AirPods Custom EQ - As Expected

[Parowdy]

I just got to use the new custom EQ feature on my AirPods Pro 2 and I have to say, it’s exactly what you’d expect from Apple.

(not my actual settings, just for visualization)

You can choose between the “Recommended” default setting and a custom equalizer, which offers you three sliders, one for bass, one for mids and one for treble, which can be dragged up and down to either in- or decrease the volume of the indicated sound range.
That’s it.
Compared to practically any other app that offers custom EQ, for example the FiiO app as pictured below, it offers no real customization of the sound and it also barely improves it, at least for me.

(obviously not for AirPods. FiiO makes Bluetooth adapters for wired headphones)

I am personally very disappointed, during the keynote I was very optimistic that Apple would actually deliver a solid UI for average and “prosumers” alike, like everyone else. But that is unfortunately years and years into their Bluetooth headsets journey still not the case.
Now, I know the feature isn’t ironed out yet as it made no effort in informing me about my enabled Headphone Accommodation, which will probably and hopefully be added in the future.
It also changes the sound even if all sliders are completely up or down, which isn’t confidence inducing but expected for a low tier EQ unfortunately. At least it does seem to bring some clarity to the sound when all are maxed out, which is a step up from the default sound.
It’s practically just more of modern Apple software at its finest, stopping short of actually delivering a useful tool for anyone but an “average” consumer.

All that said, I do actually benefit from this feature.
To me, AirPods Pro 2 are bordering perfection. Their ease of use in daily life, ANC (albeit not the best), the phenomenal transparency mode and surprisingly long battery life of these small units paired with their ear tip design practically removing any real risk of gunk getting into the mesh behind it make them already very good.
But I always found the sound very lacking. Somewhat ok, but too muddy, too heavy, with many details especially in the mids just missing.

Until I experimented with Headphone Accommodations and found the setting to use with the Pro 2’s:
Slight, Balanced sound.
It’s a whole new class of listening to music. So good, when I recently used Sony XM6’s I was, bored. I used all presets and even though the neutral one sounded very good and by far the best, only after using a custom EQ did they manage to hold a candle to my Pro 2’s with Headphone Accommodations.
Really, the only thing the Sony’s did “better”, apart from the ANC, was bass. It’s just a little more punchy and pronounced after setting it just right for my taste. A little more than neutral, you know? And that’s what my AirPods have with Headphone Accommodations, neutral sound with amazing detail and still pronounced and clear bass, just a bit too little to be considered “fun” bass.
But no more. Now I can slightly increase the bass AND have spectacular clarity on these minuscule headphones, it’s honestly incredible.
And if for nothing else in relation to this feature, for that 5% bass increase I am very thankful.

How you can actually improve the sound of your AirPods
without iOS 27

If you’d like to try and improve the sound of your existing AirPods (Pro 2) without using beta software on your iPhone and AirPods, try the following:

Without media playing and Spatial Stereo turned off go to
Settings - Accessibility - Audio & Visual - Headphone Accommodations
and turn on
Balanced Tone
and put the slider on
Slight

Use your AirPods on no more than 50% volume and listen to a song with a vibrant sound range.
(I can obviously recommend September by Earth, Wind & Fire, but songs I also always use to test different sound systems are Different Pulses (Joris Delacroix Remix) by John Avidan
and About Last Night by Chalz & Maths Time Joy)
In the middle of the song, turn Headphone Accommodations off.
Me and my family have been using this setting on all of our AirPods for over a year now, even my audiophile mother loves her pair since I introduced her to this setting.

 

[!!!]

Not surprising. Considering how their announcement at WWDC didn't actually show the UI for it.

Speaking of, I honestly believe Apple made it this way because they couldn't figure out how to make a phone UI look nice with all those sliders. Either that or they believe many sliders would be "too confusing" to the general public. It's just more dumbing down of everything.

 

[Genelec8341]

3 bands is ok, but it would be nice if each band's amplitude had a dB scale instead of being arbitrary.
It's merely adequate for a phone, but it won't replace using parametric EQ in Logic Pro for iPad IMO.

For what it's worth, the Music app for MacOS has a 7 Band graphic EQ.

 

[Genelec8341]

Settings - Accessibility - Audio & Visual - Headphone Accommodations
and turn on
Balanced Tone
and put the slider on
Slight

I like these settings a lot, and I probably wouldn't have found them on my own, or tried disabling Listening Mode and Spatialized Audio so thanks for the tip. First track I tried was

The Aristocrats
Tres Caballeros
(7) Pressure Relief

If you have Apple Music, give it a listen and report back if you think there are any more optimizations to be made. 😉

 

[2Xtreme21]

Wow I forgot how absolutely awful they sound with Headphone Accommodations switched off. I’ve had the same settings dialed in as you for a while and couldn’t imagine listening without them on. It improves the audio quality so much.

 

[Parowdy]

Wow I forgot how absolutely awful they sound with Headphone Accommodations switched off. I’ve had the same settings dialed in as you for a while and couldn’t imagine listening without them on. It improves the audio quality so much.

Finally someone that understands.
Personally I feel like anyone that doesn’t know about this setting is being withheld a superior listening experience. I guess I understand why Apple tuned the AirPods the way they are, but then again not and it feels like they purposely gimped them to justify the Max existing.
I can’t stress enough how impressed I am that these drivers can simulate such detailed sound, they are at least on par with my Beyerdynamic DT 770’s comparing clarity but smoke them in any other regard, it’s crazy.
It’s also unfortunate because I’m being spoilt everyone I use them but then again, like you said, there is no turning back.

 

[Parowdy]

I like these settings a lot, and I probably wouldn't have found them on my own, or tried disabling Listening Mode and Spatialized Audio so thanks for the tip. First track I tried was

The Aristocrats
Tres Caballeros
(7) Pressure Relief

If you have Apple Music, give it a listen and report back if you think there are any more optimizations to be made. 😉

Will definitely give them a try, maybe even add them to my test track playlist I almost linked in this thread but that felt a little pretentious.
I’m open for good test tasks any time if you have some more to share.

 

[Genelec8341]

For sound quality in a quiet room while seated, these APP3 don't really compete at all with my only other headphone, the discontinued Sony MDR-7520.
(24 Ohm, 50mm, 4W rated power handling)

I use those cans with the HP jack on a Lynx Hilo or a Topping A30pro. Of course no NR with the Sony.

I'm listening to the AAP3 next to a window air conditioner in the shed at the moment- it's incredible how much noise these buds can kill from an A/C 2 feet away.

I would love to try the AAP2 as I have never listened to them. Actually the APP3 is the first NR in-ear I have ever used.

If the AAP2 were available new in the US from a reputable seller I would grab some today just to hear the difference. I've seen the FR overlay between APP2 and APP3 on Crinacle's website, so I have at least a visual comparison between the two. The 3 definitely has more happy face curve according to his plots, which is my preference sometimes for metal and EDM, but not for everything.

I wonder if the adjustments available in Accessibility and the generic EQ profiles in Apple Music together in combination can make the 3 simulate the 2 profile.

 

[novagamer]

I don't know about this accommodation setting, it applies to the source itself – it's basically a compressor; for example the noise floor and tape hiss becomes much more audible on a track that I know was mixed in analog. That is perceived as being more 'revealing' but I'm not convinced it's an EQ alone because it actually is changing the dynamics. I think it's bringing the frequencies into a range the drivers can hit more easily at least after a quick critical listening session just now. I can see why some people like it, especially if you've lost some hearing range which nearly everyone has.

Whatever it does to the high end is nice for the headphones though, where sometimes it can sound like a blanket is over the drivers at times. It's like turning up the presence knob on a guitar amp which when played in the room can make a big difference, but if you have a mic up against the cabinet - you're in for a harsh and bad time. [edit: but I don't think you're getting the actual intended mix this way.]

Also spatial audio (FIXED) for newer music is sometimes better since there is more headroom and better mixing, even though it is a lossy format. Well-mixed Atmos sounds absolutely stunning in some cases.

I agree the AirPods Pro 2 are more neutral and balanced vs. the AirPods Pro 3, but the ANC is much much better on the AirPods Pro 3, and they do have better lower extension, I think there is literally an additional port which helps.

AirPods Max are excellent and IMO the best wireless headphones on the market, at least under $1k, and punch well above their weight. I really want to try the Max 2 but I have both the OG and USB-C so it seems ridiculous to buy a third pair. I'd be thrilled if Apple made some Ultra version but I don't see that happening. They have such good sound engineers it's a shame they can't just go for broke on some halo product.

edit: further listening, this is definitely just doing some compression on the extant mix and not an EQ... it really harms some songs even on 'slight'.

Looking forward to trying the new EQ out since I think the Pro 3s are a bit too bottom heavy, I have to figure out how to get the beta firmware on these things.


For comparison's sake my absolute favorite wired headphones are the Sennheiser HD700 but they sadly discontinued them in favor of more unbalanced models that cost upwards of $2k. I'd buy a new pair of the 700s right now if I could, I hope they reissue them one day.

 

[Shiverme]

I just got to use the new custom EQ feature on my AirPods Pro 2 and I have to say, it’s exactly what you’d expect from Apple.

View attachment 2637152

You can choose between the “Recommended” default setting and a custom equalizer, which offers you three sliders, one for bass, one for mids and one for treble, which can be dragged up and down to either in- or decrease the volume of the indicated sound range.
That’s it.
Compared to practically any other app that offers custom EQ, for example the FiiO app as pictured below, it offers no real customization of the sound and it also barely improves it, at least for me.

View attachment 2637153

I am personally very disappointed, during the keynote I was very optimistic that Apple would actually deliver a solid UI for average and “prosumers” alike, like everyone else. But that is unfortunately years and years into their Bluetooth headsets journey still not the case.
Now, I know the feature isn’t ironed out yet as it made no effort in informing me about my enabled Headphone Accommodation, which will probably and hopefully be added in the future.
It also changes the sound even if all sliders are completely up or down, which isn’t confidence inducing but expected for a low tier EQ unfortunately. At least it does seem to bring some clarity to the sound when all are maxed out, which is a step up from the default sound.
It’s practically just more of modern Apple software at its finest, stopping short of actually delivering a useful tool for anyone but an “average” consumer.

All that said, I do actually benefit from this feature.
To me, AirPods Pro 2 are bordering perfection. Their ease of use in daily life, ANC (albeit not the best), the phenomenal transparency mode and surprisingly long battery life of these small units paired with their ear tip design practically removing any real risk of gunk getting into the mesh behind it make them already very good.
But I always found the sound very lacking. Somewhat ok, but too muddy, too heavy, with many details especially in the mids just missing.

Until I experimented with Headphone Accommodations and found the setting to use with the Pro 2’s:
Slight, Balanced sound.
It’s a whole new class of listening to music. So good, when I recently used Sony XM6’s I was, bored. I used all presets and even though the neutral one sounded very good and by far the best, only after using a custom EQ did they manage to hold a candle to my Pro 2’s with Headphone Accommodations.
Really, the only thing the Sony’s did “better”, apart from the ANC, was bass. It’s just a little more punchy and pronounced after setting it just right for my taste. A little more than neutral, you know? And that’s what my AirPods have with Headphone Accommodations, neutral sound with amazing detail and still pronounced and clear bass, just a bit too little to be considered “fun” bass.
But no more. Now I can slightly increase the bass AND have spectacular clarity on these minuscule headphones, it’s honestly incredible.
And if for nothing else in relation to this feature, for that 5% bass increase I am very thankful.

How you can actually improve the sound of your AirPods
without iOS 27

If you’d like to try and improve the sound of your existing AirPods (Pro 2) without using beta software on your iPhone and AirPods, try the following:

Without media playing and Spatial Stereo turned off go to
Settings - Accessibility - Audio & Visual - Headphone Accommodations
and turn on
Balanced Tone
and put the slider on
Slight

Use your AirPods on no more than 50% volume and listen to a song with a vibrant sound range.
(I can obviously recommend September by Earth, Wind & Fire, but songs I also always use to test different sound systems are Different Pulses (Joris Delacroix Remix) by John Avidan
and About Last Night by Chalz & Maths Time Joy)
In the middle of the song, turn Headphone Accommodations off.
Me and my family have been using this setting on all of our AirPods for over a year now, even my audiophile mother loves her pair since I introduced her to this setting.

Thank you so much!

So is your screenshot your actual settings in the beta and you also have accommodations on as you described?

 

[Parowdy]

For sound quality in a quiet room while seated, these APP3 don't really compete at all with my only other headphone, the discontinued Sony MDR-7520.
(24 Ohm, 50mm, 4W rated power handling)

I use those cans with the HP jack on a Lynx Hilo or a Topping A30pro. Of course no NR with the Sony.

I'm listening to the AAP3 next to a window air conditioner in the shed at the moment- it's incredible how much noise these buds can kill from an A/C 2 feet away.

I would love to try the AAP2 as I have never listened to them. Actually the APP3 is the first NR in-ear I have ever used.

If the AAP2 were available new in the US from a reputable seller I would grab some today just to hear the difference. I've seen the FR overlay between APP2 and APP3 on Crinacle's website, so I have at least a visual comparison between the two. The 3 definitely has more happy face curve according to his plots, which is my preference sometimes for metal and EDM, but not for everything.

I wonder if the adjustments available in Accessibility and the generic EQ profiles in Apple Music together in combination can make the 3 simulate the 2 profile.

Yeah I’ve been wondering about that, too.
The v or smiley shaped frequency response of the 3 sounded like a downgrade to me form the start and initial reviews were mixed but mostly negative as well, at least those I saw. Only one claimed the sound is superior to the 2’s and the rest pointed out the ear tips and improved ANC, which would be worthwhile upgrades but not enough for me, personally, to change my listening experience. But preferences vary, and that’s why in theory the custom EQ is a great feature. If only it actually would be.
I suspect the slight balanced Headphone Accommodation is already doing the 3’s a service, but unfortunately I can’t tell you how close they are to the 2’s with it enabled.
I’m almost certain there have to be some retailers with old stock and a reasonable return policy, maybe Amazon or eBay (although reputable doesn’t quite cut it)

 

[Parowdy]

Also spatial audio (FIXED) for newer music is sometimes better since there is more headroom and better mixing

I wish that was still true, but earlier this year Apple did something to Spatial Audio that makes it sound a lot less spatial than it being turned off.
I initially had a thread posted listing fixed Spatial Stereo as one of the settings to enable, but then one day while listening to a some songs I know in and out, I found the range to be much smaller and the separation between the instruments almost missing.
What songs did you have issues with?
I agree it’s not a perfect setting, but I still prefer the sound over the original. Songs like “Violent” by 2Pac for example that drown in bass actually sound almost adequate and there’s detail in the voice. I often listen to old school hiphop which is less than optimally mixed, but with this strings they are much more pleasant to listen to. Same with some reggae and dub.
I also find voices in videos and podcasts or voice recordings by people I know to be much more crisp and realistic compared to how the headphones normally sound. But preference vary and it shows it’s actually a good idea to give users settings to adjust the sound. Unfortunately the custom EQ isn’t nearly capable enough to effectively replace the Headphone Accommodations.

 

[Parowdy]

Thank you so much!

So is your screenshot your actual settings in the beta and you also have accommodations on as you described?

I was wondering if I should have clarified that.
No, the settings in the screenshot are just for visualization purposes. Personally I only have the bass slider slightly increased, it barely makes a difference in most songs the way I set, so if you like how your AirPods sound with Headphone Accommodations turned on there isn’t much you’re missing here if you don’t use the iOS and AirPods beta.

If you like the Headphone Accommodations, spread the word!