Bluetooth headset switches to hands-free (low quality) mode when using separate USB microphone

Bungie Account Name - Rova
Platform - Steam, Windows
Description of Issue:

Bluetooth headset switches to hands-free (low quality) mode when using separate USB microphone

There appears to be an issue when using a Bluetooth headset for audio output and a separate external USB microphone for input.

When launching into a lobby or match in Marathon, the Bluetooth headset switches from normal high-quality stereo mode to hands-free (low-fidelity) mode, even though:

• Hands-free mode is disabled in Windows output devices

• A separate USB microphone is set as the default input device

• The correct non-Bluetooth output device is selected in Marathon’s audio settings

This setup works correctly in other applications and games (e.g., Discord, Arc Raiders, etc.), but Marathon seems to override or reassign audio devices when entering a lobby or match.

Rough Date and Time of issue - 28.02.2026

Repro steps

Connect Bluetooth headset (AirPods Pro).

Disable hands-free mode in Windows output devices.

Set external USB mic as default input device.

Launch Marathon.

Enter a lobby or match.