If you care about better sound quality, the APP2 are miles better. I tend to give my old tech to family or friends, which helps me feel at least a bit better about having too many new gadgets. It's a bit alarming how much money I gave Apple last year. Nothing new for me for at least 2 years now, though.
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AirPods Pro 2 wind noise while cycling worse than 1st Gen
- Thread starter gutefahrt
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Interesting! So you're saying you have two different AirPods Pro 2. One exhibits wind noise issue, but the other one doesn't? Fascinating!
Well, it's been a while since APP2 has come out. If indeed there were different versions, maybe if I get one now it would be the latest version with this issue resolved???? (Here's hoping)
I’ve come up with my own solution for this problem. It won’t be for everyone, but here it is.
First, anyone using ANC while cycling. Stop. That’s ridiculous. Use your brain.
The reason I love AirPods Pro 2 for cycling is how I can use the incredible transparency mode and have music/podcasts AND a still be fully aware of my surroundings. But, yes… the wind noise does get to be too much at any higher speeds. Something I don’t think I’ve seen discussed in this thread is that, take out the AirPods and it’ll be just about the same with the wind noise created naturally by your own ears. Apple’s transparency mode is so good. And again, if your complaint is about the wind noise created while using ANC, stop. That’s dumb and dangerous not only for you, but the others around you. Same goes for running, skiing, skateboarding… anything you do at higher than walking-speeds around other people.
So, here’s my solution. Headset microphone windscreens cut to fit over the outer microphone opening. Not particularly stylish, but it it lets me use transparency mode and changes the intensely rushing wind noise down to a soft whoosh without effecting the transparency mode at all. Hope this helps!
First, anyone using ANC while cycling. Stop. That’s ridiculous. Use your brain.
The reason I love AirPods Pro 2 for cycling is how I can use the incredible transparency mode and have music/podcasts AND a still be fully aware of my surroundings. But, yes… the wind noise does get to be too much at any higher speeds. Something I don’t think I’ve seen discussed in this thread is that, take out the AirPods and it’ll be just about the same with the wind noise created naturally by your own ears. Apple’s transparency mode is so good. And again, if your complaint is about the wind noise created while using ANC, stop. That’s dumb and dangerous not only for you, but the others around you. Same goes for running, skiing, skateboarding… anything you do at higher than walking-speeds around other people.
So, here’s my solution. Headset microphone windscreens cut to fit over the outer microphone opening. Not particularly stylish, but it it lets me use transparency mode and changes the intensely rushing wind noise down to a soft whoosh without effecting the transparency mode at all. Hope this helps!
Attachments
These are the foams that I bought. I tried a different one after these looking for a higher density and higher quality foam, but they ended up being too big and I haven’t gone searching for better ones again, but these work well.
Tetra-Teknica MNWS5P Mini-size Lapel Microphone Windscreen, Color Black, 5-Pack https://a.co/d/8f7Fuqj
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I've got the same wind issue on my new APP2 with USB-C, so it's not been resolved with this iteration...
Only takes a slight breeze when I'm outside and there it is.
Only takes a slight breeze when I'm outside and there it is.
I was hoping the new USB-C version would be as good as my original Airpods Pro for biking, but it's pretty bad in both ANC and transparency modes, wind noise worse than wired at speed.
Interestingly, the noise fully disappears when I turn my head sideways something like 30+ degrees. It's a pity that I can't ride like that
Will try the foam trick.
Interestingly, the noise fully disappears when I turn my head sideways something like 30+ degrees. It's a pity that I can't ride like that
Will try the foam trick.
It's a hardware problem, but it doesn't occur with all 2nd gen pods! I had the 1st gen for a few years and now bought the 2nd gen with USB-C on Black Friday. Immediately after purchase I noticed a wind noise when cycling, as if someone was blowing into the microphones.
Since I noticed a crack in the housing of one of the pods, I went to Apple and had them both replaced. On the bike ride from the store to work, I noticed that the new pods no longer had the problem. The noise is the same as with the 1st gen, so you can hear wind, but it's just normal wind noise blowing around your ear, not a processed sound being replayed on the pods.
Before that I thought maybe the problem was due to the slightly different design (e.g. vent on top) and taped the vent as well. Didn't change anything. I bought the 2nd gen with USB-C. These were made in Vietnam. The replacement pods now come from China. The versions (A3047, A3048) of the pods still match Apple's specifications for the 2nd gen with USB-C.
So I can only advise everyone to go to Apple and exchange the fauly ones. The firmware version doesn't seem to matter either. The new ones were initially on 6A300 and now on 6B32. It makes no difference.
Since I noticed a crack in the housing of one of the pods, I went to Apple and had them both replaced. On the bike ride from the store to work, I noticed that the new pods no longer had the problem. The noise is the same as with the 1st gen, so you can hear wind, but it's just normal wind noise blowing around your ear, not a processed sound being replayed on the pods.
Before that I thought maybe the problem was due to the slightly different design (e.g. vent on top) and taped the vent as well. Didn't change anything. I bought the 2nd gen with USB-C. These were made in Vietnam. The replacement pods now come from China. The versions (A3047, A3048) of the pods still match Apple's specifications for the 2nd gen with USB-C.
So I can only advise everyone to go to Apple and exchange the fauly ones. The firmware version doesn't seem to matter either. The new ones were initially on 6A300 and now on 6B32. It makes no difference.
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Do you still find the wind noise to be improved, equal to the 1st gen? Trying to decide if it's worth going into Apple to ask for a new pair. Thanks!
Sorry for the late feedback. Yes, the noise is the same (good one) as ist was with the Gen 1. Go and exchange them, it's worth it!
Hi, are you still using this solution, or have you found something better?
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I got my AirPods Pro 2 with USB-C charging case 2 months ago because I lost my 1st gen and I took them today for the first time on a bike and I barely could hear the music because of the wind, I had to turn up the volume to around 70-80% which is way too much for me when I'm using them at home or anywhere. It was really uncomfortable hearing the wind so much and Siri didn't work at all.
1st gen AirPods Pro were a lot better and by looking at the comments it's probably hardware issue, not software.
1st gen AirPods Pro were a lot better and by looking at the comments it's probably hardware issue, not software.
I have been using this solution for a while now, but I’ve been looking for a better one and I found it! Granted this one is very specific to helmeted activities… but it is a far superior solution. It cuts out nearly all wind noise. Almost as if I’m standing still in maybe a very light breeze, only when I’m doing 30mph downhill in a bicycle.
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Interesting. I see how that could work. I'll have to think about these. Thanks for the reply.I have been using this solution for a while now, but I’ve been looking for a better one and I found it! Granted this one is very specific to helmeted activities… but it is a far superior solution. It cuts out nearly all wind noise. Almost as if I’m standing still in maybe a very light breeze, only when I’m doing 30mph downhill in a bicycle.
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This appears to be the latest version from Cat Ears (Amazon link above shows unavailable).:
I'm curious about these as well. Looks like there are 4 different models; not sure which is best.
Edit: Apparently there are other brands available at various price points. Looking for other recommendations based on how well their work with AirPod Pros.
In the meantime, riding with noise cancellation turned off seems to work best for me. However, riding across the Golden Gate Bridge in the afternoon wind requires me to set the volume ear-splittingly loud to hear anything, and I wonder how much these wind blockers would help, especially with a strong, mostly sideways wind.
Cat-Ears New Classic Slim Cycling Wind Noise Reducer
Cat-Ears New Classic Slim Cycling Wind Noise Reducer
www.amazon.com
I'm curious about these as well. Looks like there are 4 different models; not sure which is best.
Edit: Apparently there are other brands available at various price points. Looking for other recommendations based on how well their work with AirPod Pros.
In the meantime, riding with noise cancellation turned off seems to work best for me. However, riding across the Golden Gate Bridge in the afternoon wind requires me to set the volume ear-splittingly loud to hear anything, and I wonder how much these wind blockers would help, especially with a strong, mostly sideways wind.
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