Using the lightning to audio cable on AirPods Max

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Level 1

28 points

Using the lightning to audio cable on AirPods Max

I want to use my AirPods Max with my new PS5, and I need to use a 3.5mm audio jack.

So ... a while back I purchased my AirPods Max with the lightning to 3.5mm audio cable.

Today, I tried plugging in the lightning cable to the AirPods Max and attempted to use it with my 2020 iMac 5K audio port, but found I had to adjust the volume all the way up to get a fairly quiet sound level in the AirPods Max.

Is there some trick to using this cable that I've missed?

-- Thanks, Verne

iMac 27″ 5K, macOS 12.5

Posted on Aug 16, 2022 11:28 AM

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Answer 1

Chris_C1

Community Specialist

Aug 18, 2022 12:55 PM in response to Big Iron

Hey there Big Iron,

Do you normally pair your AirPods Max with your Mac via Bluetooth? If not, would you be able to do so or pair them wirelessly with another Apple device? This would help ensure your AirPods Max firmware is properly updated.

Additionally, we would recommend resetting your AirPods Max, then checking for similar behavior.

How to reset your AirPods Max

If you continue to have issues, you may want to Contact Apple Support for help.

Have a good one!

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Answer 2

Vilas_S

Community Specialist

Aug 17, 2022 11:44 AM in response to Big Iron

Hello Big Iron.

Thank you for using Apple Support Communities. If you're experiencing audio issues while using your AirPods Max, there's a couple of things you'll want to check. You did mention that you're using a 3.5mm audio jack adapter. First make sure there isn't any other accessories connected between your AirPods Max and the 3.5mm audio jack. With your AirPods Max connected to your Mac, follow these steps:

1.) Turn up audio on Mac

2.) Turn up audio on AirPod Max using the Digital Crown

Additionally, your AirPods Max can connect to your Mac via Bluetooth. If you connect it via Bluetooth, does the audio sound low or normal? Feel free to keep us posted. Cheers.

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Answer 3

Big Iron Author

Level 1

28 points

Aug 18, 2022 11:00 AM in response to Vilas_S

Well, when connected to the audio port on my iMac I found the volume level well shy of normal levels - even with the volume turned all the way up - but connected to the PS5 found volume levels adequate (except with overhearing the in-game conversations of others).

When I plugged in my Koss PortaPro headset - a high efficiency headset - I found it was too loud and had to adjust in game volume levels, so I suppose the level Apple was trying emulate in the AirPods Max/audio cable was a less efficient set of normal headphones.

Anyway, I was surprised that even turning iMac volume all the way up didn't provide enough volume for the AirPods Max/3.5mm audio able combo.

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Answer 4

Big Iron Author

Level 1

28 points

Aug 19, 2022 12:50 AM in response to Chris_C1

The reset seems to have helped with the iMac volume level.

Made me nervous for a little while ... the AirPods Max didn't seem to want to pair with my iPhone until I put them into the case and took them out again.

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Answer 5

Aug 18, 2022 4:03 PM in response to Chris_C1

My AirPods Max are at 4E71 ... what's the current firmware?

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Using the lightning to audio cable on AirPods Max

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