MUSICOLOGY &
THOUGHT LEADERSHIP

Unleashing Immersive Audio: An Unfiltered AirPods Max Review

I recently embarked on a flight from San Francisco to New York, where I was offered the chance to try out the AirPods Max. Eager to explore the next level of audio quality, I embraced the opportunity to test these cutting-edge headphones both during the flight and on solid ground. In this review, I'll share my professional perspective, as a sound designer, musician and audiophile on whether the AirPods Max are truly worth the investment, comparing their performance to the Audio-Technica ATH-M50x. Buckle up, and let's dive into the world of unprecedented sound!

A Journey Into Premium Audio

The AirPods Max, with a grand total of $657.40 (including Applecare+), are advertised to deliver an unparalleled auditory experience with their spatial audio technology. Their advanced feature creates a captivating three-dimensional soundstage that syncs with your head movements, transporting you to the heart of every cinematic experience. The headphones boast effortless pairing with Apple devices through the H1 chip, enabling seamless connectivity and automatic device switching. The sleek design, featuring a knit mesh canopy, telescoping arms, and soft memory foam ear cushions, are not only supposed to enhance comfort but also exudes elegance. The intuitive Digital Crown, offering precise volume control and playback adjustments, adds a touch of finesse to your auditory journey. With an impressive battery life of up to 20 hours, the AirPods Max promises you won't miss a beat, no matter the adventure!

Initial Thoughts

It’s not too hard to initially fall in love with them. I was able to seamlessly connect them to my phone. The set up for the spatial audio head tracking was simple. 

Even though they were only charged to 50%, the Airpod Max was able to handle a 5-hour flight, and a 2-hour drive home, with 20% left to spare. 

The only thing that I was truly surprised about is that a 3.5mm cord for plug–in capability is not included in the purchase price. If I didn't have shows already downloaded onto my ipad and music downloaded onto my phone, I would have been left with the sad little earbuds you recieve on Delta. 

For Work: standard music interfaces (for better or for worse) also do not have bluetooth options which means you have to shell out another $35 and an ¼ Male Headphone adaptor to even use them for music production inside a booth. 

Elevating Your Auditory Experience

The AirPods Max promised an audio journey like no other, and they delivered. During my flight, I put them to the test with captivating content like "Chernobyl" and my favorite passive YouTube show, "Puppet History." The spatial audio technology surpassed my expectations, making me feel fully immersed in the world of each story. The dynamic head tracking feature was a game-changer, adding a level of realism that previously seemed unattainable. I had to pause the show several times because I thought they had somehow disconnected from my device and I was blasting a dosimeter-heavy show or a goofy puppet telling me the life of the indestructible Aldophe Sax, around me. They are that good. 

The AirPods Max's noise cancellation feature was nothing short of impressive. Say goodbye to the dreaded ear popping during flights! The headphones' ability to create almost like a vacuum around your ears, coupled with the transparency mode, ensured I was in complete control of my auditory environment. With the AirPods Max, I could focus entirely on the content. 

When it comes to music, the AirPods Max did not disappoint. Songs utilizing Dolby Atmos technology allowed me to fully appreciate the precision of the head tracking and spatial audio capabilities. The immersive sound enveloped me, unveiling hidden nuances and enriching my musical experience. Apple Music's curated playlist of Dolby Atmos songs became my gateway to a world of sonic delight. However, if you like listening to certain songs that are not yet re-imagined in Dolby Atmos (which is currently a majority of songs on the Apple Music Platform), you will be missing out on the key features that allow you to truly be immersed and the key selling point of this headphone.

A Comfortable and Durable Companion?

The soft cushioning around the ears ensured a snug fit without any pinching, enabling me to initially enjoy the listening sessions without fatigue. But after 2.5 hours into any given session, the stainless steel frame started to become an uncomfortable weight on my head. While there is a silicone cushion around the sleek designed frame and mesh fabric, it does very little to pad and I had to take breaks, which isn't good if you're in the middle of a recording session or in the middle of practicing for an audition.

Regarding durability, the AirPods Max felt sturdy enough. Though I didn't intentionally drop them, I felt confident that they could withstand the rigors of travel.

However, it's worth noting that a reliable case is essential to protect such a valuable audio companion. The Smart Case provides very little to no protection at all. I found it lacking in comparison to other headphone cases. It also does very little to make it more compact and easier to pack in a backpack or carry on. Considering the premium investment, I feel that you shouldn’t have to buy a separate case to protect something that comes included with other spatial audio headphones.

The most frustrating part is even if you do decide to invest in a more durable case, You can’t just replace the smart case. They developed it to be the off switch for the Airpod Max, which means if you forget to secure them inside the smart case, they are still on and the battery is still being drained, which we know continuous draining will destroy the overall life of the battery. 

Conclusion: Proceed with Caution

If I was just an audiophile looking to upgrade my listening experience, I would say that these are, without a doubt, worth every penny. While the AirPods Max offer an impressive array of features, including spatial audio technology, and seamless connectivity, I hesitate to wholeheartedly recommend them as a sound designer and musician. Yes, they deliver a captivating auditory experience for cinematic content and Dolby Atmos music. However, considering the substantial investment, especially for those primarily seeking audio mixing without spatial audio features, there are more affordable noise-canceling headphones that might be a better fit.

Ultimately, the AirPods Max is a premium option for those who desire top-of-the-line audio technology and the thrill of immersive experiences. However, it may not be the most cost-effective choice for sound professionals seeking reliable wearability and durability for extended sessions.