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.

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[–] [B] 1 point 2 years 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.

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  • [–] [B] 1 point 2 years ago

    That’s what I’ve been saying!

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  • [–] [B] 1 point 2 years ago

    It’s really really good.

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  • [–] [B] 1 point 2 years ago (6 children)

    anyone know how it works in concerts?

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  • [–] [B] 1 point 2 years 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.

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  • [–] [B] 1 point 2 years ago (12 children)

    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

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  • [–] [B] 1 point 2 years ago (11 children)

    A little off topic, but why were you wearing headphones at a party?

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  • [–] [B] 1 point 2 years ago (2 children)

    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.

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  • [–] [B] 1 point 2 years 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.

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  • [–] [B] 1 point 2 years ago (3 children)

    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.

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  • [–] [B] 1 point 2 years ago (2 children)

    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.

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  • [–] [B] 1 point 2 years 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.

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  • [–] [B] 1 point 2 years ago

    I do wish it was more customisable

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  • [–] [B] 1 point 2 years 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.

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  • [–] [B] 1 point 2 years 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.

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  • [–] [B] 1 point 2 years ago (19 children)

    Can we circle back to the hearing protection custom tips? I’d appreciate a link to that lol

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  • [–] [B] 1 point 2 years ago (5 children)
  • [–] [B] 1 point 2 years ago (6 children)
  • [–] [B] 1 point 2 years ago (2 children)

    I’d imagine it’s this as well - certainly allows you to wear them longer but I wouldn’t call them ear plugs.

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  • [–] [B] 1 point 2 years ago (1 child)

    Comply are nice but don't last very long. You can find foam ones that have a silicon cover on them. It's like the best of both worlds -- they mold to your ear canal but the silicon makes the foam last way longer. I found some on amazon

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    [–] [B] 1 point 2 years ago (1 child)

    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.

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    [–] [B] 1 point 2 years ago

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

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  • [–] [B] 1 point 2 years 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.

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  • [–] [B] 1 point 2 years ago (1 child)

    Recommendations for custom AirPods (3rd Gen) tips?

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  • [–] [B] 1 point 2 years ago

    I was wearing them on a flight, which was great as it totally drowns out the sound of the plane, but you can hear conversations just fine.

    I got up to go to the bathroom at the front of the plane when the fasten seatbelt sign was off. The flight attendant totally startled me when she shouted at me to sit down because the pilot was out of the cockpit.

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  • [–] [B] 1 point 2 years ago

    Wow I didn't know they could do that. That's actually cool!

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  • [–] [B] 1 point 2 years ago

    Sitting in the office during teams meetings, I’ve turned it on and off while in a call, and noticed a huge difference.

    Never realized how much I can hear the hvac and computers in the office running. Until ANC is turned on

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  • [–] [B] 1 point 2 years ago

    Is it better now? I remember after the update I couldn’t figure out why transparency was such shit and it’s because it switched the toggle to adaptive.

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