The iPad Pro M4's four-speaker audio setup offers several advantages and disadvantages, which are detailed below:
Pros
- Immersive Sound Experience: The four-speaker configuration provides a rich, immersive sound experience that is both loud and clear. This setup ensures that audio output is consistent across different orientations, making it ideal for watching movies, playing games, or listening to playback[1].
- Spatial Audio with Dolby Atmos: The iPad Pro M4 supports Spatial Audio with Dolby Atmos, offering a theater-like surround sound experience. This feature enhances immersion, especially when used with compatible headphones, providing a three-dimensional sound environment[1].
- Adaptive EQ: The device includes Adaptive EQ technology, which adjusts sound to suit the acoustics of the environment, enhancing clarity and detail in various settings[1].
- Wide Stereo Sound: Apple's wide stereo sound technology broadens the left and right audio fields, creating an enveloping sound environment that is great for multimedia consumption[1].
- Professional Audio Capture: The iPad Pro M4 is equipped with five studio-quality microphones, making it suitable for professional audio and video production tasks such as podcasting and playback sessions[1].
Cons
- Lack of Bass: Some users have noted that the new design results in slightly less bass compared to previous models, which might be a drawback for those who prefer deeper bass tones[6].
- Volume Scaling: The volume scaling on the M4 series is different from older models, requiring higher volume settings to achieve similar loudness levels. This might not be a significant issue but can be noticeable for users accustomed to older iPads[5].
- No Universal Audio Jack: The absence of a 3.5mm headphone jack can be inconvenient for users who prefer traditional wired headphones, as it requires an adapter for connectivity[1].
- Cost: The enhanced sound system is part of a premium product, which may be prohibitively expensive for some users, especially if sound quality is a major consideration in their purchase decision[1].
- Mixed User Experience: Some users have reported a reduction in audio quality compared to older models, with voices sounding muffled and lacking clarity. However, this experience can vary widely among users[7].
Citations:[1] https://geometricgoods.com/blogs/ipad-f-a-q/ipad-pro-m4-sound-system-review
[2] https://www.phonearena.com/reviews/ipad-air-6-vs-ipad-pro-2024_id6052
[3] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nOurlVptD3c
[4] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=okJ622cf9Ac
[5] https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/ipad-pro-m4-speakers.2426515/
[6] https://www.phonearena.com/reviews/ipad-pro-2024-review_id6187
[7] https://discussions.apple.com/thread/255618009
[8] https://talkingtechandaudio.com/blog/m4-ipad-pro-a-fresh-take/
[9] https://forums.developer.apple.com/forums/thread/44850