Apple AirPods Pro
Late to the game, here. After my excellent user experience with Apple’s original AirPods, I organized a review pair of the AirPods Pro ($249). The AirPods were far from an audiophile product. But, a ‘Pro’ designation, at least in Apple-speak, indicates higher price as well as an upgrade in hardware. And sound?
The upgrades include sound cancellation technology, improved Bluetooth functionality (seal tests for a customizable fit, a ‘Transparency’ mode for walkabout/city safety & ordering coffee at Starbucks without switching off) and new drivers.
In aural terms, the sound cancellation works extremely well for an earbud. You’re going to hear less outside noise with an over ear design, but Apple has implemented the cancellation technology remarkably well. It will allow you to enjoy your music choices with far more intimacy than the standard AirPods. And the cancellation technology bodes well for the leaked upcoming over the ear Apple Headphones.
Sound
I must stress once again that Apple has not manufactured an audiophile product. Much like the HomePod and original AirPods, Apple impresses but does not move the needle in sound quality or musical immersion. For sure, the sound of the Pros is better than the originals. With quiet comes clarity. But that clarity only serves to show the limitations of the new drivers.
Mahler’s Resurrection Symphony, as massive a work as I could find on Qobuz, sounded anemic in the bass and threadbare in the mids. If you want refulgence and a more intense musical experience from a head/ear phone/bud you’re going to have spend a lot more.
String quartets, demanding much less power and bass demands as full on Mahler, could sound very beautiful and direct. Beethoven’s Complete Quartets by the Quartetto Italiano on Philips was especially wonderful. Bow attacks on Beethoven’s never ending sforzandos and fortepianos were imposing offering a grand view of the late quartets, especially.
The same efficacy was heard with house music and electronica. Simple and simpler with mesmeric sound and ostinatos. Not much timbre to decipher—musical bullshit baffling brains. But, effective nonetheless. Simple music for a simple device. As such, I bobbed my simple head for hours on trains, planes and automobiles. But don’t get too comfortable. Coldplay’s superb, always on repeat, Every Teardrop is a Waterfall, evinced the rustic timbral quality of the Pro drivers when really put to the test. Basically, Chris Martin’s 7th and 9th chords in a tin can.
Usage
Day to day with the Pros is when they shine. Like its predecessor, the Pros pair with iPhones as soon as you open the charging case. Like love sick pigeons. Immediate. Owners take this for granted. However, pairing is a black art for so many Bluetooth devices. Apple has this down. The Pros can be used by Android users.
In typical Apple Distortion Field mode, the drivers are:
…custom-built high-excursion, low-distortion driver delivers powerful bass. A super-efficient high dynamic range amplifier produces pure, incredibly clear sound while also extending battery life. And Adaptive EQ automatically tunes music to suit the shape of your ear for a rich, consistent listening experience.
Apple does invest a lot in sound development and the sound is marginally better than the originals, but I’m guessing fanboys like me are buying the new Pros for the noise cancellation and ease of use.
Summary
For $249, the fit and finish is exemplary, they are smaller and less ‘geeky’ than the longer originals, they fit better (three sizes of silicone ear tips) and retain the magic of Apple’’s H1 chip delivering low audio latency. As such, phone calls sounded excellent and you can switch between modes with a tap on the stem. Siri support, too.
So, a straight ahead choice for fanboys and fans of advanced Bluetooth technology. Less so for pure musical pleasure. For that, either of the MW07s from Master & Dynamic will be far more suitable.
Further Information: Apple
Features
Sweat and water-resistant (IPX4)²
Automatically on, automatically connected
Easy setup for all your Apple devices
Quick charging in the case
Case can be charged either wirelessly using a Qi-certified charger or with the Lightning connector
Adaptive EQ
Vent system for pressure equalization
Custom high-excursion Apple driver
Custom high dynamic range amplifier
Dual beam-forming microphones
Inward-facing microphone
Dual optical sensors
Motion-detecting accelerometer
Speech-detecting accelerometer
Force sensor
Press the force sensor once to play, pause or answer a phone call
Press twice to skip forwards
Press three times to skip backwards
Press and hold to switch between Active Noise Cancellation and Transparency mode
Say “Hey Siri” to do things like play a song, make a call or get directions
Specifications
AirPods Pro (each)
Height: 30.9 mm (1.22 inches)
Width: 21.8 mm (0.86 inches)
Depth: 24.0 mm (0.94 inches)
Weight: 5.4 grams (0.19 ounces)
Wireless Charging Case
Height: 45.2 mm (1.78 inches)
Width: 60.6 mm (2.39 inches)
Depth: 21.7 mm (0.85 inches)
Weight: 45.6 grams (1.61 ounces)
Up to 4.5 hours of listening time with a single charge (up to 5 hours with Active Noise Cancellation and Transparency off)
Up to 3.5 hours of talk time with a single charge
AirPods Pro with Wireless Charging Case
More than 24 hours of listening time
More than 18 hours of talk time
5 minutes in the case provides around 1 hour of listening time or around 1 hour of talk time
Bluetooth 5.0
