AirPods Pro 2nd Generation Crackling Sounds

To start this off, I am disappointed as I was excited to receive the updated version of my favorite headphones ever. After the first week, crackling sounds have started when performing certain tasks.

With the second generation AirPods Pro, I receive a crackling sound in both left and right, when spraying compressed air and when I am playing drums & crashing cymbals. It appears that these higher-frequency sounds affect the microphone(s). I did have the common crackling issue with my Gen 1 AirPods Pro and returned them for replacements. This crackling issue has stopped with my Gen 1 AirPods Pro.

With these new Gen 2 AirPods Pro,I have tried lightly cleaning the microphone area and the crackling doesn’t seem to be anything to do with dirt or debris, movement or Bluetooth interference.

I have chosen to return these new Gen 2 AirPod Pro’s and hold onto my Gen 1 until this problem is solved. Having $500 of headphones sitting around my house is a bit much…