Airpods Pro - Firmware changed Noise Cancellation/Transparency quality?

[RobbyIdol]

I ordered my Airpods Pro on launch in November 2019, and was really impressed with both the cancellation noise quality as well as the transparency feature. I do a lot of outdoor running, and the transparency setting was a real game changer for me. I could listen to music at a normal/loud volume AND hear cars and nature around me.

After at least one (maybe more?) firmware updates, I've noticed significant loss in quality on these 2 settings. The noise cancellation is now slightly less isolating (I can hear background noise a little more than I used to), and even more so, the transparency setting hardly lets in surrounding noise while listening to music. It used to almost amplify surrounding noises, now it lets it in only if volume is already low or off on any music playing.

Anyone else experience these changes over time? Thoughts?

I am frustrated that these firmware updates just seem to happen and I can't control it. The product I bought in Nov 2019 literally performs differently today because of changes I didn't ask for.

 

[zhenya]

With a proper seal and adequately clean vents, the current firmware is excellent on both noise cancelling and transparency. They did reduce the “amplified” effect a bit - transparency now lets in surrounding noises as if you had nothing at all in your ears - a huge improvement, IMO.

If you are hearing differently, I would check how clean the grilles are (search blu-tack here for the method) and ensure you are getting a good seal with your fit.