So when I first tried adaptive mode awhile ago I thought this is the dumbest thing ever. I can't tell the difference between this and transparency mode.
Well I have been finishing my basement so often times I use airpods while working. I have custom tips that basically are earplugs so I use that when using the saw and the added benefit I get to listen to music.
Well I decided to give adaptive mode a chance again and I finally get it. It blocks all the white noise, and will dynamically lower and "loud" noise.
So you hitting a hammer? Nothing happens, the noise is filtered through unaffected.
You running the table saw? You'll almost immediately hear it lower in overall noise while keeping all other sound available to you.
I decided to go for a run with them in adaptive mode. It's genius, all traffic white noise is lowered but you can still hear individual cars, foot steps, etc to stay alert.
I've completely removed transparency mode from my toggle and only use full NC and adaptive as you can hear people talking perfectly with it on.
I have no idea how it knows exactly what to pass through and what to block but it's easily become my new favourite setting.
TLDR: It's transparency mode that blocks white noise and extremely loud noises while allowing contextual sounds through.
So the foam tips are interesting. I originally thought they were nothing special… just a different material which some people might like better than silicone. (There have long been foam and silicone options for in ear headphones)
I’m wondering if the foam actually gives you better sound isolation though? (The theory being that the sound attenuation through the foam is greater than a single flap of silicone.
Anyways, yes… the most annoying thing about transparency mode is turning on a faucet to wash your hands! God damn it’s annoying!
Adaptive mode fixes that quicker than turning on noise cancellation would take me. Within a second or so of the faucet being on, it takes the edge off.