TOYou know when you’re immersed in your favorite playlist, you’re listening to a podcasts or are you on a call with your boss and are annoyingly interrupted by external noises such as the passage of a train, a person speaking loudly or, simply, the rustle of the wind? With the new ones earphones and headphones equipped with ANC technology (Active Noice Cacellation) you will no longer have to worry because background noise will be carefully filtered and cancelled.
What is the ANC?
But what is ANC and how exactly does it work? Let’s try to understand it better with the support of Luca Barbarossa, Regional Product Marketing Manager of Jabra, company specialized in professional audio and video solutions for over 150 years.
«Active Noise Cancellation, that is active noise cancellation, it is a technology that reduces unwanted external noises – such as noise from the trafficof a train or an open office – through a very specific physical principle: headphones or earphones pick up environmental sounds via microphones and generate an equal and opposite “counter sound”, which neutralizes them before they reach the ear. It is important to distinguish ANC from passive insulation, which is given instead by the materials and shape of the product. The ANC is a electronic and dynamic processwhich adapts to the environment in real time”, explains Barbarossa.
Why choose headphones or earphones with ANC
Not all headphones and earphones are equipped with ANC so, when choosing, it is a good idea to check the product features.
«The main reasons to choose headphones or earphones with ANC are comfort, concentration and well-being. By reducing constant and repetitive noise, ANC helps you focus better while working, studying or on a call. In noisy environments, without ANC we tend to raise the volume or “strain” listening. Active cancellation allows you to listen at lower volumes, with benefit for hearing in the long run. The listening experience, then, is more immersive For musicpodcast or video as ANC allows you to grasp more details, even on the move. In summary, ANC is not only useful “to hear less noise, but to hear better, with greater control over the sound environment”, continues the expert.
«Originally, ANC was based on rather static signal processing algorithms. Today, however, ANC is used in more advanced products artificial intelligence and machine learning components. In practice, AI allows the system to continuously analyze the type of noise (constant, intermittent, wind, voices, etc.), recognize the context of use (walkoffice, means of transport) and adapt the level and type of cancellation in real time. It’s not about “artificial intelligence” in the generic sense of the term, but of Embedded AI: that is, algorithms optimized to work directly on the device, quickly, efficiently and respecting privacy. This evolution makes ANC more natural, less invasive and more effective.”
Are there ANCs and ANCs or are they all the same?
Not all active noise cancellation technologies are created equal. The differences can be very significant.
The main factors that distinguish one ANC from another are:
• Number and quality of microphones: more listening points allow more accurate noise detection.
• Microphone placement: external, internal or a combination of the two (hybrid ANC).
• Power and intelligence of algorithms: the ability to quickly adapt to different noises makes a big difference in the actual experience.
• Balancing with audio quality: a good ANC should not “color” the sound or give an artificial sensation.
• Frequency management: some ANCs are very effective on low, constant noises, less so on voices or sudden sounds.
Furthermore, there is a difference between an ANC designed primarily forentertainment and one also designed for professional use, where prolonged comfort, natural listening and integration with voice calls come into play.