AirPods Max muddy bass and literally a pain in the neck

[ThemePro]

I've had the AirPods Max for two days and jnfortunately I'm thinking of returning them. There's too much bass and voice calls or speaking vids (e.g. YouTube) sound muddy. Ironically I can adjust them to near perfect (for me) on an Android phone as it allows equalizer apps to work across all apps. On the iPhone, using Headphone Accomdations under Accessibility, I can tune audio for Vocal Range but it's not enough. Maybe I'm missing something on making adjustments?? The other problem is while they're comfortable on the ear, they're too heavy otherwise and unless I'm lying down, my neck gets sore.

 

[jterp7]

what firmware is it showing, for me there was a noticeable change from the 3B71 to 3C16 firmware

 

[u2u2]

You may or may not be successful in addressing sound quality concerns but when it comes to weight they are what they are. They cause you pain with their weight so it makes no sense to keep them. You make a clear case for returning them and finding something comfortable. Has to be comfortable enough to wear otherwise sound quality doesn’t matter IMHO. (I am assuming you want them for more than lying down!) Best of luck.

 

[kirk.vino]

I’ve just compared my APMs to my partner’s Bose QC35s. The APMs sound amazingly clear and distinct compared to the Boses. The sound separation between different elements is on a different level. The bass actually sounds similar: it’s the same warmish tone without being too overwhelming, but, again, it’s a bit more clear on the APMs.
What other headphones have you had that make the APM bass sound like that to you?

 

[JasonHB]

You can throw a lot of subjective accusations about the sound quality of the AirPods Max, but “too much bass” and “muddy” sounding is something that I’ve never heard anyone mention and is the exact opposite of my personal experience.

Amazing detail, clarity and a very clean, precise and, perhaps, slightly on the lean side. I really like them, much more accurate and a more honest representation of music than any of my other headphones.

Jason

 

[John Culter]

APM sound is unfortunately far away from the reference. Too much bass is very accurate description. They are amazing product overall, build quality, convenience factor, low latency.. but the sound signature is nowhere nearby bearable limits. In this price range it's sad that Apple sound engineers did not spent more time tweaking it. This boomy low end is disturbing and it ruins majority of tracks;(

 

[bigshot]

APM sound is unfortunately far away from the reference. Too much bass is very accurate description. This boomy low end is disturbing and it ruins majority of tracks

Far away from what reference? They aren't far at all from the current Harman Curve. The bass might be a little higher than Harman, but not by more than a dB or two. The only real difference is that the vocal range around 1 to 3kHz is recessed by about 3dB and needs a little boost. Super easy to fix with the iTunes equalizer. Other than that, it is very close to the Harman target. And with the adaptive EQ, the AirPods Max have just about the most consistent response to the way they fit than any other headphones on the market.

 

[bigshot]

Everyone's head shape and ear canals are different. That means that we all perceive the response from headphones differently. What might work well for one person might sound awful to someone else. There is no "perfect" headphone response. That's why all headphones are designed to sound different. You find the one that works for your particular head structure. That said, the AirPods Max aren't far from being right in the middle of the bell curve for the sweet spot for most people.

 

[GumaRodak]

APM sound is unfortunately far away from the reference. Too much bass is very accurate description. They are amazing product overall, build quality, convenience factor, low latency.. but the sound signature is nowhere nearby bearable limits. In this price range it's sad that Apple sound engineers did not spent more time tweaking it. This boomy low end is disturbing and it ruins majority of tracks;(

Well, i think the purpose of APM and engineers goal was to sound great and not to sound accurate.
Thats a big difference.

 

[bigshot]

I think the goal was to match the second Harman curve. It's a little off in the vocal range, but not by much. Some of that might be auditory masking from the boosted upper bass too.

 

[turbineseaplane]

They really are pretty heavy on the bass

 

[bigshot]

The second Harman curve is much heavier on the bass than the first one. Personally, I prefer the original Harman curve. My other set of headphones nails that perfectly.

 

[doolar]

You can throw a lot of subjective accusations about the sound quality of the AirPods Max, but “too much bass” and “muddy” sounding is something that I’ve never heard anyone mention and is the exact opposite of my personal experience.

Amazing detail, clarity and a very clean, precise and, perhaps, slightly on the lean side. I really like them, much more accurate and a more honest representation of music than any of my other headphones.

Jason

I fully agree.

Also, one should be aware of that Apple did not intend on making a neutral studio grade headphone, not at all. Apple absolutely do have both the knowledge and equipment to make a proper audiophile headset (of course not as "cheap" as the APM's) but that was never the intent here.

I believe they set out to make a very good sounding headphone that would sound fun and enjoyable for most people, especially wowing those who never experienced audiophile grade stuff, which are most of us.

I think they did a very good job. These headphones are a beautiful listen that is a treat to listen to. YMMV of course, but I do love mine.

 

[bigshot]

There's no such thing as an objectively neutral set of headphones. Everyone's head shape and ear canals are different, and that colors how the headphones are perceived. You have to find the cans that match well to your head.

 

[Paninnguaq]

Super easy to fix with the iTunes equalizer.

Which preset does one choose?

 

[Sheepish-Lord]

APM are basically the OG HomePods in headphone form.

For those wanting a neutral/flat curve, most companies don’t do this since it makes music boring. As others have stated, most companies go the Harman route which, while debatable, is typically the most pleasing for consumers.

I do agree with them being bass heavy but I don’t find them muddy. The XM4 are bassy and muddy for sure but the XM5 are more inline with the Harman from what I’ve heard.

 

[BIGSHOTT]

Which preset does one choose?

Don't use a preset. Dial down 32 a little and 64 a bit less and 125 just a hair. Boost 2k just a tiny bit and 4k a little bit more. That will fix it.

Flat does not mean boring. Flat is BALANCED. When all frequencies are balanced, you can hear everything clearly.

 

[Paninnguaq]

Don't use a preset. Dial down 32 a little and 64 a bit less and 125 just a hair. Boost 2k just a tiny bit and 4k a little bit more. That will fix it.

Flat does not mean boring. Flat is BALANCED. When all frequencies are balanced, you can hear everything clearly.

Oh right. iTunes. I misread it and thought you were speaking about the iPhone.