I've been living with this issue for at least 6 months, and figure that it's about time I ask if anybody else is experiencing the same or has suggestions for a cause/solution.
So, here's the issue...
When using AirPods Pro to listen to a book played by Voice Dream Reader, the sound is echoey like it's someone speaking in a bathroom.
The behavior only occurs when using the Heather, James, or Sally voices that I've purchased through Voice Dream, which of course are the voices that I prefer for listening to books. I've removed and re downloaded each voice to try and correct the behavior. It does not occur when using iOS voices.
The behavior is present with both earbuds. It occurs if using one or both earbuds.
I have reset the AirPods several times to try and correct the behavior.
The AirPods Pro work fine when listening to other audio - podcasts, videos, radio, etc.
The behavior is not present when using other headphones - including first and second generation AirPods - or the iPhone's speaker. It's also not present when streaming to a HomePod.
The above *seems* to rule out both a hardware issue with the AirPods Pro and a software issue with iOS or Voice Dream Reader. However, it has to be either a hardware or software issue, right?
This leaves me scratching my head.
So, has anybody else seen this behavior? Or, does anybody have any suggestions for a possible cause/solution?
Thanks for reading ☺️
Comments
Yeah, its spatial audio…
Yeah, its spatial audio.
Apple thinks that all media can be played in their fake surround format. While for movies it sounds amazing, for audiobooks, its completely useless and distracting.
You can disable spatial audio on per app basis.
1. While wearing your airpods pro. Hit play on a book.
2. While the book is playing, go to the control center.
3. Find the volume adjustable area. I find it best by sliding a finger slowly down on the right edge of the screen.
4. Long press (triple tap or double tapp and hold) on that.
5. The volume bar expands. At the bottom half of the screen, you should find a few buttons. One of them says "spatialise stereo / spatial audio or something." For me, VoiceOver reports it being dimmed, but it lies. Double tap on that.
6. Explore the screen and you should have 3 options: "Off, Fixed, Head tracking." in this case, you want the off button. Activate that and you should be good to go.
Doh!
Doh! How to feel dumb in one easy lesson 🙉
Oh well, that will teach me to dismiss Spatial Audio as nothing of interest or relevance to me.
Oh, and it also teaches me to ask away much sooner 😉
All of that to say “thank you, thank you, thank you Jakob!”
AirPods Pro and Voice Dream Reader now back to behaving as expected ☺️
Nah, to be honest the…
Nah, to be honest the control is in a really stupid place, not very obvious to find. :) Happy to help
Thank you so much!
I have been looking for a solution to this problem for ages now. I have noticed the weird echoing audio issue with my airpods, no matter what I am listening to. Your detailed explanation worked perfectly.
Thanks again. now my books sound normal.