Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) is the technology used to reduce or eliminate unwanted ambient noise in various audio products such as headphones, earbuds, and other audio devices. It works by generating sound waves with the opposite phase to the ambient noise, effectively canceling it out.
ANC technology has become increasingly popular in recent years, as it can significantly improve the listening experience by reducing ambient noise in noisy environments, such as airplanes, trains, or busy offices. Some high-end headphones and earbuds offer multiple levels of ANC, allowing users to customize their experience and find the perfect balance between sound quality and noise reduction.
Types of ANC
There are two main types of ANC: feedforward and feedback.
Feedforward ANC:
Feedforward ANC uses a microphone placed outside the earcup to pick up ambient noise and then generates an “anti-noise” signal to cancel it out. Feedforward ANC is typically used in headphones and earbuds that require a higher level of noise reduction, such as over-ear headphones.
Feedback ANC
Feedback ANC, also known as “closed-loop” ANC, uses a microphone inside the earcup to pick up the noise and then adjusts the “anti-noise” signal in real-time to maintain maximum cancellation. Feedback ANC is typically used in headphones and earbuds where real-time noise reduction is important, such as in-ear headphones.
How does Active Noise Cancellation work?
Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) works by generating sound waves with the opposite phase to the unwanted ambient noise to cancel the unwanted ambient noise. It uses microphones to pick up Ambient noise. The ambient noise is then analyzed to determine its frequency and amplitude. After this, it uses the information to generate an ‘anti-noise’ signal and send it to the speaker. The speaker plays the “anti-noise” signal that interferes with and cancels out the ambient noise.
In some products, you also see Electronic Noise Cancellation (ENC) in the specs. So, you also need to understand how ANC and ENC differ.
Should you give importance to ANC?
If you are planning to buy a headphone or earphones, you should consider buying one with Active Noise Cancellation (ANC). ANC can significantly reduce or eliminate unwanted noise in noisy environments to improve the overall listening experience. So, you get a fully immersive experience. You also get better comfort in noisy environments where noise levels can be very high and cause discomfort. It also helps you concentrate better on your work or studies.
Some high-end headphones and earbuds offer multiple levels of ANC, allowing you to customize the noise cancellation to your preferences. This can be especially useful for people who need to be aware of their surroundings but still want to reduce the amount of ambient noise.
So, buying a headphone with ANC can bring many benefits. To summarise, you get improved listening experience, increased concentration, improved sound quality, customization options, and increased comfort.
ANC Vs ENC
Both ANC and ENC aim to reduce or eliminate unwanted noise, they are applied in different contexts. ANC is used in audio devices and ENC is used in electronic systems. ANC cancels out ambient noise by generating sound waves with the opposite phase to the ambient noise. ENC reduces or eliminates unwanted noise in electronic systems by analyzing the electrical signals that contain the noise and then generating an “anti-noise” signal to cancel it out.
