Active Noise Cancelling (ANC): How it Works

Active Noise Cancelling (ANC) is a key technology in today’s headphones, reducing ambient noise for a more comfortable listening experience. Using microphones and special electronics, ANC detects unwanted noise and neutralises it with a counter-noise signal.

How ANC works

Headphones with Noise Cancelling have microphones that pick up ambient noise, such as traffic or conversations. An internal processor analyses this noise and generates a sound wave of equal amplitude but opposite phase in real time – the ‘anti-noise’. When this out-of-phase sound wave encounters the original noise, destructive interference occurs: the sound waves cancel each other out and the noise is reduced or eliminated.

Types of ANC

There are several approaches to implementing ANC in headphones:

• Feedforward ANC: An external microphone picks up the ambient noise and generates the anti-noise. This method is particularly effective with constant noise, but less so with sudden noise sources.
• Feedback ANC: An internal microphone, placed close to the ear, analyses the actual sounds reaching the ear and adjusts the noise reduction accordingly. This provides more accurate noise reduction, but can be more susceptible to latency.
• Hybrid ANC: Combines both methods by placing microphones both inside and outside the ear. This provides comprehensive noise reduction for different frequency ranges and situations.

Benefits of ANC

• Noise reduction: ANC effectively minimises monotonous, low-frequency sounds such as engine noise, making driving more comfortable.
• Improved sound quality: By reducing ambient noise, music and voices are heard more clearly.
• Lower volume required: As background noise is suppressed, the playback volume can be lowered, which is easier on the hearing.
• Increased concentration: Ideal for offices or public transport to minimise distractions and increase productivity.

Disadvantages of ANC

• Limited effectiveness with sudden or high frequencies: Fast, unpredictable sounds or high frequencies are less effectively suppressed.
• Increased power consumption: ANC requires additional power, which can reduce the battery life of wireless headphones.
• Cost: Headphones with ANC are often more expensive than those without the technology.

Conclusion

Active Noise Cancelling is an advanced technology that significantly improves the listening experience in noisy environments. By actively reducing ambient noise, ANC headphones allow you to immerse yourself in music, podcasts or phone calls – whether you are travelling, in the office or at home.

For those who value silence and sound quality, ANC headphones are a worthwhile investment.

Here are some recommended headphones with active noise cancelling:

Dieser Ratgeber ist auch auf Deutsch erhältlich. This guide is also available in German.