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Crazyj414

macrumors 6502
Original poster
Sep 16, 2015
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So I just got AirPod pros and the sound kinda sucks on my iPhone 11 Pro Max but sounds decent on my new iPad Air. It says my fit is ok but should I try the other tips? What am I missing?
 
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So I just got AirPod pros and the sound kinda sucks on my iPhone 11 Pro Max but sounds decent on my new iPad Air. It says my fit is ok but should I try the other tips? What am I missing?
I found the music quality delivered by my iPad Pro 2021 superior to my iPhone 11 Pro. I don't know why, but I can hear the difference with all my BlueTooth headphones. That said I think my M1 MacMini also sounds better than my iPhone 11 Pro.

I don't know what is going on.
 
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I found the music quality delivered by my iPad Pro 2021 superior to my iPhone 11 Pro. I don't know why, but I can hear the difference with all my BlueTooth headphones. That said I think my M1 MacMini also sounds better than my iPhone 11 Pro.

I don't know what is going on.

Idk maybe it’s because my iPad is newer than my phone? Whatever it is I like the AirPod pros but it’s disappointing because I don’t really want to upgrade anytime soon.
 
You need to try all tip combinations to know which is best for you. The fit test is useless. Ignore it. If they sound good to you that’s all that matters.

I’m going to try this, thanks. I am using the medium right now and I think my only other option might be the small. I have the AirPods also and these stay in my ear so much better!
 
Unless there is something wrong with your phone or the files you are playing on it, it should sound exactly the same as your iPad. I'm guessing you aren't comparing apples to apples with the same audio file. Different songs are going to have different sound quality.
 
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Unless there is something wrong with your phone or the files you are playing on it, it should sound exactly the same as your iPad. I'm guessing you aren't comparing apples to apples with the same audio file. Different songs are going to have different sound quality.

Nope I have.
 
Unless there is something wrong with your phone or the files you are playing on it, it should sound exactly the same as your iPad. I'm guessing you aren't comparing apples to apples with the same audio file. Different songs are going to have different sound quality.

Also my other AirPods sound fine. Idk
 
I would check the equalizer settings to see if they match. I just got the new M1 iMac and at first I didn't really like the new speakers and their sound. Was going to go back to my Altec Lansing set of computer speakers w/subwoofer that I always used with my iMacs. But after playing with the equalizer settings in the Music app I am very happy with the sound. So perhaps that is the difference between your various devices because I would believe the equalizer settings also effect output to headphones/earbuds in addition to the built in speakers.
 
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I would check the equalizer settings to see if they match. I just got the new M1 iMac and at first I didn't really like the new speakers and their sound. Was going to go back to my Altec Lansing set of computer speakers w/subwoofer that I always used with my iMacs. But after playing with the equalizer settings in the Music app I am very happy with the sound. So perhaps that is the difference between your various devices because I would believe the equalizer settings also effect output to headphones/earbuds in addition to the built in speakers.

Nope. Not EQ but I read the firmware update may haves fixed something with this but mine have yet to update. Just don’t understand why one device is different from the other. Maybe I did get some lemons!
 
They really should sound the same on both. Firstly, ignore the fit test, nothings as good as your own ears at telling what works best for you.

Second, just to rule out anything random, you could try a reset, the process is:

Put your AirPods Pro in their case, and close the lid, then wait 30 seconds.

After that, open the lid of the case again.

On your iPhone or iPad go to Settings > Bluetooth and tap on the "i" icon next to your AirPods name. Then, tap Forget This Device, and confirm it.

Finally, keeping the lid open, press and hold the setup button on the back of the case until the light flashes first amber, then white.

Now you can go about reconnecting them and try them out on your devices to see if it cures the problem.

Another possibility is the firmware, but you’ve already mentioned that, so keep trying for the newest one.

If none of that makes a blind bit of difference, then you’re listening to them wrong.

No, I kid, take them to an Apple store or get on live chat, for replacement.
 
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Could your AirPods be Chinese bootlegs?

Yep, basically. Read up on it some more. Got another pair and completely see a difference and there are other things also. But the annoying part is that they weren’t cheap but cheaper than normal. People suck sometimes. Lesson learned.

Thanks to all who responded though.
 
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Yep, basically. Read up on it some more. Got another pair and completely see a difference and there are other things also. But the annoying part is that they weren’t cheap but cheaper than normal. People suck sometimes. Lesson learned.

Thanks to all who responded thought place did you buy them from?
what place did you get them from?
 

Mercari. Should have known something was up when I got a sealed like new package but the photos showed photos of the AirPods and accessories.
 
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Update: I tried the iPhone X, 12 Mini, 13 and 13 Pro with an audiophile in-Ear, hi-res music and an audiophile headphone and all the phones have the SAME audio quality.

I can just suppose that with the new iOS of the last year Apple changes something in the firmware in regards to the audio quality because I also noticed sometime that the iPhone X was somehow louder …
 
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