Multipoint in brief
Multipoint Bluetooth means the headphones are connected to two devices simultaneously. So you don't have to disconnect from your laptop every time the phone rings. The headphones switch from one device to the other automatically—or at least almost automatically.
Sounds obvious, but for a long time it wasn't. Traditionally, Bluetooth headphones could connect to only one device at a time, and switching required re-pairing. It was about as pleasant as starting Henri's Alfa Romeo on a freezing morning.
How does it work in practice?
Let's say your headphones are connected to your work computer and your phone.
- You're listening to music from the laptop
- A call comes in on the phone
- The headphones automatically switch to the call
- After the call, you return to the music
That's it. No button-mashing, no digging into Bluetooth settings, no swearing required.
A small caveat, though: multipoint doesn't mean both devices play audio at the same time. One at a time. The headphones just know which device is active and switch accordingly. Sometimes the switch takes a second or two—it isn't always lightning-fast, but it works.
Which Valco headphones support multipoint?
Among over-ear headphones VMK25.2, VMK15, VMK25 and VMK20 support multipoint. VMK19 does not.
Among in-ear headphones NL25 supports multipoint. NL21 does not.
So if you know you need a simultaneous connection to two devices, choose accordingly. If you only use the headphones with a phone, multipoint won't benefit you and its absence won't matter.
Do you need to enable multipoint separately?
Yes, usually you do. On Valco headphones, multipoint is enabled in the Valco Mode app. The app is free and available for both iOS and Android.
In practice:
- Open the Valco Mode app
- Find the multipoint option in the Bluetooth settings
- Turn it on
- Pair the headphones with the other device as usual
After that, the headphones remember both devices and connect to them automatically.
If multipoint doesn't seem to work, try restarting the headphones and make sure the app is up to date. Most of the time that's enough.
Are there any downsides to multipoint?
In all honesty: sometimes switching between devices isn't perfectly seamless. There might be a brief pause or the headphones may not immediately realize which device is trying to play audio. This isn't a Valco-specific issue; that's just how Bluetooth multipoint is in general. The technology works, but it isn't teleportation.
On the other hand, multipoint can use a touch more battery because the headphones maintain two connections. In practice the difference is so small you won't notice it.
All in all, multipoint is one of those features you don't know to miss until you've tried it—and after that you won't want to go back. A bit like paying in installments in Valco's online store. Every purchase brings us a step closer to the Death Star.