When you’re paying more than $500 for a pair of headphones, you need to know they’ll deliver. Apple says that the AirPods Max features a 40mm dynamic driver which offers rich, deep bass, as well as accurate mid-ranges, and clean high-frequency extension, which allows every note to be heard. But should you pay for an upgrade? We offer some tips…
The new headphones feature a unique dual neodymium ring magnet motor, which maintains harmonic distortion of less than 1%, and thanks to an H1 chip installed into each ear cup, Apple offers computational audio to help deliver the highest-quality listening experience. Each chip features ten cores, which are capable of more than 9 billion operations per second, offering a breakthrough listening experience and a range of unique features that can only be found on AirPods devices.
Indeed, AirPods Max features Adaptive EQ which adjusts based on the fit and seal of the ear cushions. Apple says that its technology will automatically measure the sound signal as users listen to music, podcasts, and phone calls, and adjust those in real-time to deliver richer audio. Active Noise Cancellation is offered, too, which each ear cup on the AirPods Max featuring three external microphones, which help to detect environmental noise, with an internal microphone to monitor the sound that reaches the users’ ears.
Transparency Mode, on the other hand, gives users the freedom to listen to music whilst listening to the environment around them, ideal when you’re out and about and want to hear traffic and other noises. Finally, Spatial Audio is offered to deliver what Apple describes as “an immersive, theater-like experience”. Apple depends on a gyroscope and accelerometer in the AirPods Max to compare motion data, remapping the sound field in real-time so it can be anchored to the device, even when users move their heads; ideal for listening to live music, playing immersive games, and watching the latest movies and shows on Apple TV+.
Deciding whether to upgrade
There’s no denying that AirPods Max sits at the higher end of the professional headphone spectrum, but the truth is that they’re packed with so many next-generation features that it’s impossible to write them off. Indeed, though Bose and Sony offer products for $200 less than AirPods Max, they don’t feature Dolby Atmos, don’t come with Siri, and don’t ship with a Smart Case out-of-the-box, making AirPods Max a sensible investment for those looking to upgrade to a top-end product. And as Apple continues to expand upon the ever-successful AirPods family, with a third-generation AirPods product expected to launch in early 2021 with a new design, and a second-generation version of the AirPods Pro to follow in 2022, there’s never been a better time to invest in Apple’s audio products.
AirPods Max won’t be for everybody – but neither is the iPhone 12 Pro Max or the iMac Pro. Apple has proven time and time again that it can accommodate consumers on both ends of the scale, and by introducing premium headphones to sit alongside more affordable models, the company is once again entering new territory.
Will you be upgrading to AirPods Max? Let us know and check back soon for more news.