

Mine's in the stock location in the instrument cluster. I must say, the sound quality isn't great. I don't really think it's as much about the mic location as it is about the cabin noise in the 996. Between the tires and the engine noise, handsfree isn't that great...

jordanturbo

I mounted my mic in one of the dead buttons beside the head unit. You can see it inserted in the button below the PSM off switch

Capt. Obvious

^^^ Mine is also in one of the spare buttons on the center console. Works fine for me.

Fixxxer

I like that setup! Did you modify the button yourself, or is there a kit for sale somewhere?

Gonzo911

Just snake from the head unit behind the dash over to the driver's side windshield post. Tuck it along the post until you get to the cross frame that runs along the top of the windshield. Mine came with a clip on the mic that slides between the interior of the windshield and the cross frame. This positions the mic only inches from my head. It works just fine. No issues with people hearing me unless the top is down in which case I just don't use the phone.

Capt. Obvious

Pop the button out, drill a hole in it the size of the mic, then use some silicone caulking (or something of the sort) to hold it in there.

washington dc porsche

Mine is in the top left corner between the pillar and windshield.

jordanturbo

Exactly what I did actually the hole I made was so tight that no caulking or anything was needed to keep the mic snug in there

michollock

Ok, thank you all for the recommendations. I think I am going to try to put it up in the header bar like Gonzo did. He mentioned snaking it from under the dash to the drivers side pillar. Can anyone explain the best way to do this? I just installed the deck and it seems really tight under the dash?

Thank you

Gonzo911

From the head unit run it along the vent tube above the footwell and secure with a few zip ties. That gets you to the pillar.