Choosing active noise canceling headphones

Wired and Bluetooth headphones with active noise canceling are attracting more and more attention of true connoisseurs of quality music. These devices are created for natural-born individualists who want to abstract themselves from the world around them - they completely cut off external noises, allow you to clearly hear the interlocutor's speech when talking on public transport.

Active noise canceling headphones are a real alternative to other ways of dealing with external noise. The presence of such a system makes it possible not to completely isolate the cup, eliminates the need to increase the volume to the maximum when listening to music. Noise canceling headphones are used in sports and tactical disciplines, hunting, and in other areas of activity. For the first time, they thought about the invention of such acoustic systems in the first half of the 20th century. Real results appeared much later. Officially, the first noise canceling headphones in the headset version were used already in the 80s of the XX century, in the space and aviation industries.

The creator of the first real models was Amar Bose, now known as the founder of Bose. Modern noise canceling headphones are used not only when listening to music. They are in demand by call center operators and hotline organizers, bikers and drivers, pilots and airport personnel. In production, they are recommended for use by machine operators. Unlike passive options, which completely dampen ambient sounds, active noise canceling headphones allow you to hear the phone signal or talk, while excessively loud noises will be cut off.

Active noise cancellation in headphones is based on a system that picks up sounds in a specific frequency range. It copies the wave coming from the microphone, giving it the same amplitude, but using the mirror-reflected phase. Acoustic vibrations mix, canceling each other out. The resulting effect is noise reduction.

The system design is as follows.

• External microphone or sound trap... It is located on the back of the earpiece.
• Electronics responsible for inverting sound. It mirrors and sends the processed signal back to the speaker. In headphones, DSPs play this role.
• Battery... It can be a rechargeable battery or a regular battery.
• Speaker... It plays music in headphones in parallel with the noise canceling system.

It should be noted that active noise cancellation works only within a certain frequency range: from 100 to 1000 Hz. That is, noises such as the hum of passing vehicles, the whistle of the wind, and conversations of people around are captured and eliminated.

All headphones with an active noise canceling system can be divided into several categories, according to the type of power supply and performance, purpose. For example, there are consumer models, sports (for shooting competitions), hunting, construction. Each type allows you to completely isolate the organs of hearing from the loudness level that is dangerous for them when reproducing noise.

There are several types of headphones by design type.

• Noise-canceling earbuds on the cable. These are in-ear headphones that have a low level of isolation from external interference. They are cheaper than the others.

• Plug-in wireless. These are in-ear headphones, in which their very design provides good protection against external interference. Due to their diminutive size, the products do not have a large electronic module for noise suppression; its efficiency is rather low.

• Overhead. These are headphones with cups partially overlapping the auricle. Most often found in a wired version.

• Full-length, closed. They combine the actual cup insulation and the external noise suppression system. As a result, the sound quality can be raised to a considerable height. It is the most efficient solution available, available in both wired and wireless versions.

This option provides for connecting an external accessory (headphones, headset) via a cable. It is usually inserted into a 3.5 mm jack socket. The cable connection enables more reliable data transmission. These headphones do not have an autonomous power supply, they are rarely equipped with a headset for talking.

Modern noise canceling headphones are self-contained headsets, often even capable of operating separately. They are equipped with built-in rechargeable batteries and do not need a wired connection. In such headphones, you can achieve a combination of high noise cancellation and compact dimensions.

Elimination of external interference, wind hum, sounds from passing cars requires the use of modern technology. Headphones with active noise canceling or ANC (Active Noise Canceling) can remove up to 90% of external sounds above 100 dB.

Models with a microphone and Bluetooth become a real salvation in the winter, allowing you not to take your phone out of your pocket during a call. A review of headphones with an active noise canceling system will help you to understand all the variety of offers on the market and choose the best ones.

• Bose QuietComfort 35 II. These are headphones from a brand that was the first in the world to make noise canceling equipment. They are as comfortable as possible - in conditions of a long flight, in everyday life, the devices do not lose connection with the signal source, support AAC, SBC codecs, wired connection. Noise cancellation is implemented at several levels, the kit includes an NFC module for quick pairing, you can connect to 2 signal sources at once. Headphones work up to 20 hours without recharging.

• Sony WH-1000XM3. In comparison with the leader of the list, these headphones have obvious "gaps" in the sounding at mid and high frequencies, otherwise this model is almost perfect. Excellent noise reduction, battery life up to 30 hours, support for most existing codecs - all these advantages are quite typical for Sony products. The model is full-size, with comfortable ear cushions, the design is made in a modern, recognizable brand style.

• Bang & Olufsen Beoplay H9i. The most expensive and stylish wireless noise canceling headphones with a replaceable battery. Full-size cups, genuine leather trim, the ability to adjust the range of filtered sound frequencies make this model one of the best.

• Sennheiser HD 4.50BTNC. Full-size foldable Bluetooth headphones with wired audio connectivity. The noise cancellation system is implemented at the highest level, the sound with bright bass does not lose other frequencies, it always remains excellent. The model has an NFC module for quick connection, support for AptX.

• JBL Tune 600BTNC. Full-size noise canceling headphones in a wide choice of colors (even pink), comfortable and snug fit.The model is positioned as a sports model, costs several times less than competitors, and provides effective noise reduction. The sound is realized accurately, there is some preponderance in the direction of bass. Interesting and stylish design is designed for a youth audience. Headphones can be connected via cable.

• Bowers & Wilkins PX. Mid-range wireless noise canceling headphones with attractive design and balanced sound to suit a variety of music styles. The model has a rather large battery reserve for autonomous operation (up to 22 hours), push-button control, and ear pads that are comfortable for long-term wearing.

• Sony WF-1000XM3. The Vacuum Active Noise Canceling Headphones are best-in-class for optimal ergonomics and a comfortable fit. The model is completely wireless, with full moisture protection, an NFC module and a battery for 7 hours of battery life. Available in 2 color options, white and black, the noise reduction level can be adjusted to suit the user's preference. The sound is crisp, clear at all frequencies, and the bass sounds most convincing.

• Bose QuietComfort 20. Wired in-ear headphones with active noise cancellation - it is implemented through a special outdoor unit. Open model with ANC off for excellent audibility. Sound quality is decent Bose, with a case, interchangeable ear pads, everything you need for a reliable connection to your sound source.

• Beats Studio 3 Wireless. Full-size wireless model with 22 hours battery life. In addition to effective noise cancellation, these headphones have the most impressive bass - the rest of the frequencies sound rather pale in this background. External data is also at a height, despite the entirely plastic case; there are several color options, the ear pads are soft, but rather tight - it will be difficult to wear them without taking off for 2-3 hours. In general, the Beats Studio 3 Wireless can be called a good choice in the price range under $ 400, but here you have to pay exclusively for the brand.

• Xiaomi Mi ANC Type-C In-Ear Earphones... Inexpensive in-ear wired headphones with standard noise canceling system. They work pretty well for their class, but the surrounding voices will be heard, only the external hum from the transport or the whistle of the wind is filtered. The headphones are compact, look attractive; in combination with phones of the same brand, you can get the highest quality sound.

When choosing headphones with active noise canceling it is very important to pay attention to certain parameters that affect the efficiency of the equipment.

• Connection method... Wired models should be purchased with a cord with a length of at least 1.3 m, an L-shaped plug, and a wire with a reliable braid. It is better to choose wireless headphones among Bluetooth models with a reception range of at least 10 m. The battery capacity matters - the higher it is, the longer the headphones will be able to work autonomously.
• Appointment. For those who lead an active lifestyle, vacuum-type earplugs are suitable, providing optimal fixation when running, playing sports. For gamers and music lovers, home use, you can choose full-size or overhead models with a comfortable headband.
• Specifications. The most important parameters for headphones with active noise canceling will be such parameters as sensitivity, impedance - here you need to focus on the recommendations of the device manufacturer, the operating frequency range.
• Control type. It can be push-button or touch. The first control option implies the ability to switch tracks or increase the volume by pressing physical keys. Touch models have a sensitive surface of the body, control is performed by touches (tapes) or swipes.
• Brand. Among the firms that produce the best products in this category are Bose, Sennheiser, Sony, Philips.
• The presence of a microphone. If the headphones are to be used as a headset, only models with this additional component should be considered right away. It is useful for talking on the phone, participating in online games, and video communication. Both wired and wireless headphones have such options. At the same time, one should not assume that the presence of a microphone in the noise cancellation system will also provide free communication - for negotiations it should work like a headset.

For information on how noise canceling in headphones works, see the next video.