Passive noise-canceling headphones will remove part of the noise from the environment mainly thanks to the design of material components such as silicon, rubber, and foam that help create a “layer” of natural insulation sound between the listener and the outside environment.
To choose to buy a satisfactory set of noise-canceling headphones, you first need to distinguish two features: NOISE ISOLATING AND ACTIVE NOISE CANCELING.
The difference between passive noise cancellation and active noise cancellation
Passive noise-canceling headphones will remove part of the noise from the environment mainly thanks to the design of material components such as silicon, rubber, and foam that help create a “layer” of natural insulation sound between the listener and the outside environment. Meanwhile, most active noise-canceling headphones use electronic components to remove background noises from the environment.
Most passive Noise-canceling headphones often use common designs such as over-ear, on-ear, and IEM (in-ear monitor) to make passive noise-canceling headphones. Because the two types of around-ear headphones and on-ear headphones inherently have a thick foam padding design (covered in leather, velvet, or artificial leather) that hugs or comes into direct contact with the user’s ear. Especially the IEM model is inserted deeply into the ear canal – so it can easily form a “wall” that prevents environmental noises from entering the headset. The two earbuds of these passive noise-canceling headphones usually have a closed-back design to prevent environmental noise.
Active noise-canceling headsets can also be designed to look similar to passive noise-canceling headset models. The inside of the earbud is equipped with a microphone to “listen” to noises from the environment. An electronic chip to process these noises by creating waves sound is the opposite of noise. Most models of active noise-canceling headphones are usually much more effective at removing certain and low-frequency noises such as aircraft engines, air conditioners, etc. However, the processing circuitry. The noise will not eliminate noise that always changes frequency, such as people talking and crying children.
Some notes when choosing to buy and use noise-canceling headphones
In addition to distinguishing between the two types of noise cancellation, users also need to understand the different headphone designs – because each has its advantages and disadvantages. For example, if you need a compact, noise-canceling, and inexpensive set of headphones, you can choose a set of in-ear headphones (IEMs) that support passive noise isolation (noise isolation). Suppose you need a set of active noise-canceling headphones that don’t matter in terms of size. In that case, you can choose an around-ear design model (large earbuds that cover the entire ear) because this design can eliminate passive noise but is less annoying than the on-ear headphone design (ear tubers are in direct contact with the earlobes).
The noise processing circuit on active noise-canceling headphones works thanks to electrical energy supplied from the battery inside the earbud. Some models use AAA batteries, but there are also models with built-in rechargeable batteries. With headphones using removable batteries, it is necessary to preserve and replace the batteries in time to avoid the battery leaks chemicals that cause damage to the headset.
In using active noise-canceling headphones, avoid dropping the device because the electronic components inside are quite complicated to repair once damaged. Users do not need to invest in a separate head-amp set with active noise-canceling headphones because most headphone models are equipped with an integrated amplifier circuit. Just a quality sound card or a compact USB – analog converter is enough.
Some models of Active noise-canceling headphones give unnatural sound quality when active noise cancellation is enabled. However, some models have effective noise cancellation and good sound quality, such as Logitech UE 6000, Sony MDR-1RNC, Bose QuietComfort 2, or Bose QC2 Sennheiser MM450-X… However, even if you have the opportunity to buy one. If you get a set of active noise-canceling headphones that can eliminate almost any environmental noise, sometimes you will still hear high-frequency noises. These unexpected noises occur from the outside environment.
It should also be noted that using noise-canceling headphones on the street (especially in traffic) or crowded places can be dangerous for the listeners themselves. A small number of people may also experience a headache and slight pressure on the eardrum when using active noise-canceling headphones.