Apple Provides Advice to AirPods Pro Users Experiencing Noise Cancellation or Crackling Sound Issues

[MacRumors]

In recent months, some AirPods Pro users have been complaining about reduced noise cancellation and crackling or static sounds, particularly since the release of firmware version 2B588 for the earphones in November.

As noted by 9to5Mac, Apple has now addressed these potential issues

Article Link: [url=https://www.macrumors.com/2020/05/06/airpods-pro-noise-cancellation-troubleshooting/]Apple Provides Advice to AirPods Pro Users Experiencing Noise Cancellation or Crackling Sound Issues

 

[nfl46]

Three different Twitter responses. Someone is lying. Lol.

 

[Jamesd123]

I have to say before the update my pro's were unusable, bluetooth drop out, crackling, different modes didnt work.

Since the update, they sound great and not a single issue

 

[ghostface147]

Sound is objective. Audiophiles will notice the tiniest thing, while people like me will probably think they sound great anyways.

 

[leventozler]

Nothing to do with firmware or perception. Just clean the mesh with Patafix or Blu-Tack.

 

[WannaGoMac]

Just goes to show a) Most people have no idea what they are talking about with audio b) People listen with their eyes more than their ears.

 

[SpitUK]

The static issue has appeared this morning since 2D15 installed overnight

 

[The Game 161]

I never had an issue with ANC on mine anyway...

 

[sjalfr]

"Apple says to clean the mesh located on the top of your AirPods Pro"... Yeah but how? They just say to use a Q-tip! That doesn't remove any of the tiny white specks stuck in there!

One day I put the buds back in the case and there was a loud cracking noise, it sounded like a short circuit noise! They still work but that scared me. I was on the couch doing nothing, no sweat possible. Weird.

 

[viachicago22]

Most of the discussion of the firmware update focuses on the effectiveness of the ANC. But there has also been a very real issue with crackling while using ANC that sounds like a blown speaker. This too is no doubt a software issue. I experienced it during phone conversations when I would speak. Couldn’t hear it when someone else talked and couldn’t hear it during music (that I could tell). Switching apps is not a helpful suggestion!

 

[OneMike]

I personally don’t notice an improvement with the latest firmware. Noise cancellation definitely doesn’t work as good as it did when I first purchased them though.

 

[supergt]

The mid November firmware update (2B584 to 2B588) permanently reduced the ANC performance. The subsequent updates have done nothing to improve this. Extremely disappointing and the support document is bs.

 

[incoherent_1]

My wife’s AirPod Pros magically started working better today on phone calls. Now I know why.

Very happy to see this released at last. Bose could learn something here. Much better support than the #+^*I went through with my QC35s.

 

[ijordano]

The amount of people who come into the Genius Bar complaining about noise issues and hand me AirPods CAKED in wax is honestly shocking. So many people think their sound has gotten quieter and haven't realised they've just got nasty ears

 

[symphony]

From my complex testing, I can conclude that the Active Noise Cancellation has not improved. The bass has slightly improved, but the sound is no where as good as the Powerbeats Pro.

Apple F’d with the sound after launch with the AirPods Pro like they did with the HomePod. I am disappointed.

As a prospective audiophile, I am grossed to the core.

 

[DeepIn2U]

"Apple says to clean the mesh located on the top of your AirPods Pro"... Yeah but how? They just say to use a Q-tip! That doesn't remove any of the tiny white specks stuck in there!

I'm still looking for the official 'clean' guide / recommendation from Apple on the AirPods Pro. I thought we could use rubbing alcohol with Q-tips. I clean my ears daily, no wax build-up before I start my day. Some people it's a nasty horror show (like they've never cleaned their ears ever).

 

[bchery21]

Three difference Twitter responses. Someone is lying. Lol.

Exactly, which is it?

 

[Jbusick7944]

Just goes to show a) Most people have no idea what they are talking about with audio b) People listen with their eyes more than their ears.

Yep, and there's probably a lot of placebo-type response in what people are trying to listen for.

 

[dannyyankou]

I’ve had to get the left one replaced once and the right one replaced twice because of crackling issues. I’ve done everything in that support document.

 

[nyctravis]

I have constant Bluetooth dropping and cackling sounds from my Powerbeats Pros but haven’t had much luck in finding a solution. I’m hoping they also get an update to fix it.

 

[MauiPa]

Well, contrary to the complainers, I’m running version 2B588, which is supposed to be nicht so gut. Well, ANC is fantastic! Sorry complainers, it just is.
As example, my friends have to tap me on shoulder, because I cannot hear them talking to me
[automerge]1588775342[/automerge]

I have constant Bluetooth dropping and cackling sounds from my Powerbeats Pros but haven’t had much luck in finding a solution. I’m hoping they also get an update to fix it.

Sounds more like interference from other radios

 

[Steve121178]

I never had an issue with ANC on mine anyway...

I've had mine since launch and ANC was great with the firmware they shipped with. The update in November rendered ANC as almost non-existent. I'll have to test once the firmware updates on my pair to see if they have fixed it.

Firmware updates should not make the product worse. I've no idea what Apple were playing at. Fingers crossed my Pro's are now as good as they were on day 1.

 

[dannyyankou]

I have constant Bluetooth dropping and cackling sounds from my Powerbeats Pros but haven’t had much luck in finding a solution. I’m hoping they also get an update to fix it.

Try apple support, I’ve gotten airpods replaced for free under the limited 1 year warranty

 

[JoshBoy]

I would like them to release a cleaning kit and guide for them. I don’t like the idea of grime building up on them.

 

[jarman92]

From my complex testing, I can conclude that the Active Noise Cancellation has not improved. The bass has slightly improved, but the sound is no where as good as the Powerbeats Pro.

Apple F’d with the sound after launch with the AirPods Pro like they did with the HomePod. I am disappointed.

As a prospective audiophile, I am grossed to the core.

...care to describe this “complex testing”?
[automerge]1588778094[/automerge]

Most of the discussion of the firmware update focuses on the effectiveness of the ANC. But there has also been a very real issue with crackling while using ANC that sounds like a blown speaker. This too is no doubt a software issue. I experienced it during phone conversations when I would speak. Couldn’t hear it when someone else talked and couldn’t hear it during music (that I could tell). Switching apps is not a helpful suggestion!

Almost positive the crackling is a hardware issue with the mics. It only doesn’t happen when NC and transparency are off, because the mics aren’t operating.