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Active Noise Cancelling (ANC) is an innovation that's ruling the market due to its compelling audio experience. It's an incredible feature packed in most of the top-notch noise-cancelling earbuds. But, what's the fuss about ANC? How does it operate? And which are the leading noise-cancelling earphones to buy? Let's plunge into the captivating world of ANC, and further get acquainted with the finest ANC headphones and earbuds across various price bounds.
Just as the name suggests, noise-cancelling headphones are designed to filter out background noise. Passive noise cancelling has been in existence since time immemorial, but active noise cancelling is a fairly new development and we owe this technology to Amar Bose, the founder and chairman of Bose Corporation.
Noise cancelling technology has since become widely accessible and is now even included in some of the best low-cost wireless earbuds due to the increasing demand for a serene audio experience. For instance, an Amazon search for the Sony WF-C700N reveals a pair of budget-friendly ANC earbuds that are worth considering.
Understanding the Functioning of ANC
At first glance, Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) can seem quite advanced, but the concept is relatively straightforward. ANC headphones work by using microphones to capture ambient noise, and thereafter a processor feeds a phase-flipped version of the noise into the headphones' drivers. This efficiently counters the unwanted frequencies and forms a vital part of how ANC headphones operate.
However, a few issues arise from this model. For instance, there's an inevitable latency period that takes place by the time the picked up noise is analyzed, converted, and sent to your ears. Additionally, ANC might sometimes slightly affect the quality of the audio you're trying to listen to. However, highly-rated ANC headphones like the Sony WH-1000XM4 on Amazon are able to maintain crisp sound irrespective of the background noise. The quality of such headphones has revolutionized the industry, showing the significant growth of ANC technology.
Various Types of ANC Technology
Different types of ANC technology are tailored to a variety of experiences. You can find Feedforward ANC, Feedback ANC, and Hybrid ANC types of noise cancelling. While Hybrid ANC is a mix of both and tends to deal with a wider frequency range, its more expensive due to the additional processing and extra microphones involved. Regardless of the type, the focus is to give users a fantastic ANC experience.
Adaptive hybrid ANC is another layer added on top of hybrid ANC. This technology uses extra processing to constantly adjust to sudden changes in noise levels. Apple's AirPods Pro 2nd Generation is a notable example of what top-tier adaptive ANC looks like. However, Bose's QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds included in the product search results should not be overlooked as they offer class-leading ANC as well.
Other Features of ANC Technology
Another captivating feature of ANC technology is the ‘Transparency Mode.' This mode allows ambient noise to be amplified and mixed with your audio, which can be particularly beneficial for those who need to stay aware of their surroundings. This technology has been vastly improved and can now selectively filter the frequencies you want to hear.
While ANC technology enhances the sound quality of your headphones, it also helps in filtering out unwanted noise during calls and voice recordings.
ANC and Battery Life
One small caveat of ANC technology is that it shaves off a few hours from your battery life. This shortened battery life results from the small amount of additional energy the noise cancelling signal needs to generate. Regardless, headphones like the Sony WH-1000XM4 are still capable of delivering up to 30 hours of battery life with ANC on.
It's important to note that ANC doesn't damage your hearing. In fact, it ensures you don't have to play your music at high volumes, making it safer for your ears. However, some people report feelings of discomfort or pressure when using ANC headphones. Thus, it's important to test them out to see if they work for you.
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