How do I equalize AirPods Pro on Android?
The Apple AirPods Pro are a popular set of true wireless earbuds known for their sound quality, noise cancellation, and seamless integration with Apple devices. They feature Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) which helps block out ambient sound, and a Transparency mode which allows you to hear your surroundings. The AirPods Pro contain Apple’s H1 chip which enables hands-free “Hey Siri” support, faster connection times, and superior sound quality over regular AirPods.
The AirPods Pro produce excellent audio quality with deep bass and clear mids and highs. Their adaptive EQ technology automatically tunes the low and mid frequencies based on the shape of your ear for a customized listening experience. However, to get the most out of the sound quality on Android devices, the AirPods Pro may need some additional tuning through equalization settings.
Why Equalize AirPods Pro?
Equalizing your AirPods Pro can provide several audio benefits compared to the default sound signature. As noted in this PCMag article, an equalizer allows you to customize the frequency response of your headphones, boosting or attenuating different frequency ranges like bass and treble. This can help compensate for aspects of the default tuning that may sound unnatural or colored.
Specifically for AirPods Pro, equalization can help reduce their somewhat emphasized bass and treble peaks for a flatter, more neutral response, according to enthusiasts on Reddit. This can improve midrange clarity and detail. Equalization can also boost quieter elements that get overshadowed in the mix, helping provide a more balanced listening experience.
Additionally, personal sound preferences vary, so equalization lets you customize the AirPods Pro sound signature to your individual taste. For example, you may prefer more energetic bass or sparkling treble than the AirPods Pro default tuning provides.
In summary, equalization can optimize and personalize the AirPods Pro sound for improved audio quality, detail, balance and enjoyment based on your hearing and preferences.
Limitations of AirPods Pro on Android
The biggest limitation of using AirPods Pro with Android devices is the lack of access to key features and settings through iOS and MacOS devices (1). AirPods Pro are designed to be used primarily with Apple devices, which provide additional customization options and integrations not available on Android. The most significant limitation is the lack of access to the built-in equalizer (EQ) settings in iOS and MacOS.
Apple provides an adjustable EQ within iOS that lets you customize the sound signature of AirPods Pro. For example, you can tune the sound to emphasize bass or treble based on your listening preferences. However, this EQ setting is not available when using AirPods Pro with non-Apple devices like Android smartphones. Android does not have native support for these extra sound customizations (2).
You are limited to the default sound profile built into AirPods Pro when using them with Android. While the default sound is quite good, audiophiles may be disappointed by the lack of customizable EQ options to tune the sound to their liking. This limits how you can optimize and personalize the listening experience compared to iPhone users.
Using Third-Party Apps to Equalize
Since Apple does not provide a built-in equalizer for AirPods Pro on Android, using third-party equalizer apps is the best option. Some popular equalizer apps to try include:
Wavelet – This free Android app offers device-specific EQ presets and the ability to customize settings. Many users on Reddit recommend Wavelet as the best EQ app option for Android.
Boom – Boom is a popular free equalizer app with over 5 million downloads. It allows full control over frequency bands and preamp volume.
These equalizer apps work system-wide, so can adjust the sound signature of AirPods Pro along with any other headphones connected to your Android device. They provide more customizable EQ options compared to the presets available in iOS.
EQ Settings to Try
There are a few EQ presets and custom settings that are worth trying out to get the most balanced sound from your AirPods Pro on Android:
Sony’s ClearAudio+ preset aims to optimize sound quality by automatically adjusting low, mid, and high frequencies. According to Headphonesty, it’s an excellent starting point before tweaking settings further.
The “Smiley Face” EQ setting boosts both low and high frequencies while cutting some midrange. This is ideal if you want more punchy bass and crisp treble. Set the 60 Hz and 14 kHz bands to +3 dB, while cutting 400-500 Hz by -3 dB as suggested by Reddit users.
If the default sound feels muddy, try reducing frequencies between 200-400 Hz by 3-5 dB using a parametric equalizer. You can also boost highs above 10 kHz if the treble lacks detail according to Wirecutter.
Setting Priority to Sound Quality
One way to improve the audio quality of AirPods Pro on Android is to enable developer settings and disable any audio enhancements that may alter the sound. Here are the steps:
1. Open Settings and scroll down to find System. Tap on About phone and then tap Build number 7 times to enable developer options.
2. Return to Settings and you should now see Developer options. Open it and scroll down to Disable automatic audio optimizations. Turn this off.
3. You can also go to Accessibility settings and turn off Audio balance and Mono audio if they are enabled. This will give you proper stereo sound.
Disabling any audio enhancements forces audio to be played in its native format without any processing. This will let you hear AirPods Pro as intended by Apple. However, the tradeoff is that you lose any surround sound or other effects provided by Android.
Ultimately it comes down to personal preference – if sound quality is the priority, disabling audio enhancements is recommended. But some may prefer having spatial audio effects even if it alters the original source audio.
Updating Firmware
Keeping your AirPods Pro firmware up-to-date is important to ensure you have access to the latest features and optimizations. AirPods Pro get automatic over-the-air firmware updates when connected to an Apple device like an iPhone or iPad. You don’t have to do anything extra to update, as long as your AirPods are nearby your device while it’s connected to Wi-Fi and charging (like overnight on the charger).
Apple periodically releases new firmware versions with bug fixes and performance improvements. For example, Apple recently released firmware version 6B34 for the AirPods Pro 2 which likely includes optimizations. Keeping your firmware current means you’ll have the best experience using your AirPods Pro with your Android device.
Using AirPods Pro Tips
Getting a proper seal with the AirPods Pro tips is crucial for optimal audio quality and noise cancellation. AirPods Pro come with three sizes of silicone tips – small, medium, and large. It’s important to try all three sizes to determine which one fits your ears best.
Apple recommends starting with the medium tips first. Place the AirPods Pro in your ears with the medium tips attached. Play some audio and check if you hear any outside noise leaking in. If there are audio leaks, this means you don’t have a complete seal. Try adjusting the position of the AirPods Pro in your ears to get a better fit.
If you still have an improper seal with the medium tips, switch to the large tips. The larger surface area of the large tips can help create a tighter seal in the ear canal. Just make sure the large tips don’t feel uncomfortable. If the medium and large tips still don’t seal properly, try the small tips for a more secure in-ear fit.
Getting the right seal is important not just for audio quality but also for activating noise cancellation. Noise cancellation uses microphones outside and inside the ear to counter ambient noise. An improper seal allows outside noise to leak in, reducing noise cancellation performance. With a proper seal, noise cancellation can significantly reduce background noise for a more immersive listening experience.
If none of the included tips provide a good seal, Apple sells replacement AirPods Pro tips in all three sizes. Third party replacement tips are also available for a potentially better fit.
Additional Accessories
There are some additional accessories that can further enhance the audio quality of AirPods Pro on Android devices.
One option is to use an external digital-to-analog converter (DAC) or headphone amplifier. These devices bypass the internal DAC of your phone and provide cleaner amplification. Popular portable DAC/amp options include the FiiO Q3 (https://www.makeuseof.com/tag/best-portable-dac-amp/), AudioQuest DragonFly series, and iFi Hip DAC.
A compressor or limiter can also help improve the listening experience. Compressors reduce the dynamic range between loud and quiet sounds. This can make quieter details more audible and prevent loud noises from being too jarring. The FiiO K3 is one example that includes a compressor.
Using a higher quality 3.5mm or USB-C to Lightning cable can also reduce interference and improve connectivity. Look for oxygen-free copper cables with proper shielding.
Lastly, using AirPods Pro with over-ear headphones or high fidelity speakers can provide a better listening environment and audio quality than relying solely on the AirPods Pro drivers.
Conclusion
In summary, while AirPods Pro don’t offer built-in equalizer settings when used with Android devices, there are a few options to improve audio quality and customize the sound to your preferences.
Using third-party equalizer apps like Wavelet can unlock more advanced audio adjustments like bass boost and treble tweaks. You can also try different EQ presets to see which sounds best to your ears.
Updating to the latest AirPods Pro firmware ensures you have access to all the newest features and optimizations. And don’t forget basic settings like prioritizing sound quality over connectivity in Bluetooth settings.
Lastly, experiment with different eartip sizes and styles to get the best in-ear seal and bass response. Additions like memory foam tips can further enhance isolation and audio quality.
While not as seamless as on iOS, with a few simple tweaks you can still enjoy customized sound from your AirPods Pro while using Android.