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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

      • bICEmeister@alien.topBEnglish
        1·
        9 months ago

        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)

          • bICEmeister@alien.topBEnglish
            1·
            9 months ago

            Yup. And with the overall sound level being so high, what is being let through still sounds great., but “appropriately” loud rather than deafening.

  • altononner@alien.topBEnglish
    1·
    9 months ago

    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.

  • Shloomth@alien.topBEnglish
    1·
    9 months ago

    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

      • Shloomth@alien.topBEnglish
        1·
        9 months ago

        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.

      • arijitlive@alien.topBEnglish
        1·
        9 months ago

        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.

          • arijitlive@alien.topBEnglish
            1·
            9 months ago

            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.

  • 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.

  • The_real_bandito@alien.topBEnglish
    1·
    9 months ago

    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.

  • CanadianMapleBacon@alien.topBEnglish
    1·
    9 months ago

    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.

    • Decent-Photograph391@alien.topBEnglish
      1·
      9 months ago

      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.

  • joaoxcampos@alien.topBEnglish
    1·
    9 months ago

    It’s really good but I wish it could have better cancelling while at home with noises from outside

  • altcntrl@alien.topBEnglish
    1·
    9 months ago

    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.