# Apple AirPods Pro 3 — Official Frequency Response Measurements & Discussion Thread **URL:** \ **Category:** Official Content\ **Created:** [September 26, 2025, 1:13pm UTC](https://forum.headphones.com/t/apple-airpods-pro-3-official-frequency-response-measurements-discussion-thread/26448 "2025-09-26T13:13:55Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![Leon\_Coleman](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex016/user_avatar/forum.headphones.com/leon_coleman/32/64565_2.png) [@Leon\_Coleman](https://forum.headphones.com/u/Leon_Coleman)\ **Post date:** [June 14, 2026, 6:39pm UTC](https://forum.headphones.com/t/apple-airpods-pro-3-official-frequency-response-measurements-discussion-thread/26448/23 "2026-06-14T18:39:02Z")
Are these exact filters and Q values the same for the AirPods Max 2 (the 2026 latest version)? Thanks for this! ---
**Author:** ![listener](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex016/user_avatar/forum.headphones.com/listener/32/60331_2.png) [@listener](https://forum.headphones.com/u/listener)\ **Post date:** [June 14, 2026, 6:39pm UTC](https://forum.headphones.com/t/apple-airpods-pro-3-official-frequency-response-measurements-discussion-thread/26448/24 "2026-06-14T18:39:36Z")
As far as I can tell its the same for the AirPods Pro 2 and 3—which both have different frequency responses, but use the same EQ filters—so I assume AirPods Max 2 is also using the same filter values. ---
**Author:** ![Nuance](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex016/user_avatar/forum.headphones.com/nuance/32/14729_2.png) [@Nuance](https://forum.headphones.com/u/Nuance)\ **Post date:** [June 14, 2026, 8:37pm UTC](https://forum.headphones.com/t/apple-airpods-pro-3-official-frequency-response-measurements-discussion-thread/26448/25 "2026-06-14T20:37:57Z")
I’m not entirely sure if the little dashes represent 1dB increments, but here’s where I landed for now with the APP3. ![IMG_0084](https://us1.discourse-cdn.com/flex016/uploads/headphones/original/3X/4/0/404733518786c33a34ad3854d934eeec8ffa9990.jpeg) Yes, I reluctantly had to start using the APP3’s because they didn’t fit my wife’s ears and she liked my 2’s better. I personally feel the 2’s are superior in every way, but this EQ certainly helps level the playing field. ---
**Author:** ![listener](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex016/user_avatar/forum.headphones.com/listener/32/60331_2.png) [@listener](https://forum.headphones.com/u/listener)\ **Post date:** [June 14, 2026, 9:59pm UTC](https://forum.headphones.com/t/apple-airpods-pro-3-official-frequency-response-measurements-discussion-thread/26448/26 "2026-06-14T21:59:25Z")
> [@Nuance](#): > > I’m not entirely sure if the little dashes represent 1dB increments They definitely, 100% do not represent 1dB steps. If they did, I’d be thrilled, though it’d still be hard to actually make use of that information bc of how imprecise the slider dragging is. I think about it more in terms of percentage of adjustment. Eg. the treble filter has a 6dB negative gain range, so you’re cutting about 3dB of treble there. ---
**Author:** ![Nuance](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex016/user_avatar/forum.headphones.com/nuance/32/14729_2.png) [@Nuance](https://forum.headphones.com/u/Nuance)\ **Post date:** [June 14, 2026, 10:18pm UTC](https://forum.headphones.com/t/apple-airpods-pro-3-official-frequency-response-measurements-discussion-thread/26448/27 "2026-06-14T22:18:52Z")
Thanks buddy! I need to cut more treble for sure, and a little more bass. I’ll keep listening and tinkering. ---
**Author:** ![AudioTool](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex016/user_avatar/forum.headphones.com/audiotool/32/14289_2.png) [@AudioTool](https://forum.headphones.com/u/AudioTool)\ **Post date:** [June 15, 2026, 2:40pm UTC](https://forum.headphones.com/t/apple-airpods-pro-3-official-frequency-response-measurements-discussion-thread/26448/28 "2026-06-15T14:40:34Z")
![image](https://us1.discourse-cdn.com/flex016/uploads/headphones/original/3X/d/8/d8ea484d6a9a272a4dee1844ddd5a6c4145d2e7d.jpeg) Can’t wait to get my APP2 to properly Tool! ---
**Author:** ![Nuance](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex016/user_avatar/forum.headphones.com/nuance/32/14729_2.png) [@Nuance](https://forum.headphones.com/u/Nuance)\ **Post date:** [June 15, 2026, 3:10pm UTC](https://forum.headphones.com/t/apple-airpods-pro-3-official-frequency-response-measurements-discussion-thread/26448/29 "2026-06-15T15:10:18Z")
After some further tinkering, I’ve settled on what’s sounds like a 2.5-3dB cut of the nether regions (I think?) and around a 3-4dB cut in the highs (ish?). I decided to leave the mid slider at default. ![IMG_0088](https://us1.discourse-cdn.com/flex016/uploads/headphones/original/3X/c/e/ce842f639693b2e2e51f08bb5278e2ce081d52ef.jpeg) While this doesn’t fix all of my gripes with the APP3, it’s definitely better sounding to my ears. I’m so glad Apple finally implemented EQ, albeit quite basic. ---
**Author:** ![Nuance](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex016/user_avatar/forum.headphones.com/nuance/32/14729_2.png) [@Nuance](https://forum.headphones.com/u/Nuance)\ **Post date:** [June 22, 2026, 5:46pm UTC](https://forum.headphones.com/t/apple-airpods-pro-3-official-frequency-response-measurements-discussion-thread/26448/30 "2026-06-22T17:46:17Z")
I’m honestly shocked this isn’t being discussed more within the audio community. Is it because people don’t want to subscribe to the developer betas for iOS, or perhaps don’t know how to? Regardless, this beta implementation of EQ has transformed my APP3 into capable set of wireless earphones. They’re not endgame or anything, but the improvement to sound quality is substantial! I hope others are trying this! ---
**Author:** ![snug-coil](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/ac8455/32.png) [@snug-coil](https://forum.headphones.com/u/snug-coil)\ **Post date:** [June 26, 2026, 1:48pm UTC](https://forum.headphones.com/t/apple-airpods-pro-3-official-frequency-response-measurements-discussion-thread/26448/31 "2026-06-26T13:48:09Z")
Can this new EQ get the AirPods Pro 3 closer to AirPods Pro 2 sound quality? Is it an almost-magic fix, like the Bose QC Ultra 2 where the sliders sit in exactly the right places and it feels like you’re switching off “store demo mode” and finally getting a solid listen just by quickly dropping the bass & treble sliders and then forgetting about it? I’ve wanted to upgrade my Airpods Pro 2 for a while now for all the big quality-of-life perks (better battery life, ANC, IP rating, fit), but the sound quality downgrade has always put me off. ---
**Author:** ![Perdido34](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/838e76/32.png) [@Perdido34](https://forum.headphones.com/u/Perdido34)\ **Post date:** [June 26, 2026, 3:42pm UTC](https://forum.headphones.com/t/apple-airpods-pro-3-official-frequency-response-measurements-discussion-thread/26448/32 "2026-06-26T15:42:59Z")
I have the AP 3. For my non-audiophile purposes, the biggest issue I have with them is how speaking voices sound when IU play back Dolby Atmos TV and movies. They sound hollow and echoey–not as easy to understand. I’ll either switch off Atmos on my Apple TV+ or use Bose QC45 headphones, which don’t playback in Atmos. ---
**Author:** ![Nuance](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex016/user_avatar/forum.headphones.com/nuance/32/14729_2.png) [@Nuance](https://forum.headphones.com/u/Nuance)\ **Post date:** [June 26, 2026, 9:23pm UTC](https://forum.headphones.com/t/apple-airpods-pro-3-official-frequency-response-measurements-discussion-thread/26448/33 "2026-06-26T21:23:00Z")
I was able to use the EQ to get the 3’s quite close to the 2’s. There’s still differences, but I was pleased with how close I got it. In my opinion, Apple did put the three frequency adjustments in good locations. Not quite as perfect as on the Bose QC Ultra 2, but still very good. Also, something to note: I’ve found the APP3 to be worse fitting than the 2, not better. The new eartips are quite finicky and none of the sizes worked for me. I had to buy aftermarket tips for them to stay secure while working out. YMMV. ---
**Author:** ![Perdido34](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/838e76/32.png) [@Perdido34](https://forum.headphones.com/u/Perdido34)\ **Post date:** [July 2, 2026, 10:05pm UTC](https://forum.headphones.com/t/apple-airpods-pro-3-official-frequency-response-measurements-discussion-thread/26448/34 "2026-07-02T22:05:58Z")
My AP3s fit well out of the box, according to the “Acoustic Seal” test in iOS. However, if I wear them while talking, the frit changes and noise leaks in. Maybe I’ll try some of the other tips that came with it. ---
**Author:** ![Nuance](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex016/user_avatar/forum.headphones.com/nuance/32/14729_2.png) [@Nuance](https://forum.headphones.com/u/Nuance)\ **Post date:** [July 3, 2026, 12:34am UTC](https://forum.headphones.com/t/apple-airpods-pro-3-official-frequency-response-measurements-discussion-thread/26448/35 "2026-07-03T00:34:53Z")
Yep, same issue here. I’m quite happy with my SednaEarfit Max tips now, though. ---
**Author:** ![Leon\_Coleman](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex016/user_avatar/forum.headphones.com/leon_coleman/32/64565_2.png) [@Leon\_Coleman](https://forum.headphones.com/u/Leon_Coleman)\ **Post date:** [July 4, 2026, 12:30pm UTC](https://forum.headphones.com/t/apple-airpods-pro-3-official-frequency-response-measurements-discussion-thread/26448/36 "2026-07-04T12:30:21Z")
How much do I have to lift the slider for 2dB of gain? There are no numbers on the slider. ---
**Author:** ![listener](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex016/user_avatar/forum.headphones.com/listener/32/60331_2.png) [@listener](https://forum.headphones.com/u/listener)\ **Post date:** [July 4, 2026, 12:31pm UTC](https://forum.headphones.com/t/apple-airpods-pro-3-official-frequency-response-measurements-discussion-thread/26448/37 "2026-07-04T12:31:53Z")
See my last post in the thread. Think of it in percentages based on the ranges discussed in the video. 50% is no adjustment, 0% is full cut, 100% is full boost; think of what percentage of the available gain range is equal to 2dB and try to match that as best as you can manually. ---
**Author:** ![doorcityoverhere](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/53a042/32.png) [@doorcityoverhere](https://forum.headphones.com/u/doorcityoverhere)\ **Post date:** [July 9, 2026, 7:15pm UTC](https://forum.headphones.com/t/apple-airpods-pro-3-official-frequency-response-measurements-discussion-thread/26448/38 "2026-07-09T19:15:59Z")
Yeah the fit I find is weird for me. It’s fine when I’m sitting and not moving but if I’m out for a jog they do sometimes audibly move around a little, I also flew recently and I found that when I moved my head I could definitely tell that the seal wasn’t perfect. No dealbreakers for fit, I’d say it’s still comfier than all but Sennheiser’s IEMs for me but still something to note ---
**Author:** ![Perdido34](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/838e76/32.png) [@Perdido34](https://forum.headphones.com/u/Perdido34)\ **Post date:** [September 4, 2026, 3:27pm UTC](https://forum.headphones.com/t/apple-airpods-pro-3-official-frequency-response-measurements-discussion-thread/26448/39 "2026-09-04T15:27:08Z")
The AirBuds Pro 3 solved the too-loud-movie-theater problem for me. I have avoided theaters for a couple of years because the volume level has been so loud I feared for my (remaining) hearing. But I saw Coyote vs. Acme with my grandson recently and wore the AirBuds set to “Adaptive,” which reduced the volume when the audio went over about 80 db, which made the audio tolerable. ```auto The movie was entertaining but too long for my taste. ``` ---
**Author:** ![abdo123](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/5fc32e/32.png) [@abdo123](https://forum.headphones.com/u/abdo123)\ **Post date:** [September 19, 2026, 7:59pm UTC](https://forum.headphones.com/t/apple-airpods-pro-3-official-frequency-response-measurements-discussion-thread/26448/40 "2026-09-19T19:59:29Z")
Hello Everyone, just wanted to share my personal findings with the AirPods Pro 3 and the new equaliser function released in iOS 27. The Pro 3 are more V-shaped than the Pro 2, which is not ideal. Also the new equaliser’s function added by Apple with iOS 27 have the Bass LS is set too high at 150 Hz which can make the headphones sound hollow when this particular filter is used too aggressively. The Treble HS is perfectly designed and can be used freely. I found that the using the ‘Dance’ EQ profile in Apple Music fixes the issue of the LS high frequency (Read more here on my contribution here on ASR: [Apple Music EQ Presets, What are they doing? | Audio Science Review (ASR) Forum](https://www.audiosciencereview.com/forum/index.php?threads/apple-music-eq-presets-what-are-they-doing.25588/) ) This is the final results with both the ‘Dance’ EQ profile in Apple Music engaged AND the two shelf filters from the new iOS 27 equaliser function used to seriously cut the bass and the treble (-100% on the bass, -70% on the treble): ![Screenshot 2026-09-19 at 21.42.04](https://us1.discourse-cdn.com/flex016/uploads/headphones/original/3X/c/8/c80224ec21ded82422900412e606a646b814c5f2.jpeg) The idea of course is to tune the two shelf filters by ear, as the A/B function by swapping ‘Recommended’ and ‘Custom’ is incredible and perfectly level matched! who wants to start as close as possible to the treble of the harman target should aim for -4 db (so the slider 70% of the way down). The bass slider should be really adjusted to taste. TLDR; Use the ‘Dance’ Apple Music EQ filter before you start cutting the highs and the lows with the new iOS 27 equaliser function. ---
**Author:** ![Spearthrower\_Owl](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/f9ae1b/32.png) [@Spearthrower\_Owl](https://forum.headphones.com/u/Spearthrower_Owl)\ **Post date:** [September 20, 2026, 4:58pm UTC](https://forum.headphones.com/t/apple-airpods-pro-3-official-frequency-response-measurements-discussion-thread/26448/41 "2026-09-20T16:58:04Z")
The improvement to the fit with the APP3 is remarkable; it makes a huge difference. And now that I can get a seal I can tell the bass is insane, especially (I assume) at low volume. -5 dB to the low is barely enough. ---
**Author:** ![abdo123](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/5fc32e/32.png) [@abdo123](https://forum.headphones.com/u/abdo123)\ **Post date:** [September 22, 2026, 3:32pm UTC](https://forum.headphones.com/t/apple-airpods-pro-3-official-frequency-response-measurements-discussion-thread/26448/43 "2026-09-22T15:32:49Z")
Yes the ‘Dance’ EQ profile is only active in Apple Music. I indeed didn’t touch the mid slider at all. I would like to play with a boost in the ear gain region (3-5KHz) that Apple does not like to fill in for some reason but I would need additional software for that so i didn’t bother (for now). [Previous page](https://forum.headphones.com/t/apple-airpods-pro-3-official-frequency-response-measurements-discussion-thread/26448.md?page=1) [Next page](https://forum.headphones.com/t/apple-airpods-pro-3-official-frequency-response-measurements-discussion-thread/26448.md?page=3)