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.

  • my_name_isnt_clever@alien.topBEnglish
    1·
    9 months ago

    I love it. I wish the Maxes had it too, I wear mine for 12+ hours a day due to sensory issues and having Adaptive Mode on them would be legitimately life changing for me. I like my Pros but the tiny batteries die way too fast. Hopefully when the Maxes get refreshed…eventually.

  • melanantic@alien.topBEnglish
    1·
    9 months ago

    Did the same thing talking to a customer near some diesel motors going full tilt, for which I had toggled to what I thought was transparency before I approached. I was wondering if he was hard of hearing; had no idea what I was saying but I could hear him fine. I finish up and remove an AirPod as I’m walking away and get shocked by how loud it suddenly is. Turns out I was talking about 40db too inappropriately.

  • Gloriathewitch@alien.topBEnglish
    1·
    9 months ago

    just so you know foam tips won’t give you as good of an experience you’re basically taking all their noise canceling engineering and throwing it in the trash, apple makes them so they are a tight fit to function perfectly with the buds.

  • divorcedbp@alien.topBEnglish
    1·
    9 months ago

    If you are referring to the comply foam tips, please do not think that they are “noise reduction” or “hearing protection” tips. Yes, they get a better seal than the stock tips, but they are absolutely not ear protection devices, and arguably would be worse than going unprotected due to the false sense of confidence.

    Hearing protection is a serious, serious deal - any damage, no matter how small, is permanent and will never heal. It’s also cumulative, so it will build up over time if you’re in loud environments. Earbuds are not protective devices, and noise cancellation is not protection. Noise cancellation filters out sounds that you don’t want to hear, but they absolutely do not do anything to the high energy pressure waves that cause hearing damage and permanent loss. If you work in a noisy environment (sustained sounds over 90dB) there are all kinds of great hearing protection devices that also have Bluetooth connectivity - sure, the sound quality might not be as good as AirPods, but I’ll take that for a short amount of time vs not actually being able to hear for the rest of my life. Look at brands like Walker and 3M. Net/net if it’s not explicitly labeled as hearing protection you might as well just have nothing in your ears.

    Source: firearms enthusiast, woodworker and aficionado of other noisy hobbies who will have his ears go “RRRREEEEEEEE” and say “What?” a lot because he was stupid about ear pro when he was younger.

  • Mother_Restaurant188@alien.topBEnglish
    1·
    9 months ago

    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.

    • Secret_Essay_5644@alien.topBEnglish
      1·
      9 months ago

      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.

      • Mother_Restaurant188@alien.topBEnglish
        1·
        9 months ago

        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.

  • IntoTheMirror@alien.topBEnglish
    1·
    9 months ago

    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.

  • TheMKB@alien.topBEnglish
    1·
    9 months ago

    I have tinnitus and it’s allowed me to enjoy concerts without the muffled sound of earplugs. As a huge music guy, I would have paid for these if that was the only thing they do.

  • DocAuch@alien.topBEnglish
    1·
    9 months ago

    I’m a woodworker and adaptive mode is huge when I’m running my bigger machines for a long time. It doesn’t eliminate the sound completely but it is a huge reduction and it’s less cumbersome than wearing bulky earmuffs.

  • Jcw122@alien.topBEnglish
    1·
    9 months ago

    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.