How do noise-cancelling headphones work?
How many times have you sat down on a train or a bus, only to find that the person next to you is playing their music so loudly that the sound infiltrates through your own headphones; interrupting the latest tune you were enjoying?
Outside noise is something that, unfortunately, can’t be turned down – but luckily, thanks to the powers of technology, it can be cancelled out. Enter the latest in noise-cancelling headphones.
A relatively new feature that is starting to grow and expand across the personal headphone and earphone market, the noise-cancelling ability is designed to make your listening experience that little bit better. There are two different types of noise-cancelling headphone available right now – passive and active – which take a different approach to soundproofing your ears, focussing on drowning out external sound (passive) or erasing external sounds through sound-matching technology (active). Of course, this is where it can all become fairly technical and, more importantly, a little dull. The simple fact is, noise-cancelling headphones are on the rise and we’ve taken to exploring what’s available right now so that you don’t have to.
Before we launch into our product exploration, however, it is worth warning that noise-cancelling headphones are designed to cut out external noise and by doing so can render the wearer more vulnerable to missing what’s going on around them. If you’re crossing a road or engaging in another activity where your senses support your safety, remember to stay vigilant and look around you.
First up is the RP-HTX90NE headphone, which sits comfortably over your head and employs noise-cancelling technology to prevent external noise from spoiling your personal listening experience. One of Panasonic’s key selling points of the HTX90NE is its retro design combined with the latest in audio technology, proving that their products can look stylish while still providing all the necessary mod-cons that you would expect from a 2019 product. Available in three different colours and boasting a battery life of 24 hours once fully charged, these noise-cancelling headphones are perfect for those on the move. The bass enhancer function provides an increasingly powerful sound no matter what style of music you enjoy, eradicating the myth that the bass is only noticeable to those listening to loud rock or techno-pop music.
One of the other new features of the HTX90NE is its voice activation, as the world becomes more and more taken in by the likes of Siri, Alexa and other new developing robots. Despite being controlled by your smartphone, the noise-cancelling headphones are connected by Bluetooth and so replicate the voice activation capabilities of your phone – allowing you to change the song adjust the volume and even make direct phone calls, all while leaving your phone safely in your pocket.
Now, we know that modern style headphones aren’t for everyone and sometimes the idea of metal surrounding the top of your head can be quite off-putting. That’s why we now introduce to you the RP-HD605NE headphones.
With a more secure and rounded design, the RP-HD605NE headphones have been made with comfort in mind, providing a cushioned band over your head that holds the noise-cancelling earbuds firmly in position. The unique selling point of this particular product is the ability to select your noise-cancelling mode based on your surroundings and preference, ranging from a fully immersive listening experience to a more relaxed sound. Not only does this allow you to select the noise-cancelling level based on the volume of noise around you for your own enjoyment, but can also allow you to remain aware of your surroundings when on the move – should you choose to. And that’s not all.
The HP60TNE headphones have a brand-new feature which allows you to interact with those around you – without ever taking off the headphones. Simply cover the right earpiece with your hand, and the noise-cancelling feature shuts off, leaving you fully able to hear those around you, talk to a friend or colleague, or listen for an announcement. Like the HTX90N, the HP60TNE is also fitted with voice activation, making for easy adjustment and personalisation of your listening experience, without having to reach for your phone.
Noise-cancelling headphones and noise-cancelling earphones are made not only to improve the user experience but also to protect your hearing – under the guise that a lack of outside sound will ensure that the user doesn’t need to increase the volume of the headphones by too much. The success of noise-cancelling technology, and the increasingly user-friendly design and additional features are making these new products more and more popular. Give them a go and let us know what you think!