Everything Improved AGAIN? AirPods Pro 3 Firmware 8B30
The AirPods Pro 3 has got a new firmware 8B30, replacing 8B25. No update notes from Apple yet but it’s most likely ‘bug fixes and improvements’ again, and when we take a closer look later you’ll see that indeed, there are some changes to its performance. We’re going to look at mic pickup, active noise canceling, transparency and sound.
Active Noise Cancelling
In terms of active noise canceling, it seems that Apple’s fixed the 1.7kHz ‘hole’. This ‘hole’ was letting in a sliver of high pitched noise from outside, not something you can hear most of the time, but in certain very noisy conditions, you may hear a slight whistling, or ‘howling’ noise.
👉 Have a listen to the ANC quality samples
Transparency Mode
In terms of transparency, there seems to be a minor adjustment. Now it amplifies the midrange more so it now feels a bit less occluded and more natural, while amplifying less of the 1.7Khz region, so if the transparency felt hissy before, it shouldn’t feel as hissy now.
Sound Quality
In terms of sound quality, from these measurements I am seeing a flattening of the upper midrange, so vocals and instruments will sound a bit brighter and crisper. The bass frequencies also seem to be a bit louder than before, but I’m not really hearing it. Bass feels just about as heavy, tactile and impactful as when it was on the old firmware.
👉 Have a listen to the sound quality samples
Microphone Quality
ts microphone pickup seems to have taken a bit of a hit, though, whether on iOS or Android devices. Be it in quiet or moderately noisy conditions, it still will perform well, and my voice is going to sound clear. But in extremely noisy conditions, noise gating seems to be more aggressive than before, so much of my voice is getting chopped out.
So that’s how the AirPods Pro 3 on firmware 8B30 compares to 8B25. In some areas it’s an improvement, but in other areas, not so. But what do you think? Has it been an improvement for you?
