Watch This BEFORE Apple AirPods Pro 3 Reviews

Summary

The video dives into why most online measurements of AirPods Pro 2—and now AirPods Pro 3—are often misleading. The host explains how Apple’s adaptive EQ, volume-dependent equalization, and in-ear microphones dynamically tune sound for consistent audio across different ears. Many errors arise because testers fail to account for the wear sensor, neglect to 'prime' the device with music or noise, or misinterpret data without proper context. The video emphasizes using modern measurement systems and cautious interpretation, urging viewers to wait for reputable sources when evaluating AirPods Pro 3. It’s a guide to understanding these complex in-ear headphones accurately.

Takeaways

• 🎧 Many measurements of AirPods Pro 2 and 3 are inaccurate due to misunderstanding of their adaptive features.
• 🔊 The AirPods Pro 2 uses volume-dependent EQ to adjust bass and treble based on listening volume.
• 🌀 Adaptive EQ in AirPods Pro continuously tunes audio in the ear canal to meet Apple’s intended frequency response.
• 📏 Most publicized frequency response measurements are wrong because the wear sensor and adaptive EQ are not properly accounted for.
• 🎵 Priming the AirPods Pro with wideband music, pink noise, or M noise is necessary to get accurate frequency response measurements.
• 🧪 Old or less advanced measurement systems, like IEC60318-4 couplers, do not accurately simulate human ear response compared to newer systems like IEC 5128.
• ⚠️ Interpreting frequency response measurements without context can lead to misconceptions, such as thinking certain peaks are problematic when they are not.
• 👂 Proper measurement requires either triggering the wear sensor with human-like materials or disabling it entirely.
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• 📊 Even experienced sites can produce inaccurate results if they don’t account for priming, adaptive EQ, or measurement context.
• ⏳ For AirPods Pro 3, it’s best to rely on measurements from reputable sources using up-to-date, advanced gear before forming conclusions.
• 🧂 Always approach in-ear headphone measurements with caution and consider them with a grain of salt due to their complex behavior in human ears.
• 💬 For further discussion or clarification, the speaker encourages engaging with their Discord community or forum.

Q & A

What is the main issue with the AirPods Pro 3 measurements discussed in the video?

The main issue is that most measurements of the AirPods Pro 3, like those of the AirPods Pro 2, are being done incorrectly due to errors in data collection and misinterpretation, leading to confusion about their actual performance.

Why are the AirPods Pro 2 considered advanced audio playback systems?

They are advanced because they have active processes like volume-dependent equalization and adaptive EQ that automatically adjust the sound to maintain consistent audio quality across different listening conditions.

How does the volume-dependent equalization work on AirPods Pro 2?

At low volumes, it boosts bass and treble to compensate for human hearing sensitivity, and at high volumes, it reduces bass and treble to prevent overemphasis, maintaining a balanced sound.

What is adaptive EQ and how does it function?

Adaptive EQ uses an internal microphone in the ear canal to constantly monitor sound and adjust the audio output in real-time, ensuring a consistent frequency response tailored to the listener's ear.

Why do wired in-ear headphones show more variation in frequency response compared to AirPods Pro 2?

Wired in-ear headphones lack the adaptive EQ system, so their performance varies widely depending on the ear canal shape, whereas AirPods Pro 2 actively adjust to maintain consistent sound.

What are the key mistakes people make when measuring AirPods Pro 2 or 3?

Mistakes include not accounting for the wear sensor, not priming the device with a music-like stimulus, misunderstanding adaptive EQ, and comparing measurements against incorrect targets.

What is 'priming' and why is it necessary for accurate measurement?

Priming is feeding the AirPods Pro 2 with a wide-bandwidth music stimulus, pink noise, or M noise to activate the adaptive EQ properly, ensuring the intended frequency response is measured.

How does the wear sensor affect measurements of the AirPods Pro?

The wear sensor detects whether the AirPods are in a human-like ear. If not properly triggered, the adaptive processes like EQ may not function correctly, leading to inaccurate measurements.

Why should people be cautious when interpreting in-ear headphone measurements?

Because the complex adaptive systems in these devices make measurements less directly representative of actual listening experience, and peaks or deviations in measurements may not reflect perceived sound.

What is the recommended approach to get accurate AirPods Pro 3 measurements?

Wait for reputable sources with advanced measurement tools like the 5128 coupler, account for adaptive EQ and wear sensors, prime the device with appropriate stimuli, and interpret the data with proper context.

Where can people discuss and ask further questions about these measurements?

They can reach out on the Discord server at discord.gg/adphones or the forum at forum.adphones.com, both under the username 'listener'.