So when I first tried adaptive mode awhile ago I thought this is the dumbest thing ever. I can’t tell the difference between this and transparency mode.
Well I have been finishing my basement so often times I use airpods while working. I have custom tips that basically are earplugs so I use that when using the saw and the added benefit I get to listen to music.
Well I decided to give adaptive mode a chance again and I finally get it. It blocks all the white noise, and will dynamically lower and “loud” noise.
So you hitting a hammer? Nothing happens, the noise is filtered through unaffected. You running the table saw? You’ll almost immediately hear it lower in overall noise while keeping all other sound available to you.
I decided to go for a run with them in adaptive mode. It’s genius, all traffic white noise is lowered but you can still hear individual cars, foot steps, etc to stay alert.
I’ve completely removed transparency mode from my toggle and only use full NC and adaptive as you can hear people talking perfectly with it on.
I have no idea how it knows exactly what to pass through and what to block but it’s easily become my new favourite setting.
TLDR: It’s transparency mode that blocks white noise and extremely loud noises while allowing contextual sounds through.
Can we circle back to the hearing protection custom tips? I’d appreciate a link to that lol
I’m curious about this too!
likewise - i hope op responds.
Pretty cool. One of the reasons I never got into these was because I like the rubber tips, good find.
ty! :)
Maybe the Comply foam tips?
I’d imagine it’s this as well - certainly allows you to wear them longer but I wouldn’t call them ear plugs.
Yeah me neither, not ear plugs but they seem the most ear plug like AirPod tips I’ve seen
Yeah 100% - they aren’t too expensive either which is nice. I think I remember them lasting like 6 to 9 months though so that’s probably why they are priced pretty well
Comply are nice but don’t last very long. You can find foam ones that have a silicon cover on them. It’s like the best of both worlds – they mold to your ear canal but the silicon makes the foam last way longer. I found some on amazon
Oh interesting, do you have a link? That sounds perfect, I have the Comply tips and the foam does start to come apart after awhile.
yup
+1
Yep sounds super intriguing
Following frogs activated 🐸🐸🐸
Deploying tracking turtles 🐢🐢🐢
I want to throw out a word of caution here: DO NOT use these tips in lieu of hearing protection if you are doing something that requires hearing protection.
I mean, do so at your own risk. It’s your ears, after all…
If it’s something that you would normally not wear hearing protection for, and you just want to be able to listen to music without cranking the volume up… well then this might be a good solution for you.
It’s really really good.
anyone know how it works in concerts?
what do you want to go with airpods to a concert of smh
To protect your hearing?
I would still probably just use earplugs instead.
I’ve been to 17 concert occasions this last year, ranging from 100 people crowds to 65k crowds and sound levels from around 95-100 dB but occasionally upwards of 110 dB (according to Apple Watch Series 8). I’ve tried using musicians hearing protection plugs from $20 to $150 that are supposed to be “transparent” and “balanced”. Despite trying a multitude of different tips (the last set came with like 15 options). they’ve all let me down either in comfort or sound quality/muffling of frequencies. My AirPods Pro (1st gen) have been the most comfortable, and have provided the best sound quality overall. My ears seem really picky when it comes to the fit of the tips (and this has been my general experience for the last 25 years or so). For me the AirPods Pro just work. Way better than the “real” ones. My SO recently got AirPods Pro Gen2, and her experience for the last couple of concerts we’ve been to mirrors mine (we’ve been to all of these concerts together, and have both tried using “musicians” ear plugs before eventually switching over to AirPods)
So what do you set them to noise cancelling while at the concert?
Yup. And with the overall sound level being so high, what is being let through still sounds great., but “appropriately” loud rather than deafening.
Yes adaptive mode is amazing. I commute into the city via walking and train a couple days a week and it is fantastic. I’ve removed regular transparency as well and just use adaptive when I need to hear. I feel like the people that complain that it “doesn’t do anything” aren’t in the environments it was made for so they don’t see much of a difference, but if you’re in the city or noisy environments it’s a game changer.
Last night I was at a loud Friendsgiving party and I was so so thankful to have my adaptive noise control. It’s barely noticeable but that’s actually a good thing for its functionality. It completely eliminated the really annoying fan noise and when the crowd got rowdy it didn’t hurt my ears. Huge QOL improvement. And don’t even get me started on walking around near cars
A little off topic, but why were you wearing headphones at a party?
If I was invited to a party through my SO or someone else but I don’t know anyone, I try to avoid going there. But if I cannot, phone + music helps me to not feel awkwardness.
Sorry you got downvoted for expressing this. It is a valid perspective.
Well, I don’t care about imaginary internet points, don’t worry. But thanks for understanding the perspective. I definitely experienced that twice and iphone + airpod + Apple One service saved the evening for me from boredom.
To compliment his meta raybans
Because it was loud?
They complemented his Vision Pro AR headset spatial 3D recording his memories
For that exact reason I just described! People who know me know that I have sensitive ears and I’ve long set the precedent of wearing headphones in social situations. People know I’m paying attention.
You don’t use earplugs for concerts? Same principle.
Sure, but at a house for a dinner with your friends?
I’m guessing it wasn’t that type of party.
The comment explains exactly why they used headphones at a party. Are you trying to be judgmental?
I also noticed Transparency mode improved. Or it could be some kind of placebo.
In the past, transparency mode would make the music a bit too quiet in an environment with a lot of white noise.
Now, even with transparency I can hear the music clearly while also being able to hear my surroundings.
Transparency mode was great while I was at the airport this week. Was able to hear all of the boarding information and my music. I started the day with my Sony WH-XM5 but ended with the AirPods Pro.
I use mine with transparency at work and don’t feel the need to remove them at all (unless someone is talking to me obviously not to be rude).
I sometimes even forget they’re there tbh. They fit me perfectly out of the box.
Literally what i do haha
I do wish it was more customisable
I go from noise cancellation to adaptive mode since it’s just better at cancelling sounds, but adaptive mode works great when you need to be aware of your surroundings and have it go to noise cancellation when needed.
That’s what I’ve been saying!
Just keep in mind that noise cancellation is not a safe method to attenuate ear-damaging noises. It’s not a replacement for real plugs or full size protection.
There are a lot of loud trucks driving along the first quarter of my dog walk route. I immediately realized the value of adaptive sound. I can still hear the trucks and maintain spacial awareness. However the truck noise is reduced and I do not need to turn the volume up to unsafe levels to continue to hear what I’m listening to.
I noticed how good it was at our Santa Clause parade last weekend. It would automatically adjust to limit the loudness from the sirens and bands and what not. I was really impressed.
I believe it limits any sound entering your ears to around 80 decibels. I wear mine every morning going to work. My commuter train has the loudest screech as it comes to a stop. Now I can hear that it is still loud but I know it’s safe for my ears.
It’s really good but I wish it could have better cancelling while at home with noises from outside
It is brilliant. I cook and barely hear what I’m doing while also being able hear my SO if they talk to me.
They have a pair of Jabras that I think have this feature as well but they do not care to use it.
Recommendations for custom AirPods (3rd Gen) tips?
They don’t use tips