If you’re reading this article, chances are you’re one of the many proud owners of Sony noise cancelling headphones. You’ve invested in the latest technology, expecting to be transported to a world of pure, unadulterated sound, free from the distractions of the outside world. But, as you sit there, surrounded by the calming silence of your noise-cancelling bubble, you start to notice something strange. You can still hear the outside world.
“Why is this happening?” you ask yourself. “I’ve spent a small fortune on these top-of-the-line headphones, and yet I can still hear the hum of the air conditioning, the chatter of people walking by, and the incessant beeping of cars honking outside?”
Fear not, dear reader, for you are not alone. It’s a common phenomenon, and one that has sparked heated debates among audiophiles and sound engineers alike. In this article, we’ll delve into the world of noise cancelling technology, explore the limitations of Sony’s noise cancelling headphones, and uncover the reasons why you can still hear the outside world, even with the best noise cancelling technology money can buy.
The Science Behind Noise Cancelling Technology
Before we dive into the reasons why you can still hear with noise cancelling headphones, it’s essential to understand how noise cancelling technology works. Noise cancelling, also known as active noise control or active noise reduction (ANC), is a technology designed to eliminate unwanted ambient sounds. This is achieved through a complex process that involves a combination of microphones, electronics, and speakers.
Here’s a simplified explanation of how it works:
- Microphones: Small microphones, usually placed on the headphones, capture ambient noise around you. This noise is then sent to an electronic controller.
- Electronic Controller: The electronic controller analyzes the sound waves and generates an “anti-noise” signal, which is the exact opposite of the ambient noise.
- Speakers: The anti-noise signal is then played back through the headphones’ speakers, effectively cancelling out the ambient noise.
The result is a quieter listening experience, with less external noise interference. However, as we’ll soon discover, this technology is not foolproof, and there are limitations to its effectiveness.
The Limitations of Noise Cancelling Technology
Noise cancelling technology is incredibly effective, but it’s not a silver bullet. There are several reasons why you may still hear the outside world, even with the best noise cancelling headphones. Here are some of the key limitations:
Frequency Range
Noise cancelling technology is most effective against constant, low-frequency sounds like engine rumble, airplane noise, or the hum of the air conditioning. However, it can struggle with higher-frequency sounds like voices, car horns, or the beeping of electronic devices.
This is because noise cancelling technology is typically designed to target specific frequency ranges. For example, Sony’s noise cancelling headphones are optimized to cancel out sounds in the 20-400 Hz range, which covers typical ambient noise like engine rumble and air conditioning hum. However, they may not be as effective against higher-frequency sounds like voices or car horns.
Sound Wave Interference
Sound waves can be thought of as ripples on a pond. When two sound waves intersect, they can either reinforce or cancel each other out. Noise cancelling technology relies on this principle to eliminate ambient noise. However, when multiple sound waves intersect, it can create new sound waves that are not cancelled out by the noise cancelling technology.
This can result in a phenomenon known as sound wave interference, where the noise cancelling technology is unable to effectively eliminate the ambient noise. Sound wave interference can occur when you’re in a noisy environment with multiple sources of noise, like a busy street or a crowded coffee shop.
Fit and Seal
A good fit and seal are essential for effective noise cancellation. If the headphones don’t fit snugly around your ears or if there are gaps in the seal, ambient noise can seep in, reducing the effectiveness of the noise cancelling technology.
Sony’s noise cancelling headphones are designed to provide a comfortable, snug fit, but even the slightest gap in the seal can compromise the noise cancelling performance. This is why it’s essential to adjust the headphones to fit your ears properly and ensure a tight seal.
Electronic Noise
Electronic noise, also known as hiss or circuit noise, is an inherent problem in electronic devices like headphones. It’s a byproduct of the electronic components and can manifest as a gentle hum or hiss in the background.
While Sony’s noise cancelling headphones are designed to minimize electronic noise, it’s still possible to hear it, especially in quiet environments. This can be particularly noticeable when you’re listening to music with a lot of silence or ambient sounds.
Why You Can Still Hear With Noise Cancelling Sony Headphones
Now that we’ve explored the limitations of noise cancelling technology, let’s address why you can still hear with noise cancelling Sony headphones.
Poor Fit or Seal
As mentioned earlier, a poor fit or seal can compromise the effectiveness of noise cancelling technology. If the headphones don’t fit snugly around your ears, ambient noise can seep in, reducing the noise cancelling performance.
Make sure to adjust the headphones to fit your ears properly and ensure a tight seal. You can also try using ear tips or ear cushions specifically designed for your headphones to improve the fit and seal.
Inadequate Noise Cancelling Settings
Sony’s noise cancelling headphones often come with multiple noise cancelling settings or modes. These modes are designed to optimize the noise cancelling performance for specific environments, like commuting or working in an office.
If you’re not using the optimal noise cancelling setting for your environment, you may not be getting the best noise cancelling performance. Experiment with different settings to find the one that works best for you.
Environmental Factors
Environmental factors like wind, airflow, or vibrations can affect the performance of noise cancelling headphones. For example, if you’re wearing your headphones on a windy day, the wind can create turbulence that affects the noise cancelling performance.
Similarly, if you’re sitting near a vent or an air conditioning unit, the airflow can create vibrations that interfere with the noise cancelling technology.
Sound Wave Interference
As mentioned earlier, sound wave interference can occur when multiple sound waves intersect. This can result in new sound waves that are not cancelled out by the noise cancelling technology.
If you’re in a noisy environment with multiple sources of noise, you may still hear some ambient noise, even with the best noise cancelling headphones. Try moving to a quieter area or using a noise cancelling setting that’s optimized for your environment.
Conclusion
Noise cancelling Sony headphones are incredibly effective, but they’re not a magic solution that can eliminate all ambient noise. There are limitations to the technology, and it’s essential to understand these limitations to get the best performance from your headphones.
By understanding the science behind noise cancelling technology, appreciating the limitations, and addressing the common issues that can affect performance, you can optimize your listening experience and enjoy the silence you desire.
Remember, silence isn’t always so silent, but with the right knowledge and adjustments, you can get closer to the perfect listening experience.
How do Noise Cancelling Sony Headphones work?
Noise cancelling Sony headphones work by using one or more microphones to capture ambient noise, and then producing a “negative” sound wave to cancel it out. This results in a quieter listening experience, allowing users to focus on the audio they want to hear. The noise cancellation technology is powered by a small amplifier and a processing unit that works constantly to monitor and adapt to changing noise conditions.
The noise cancellation process happens in real-time, with the headphones continuously sampling the ambient noise around the user and generating an “anti-noise” signal to counteract it. This signal is then played through the headphones’ drivers, resulting in a much quieter listening experience. The technology is sophisticated enough to distinguish between ambient noise and the audio the user wants to hear, ensuring that the music, podcast, or conversation remains clear and unaffected.
What types of noise can Noise Cancelling Sony Headphones cancel out?
Noise cancelling Sony headphones are designed to cancel out constant, steady-state noises such as the hum of an engine, the rumble of a plane, or the background chatter of a busy office. They can also effectively reduce the noise of air conditioning, traffic, and other environmental sounds. However, they may not be as effective against intermittent or high-frequency noises like a car horn, a sudden loud noise, or the sound of a voice.
It’s also important to note that noise cancellation is not the same as soundproofing. Noise cancelling headphones won’t completely eliminate all noise, but they can significantly reduce the ambient noise level, making it easier to focus on the audio you want to hear. They can also help reduce listener fatigue, allowing you to enjoy your music or podcast for longer periods without distraction or discomfort.
How do I know if Noise Cancelling Sony Headphones are right for me?
If you’re someone who travels frequently, works in a noisy environment, or likes to listen to music or podcasts in a busy space, noise cancelling Sony headphones could be an excellent choice. They’re also a great option for commuters, students, or anyone who wants to enjoy their audio without distractions. If you’re someone who values a quieter listening experience and is willing to invest in a higher-quality headphone, noise cancellation technology may be right for you.
Before making a purchase, consider your specific needs and preferences. If you’re looking for a more immersive listening experience, or want to focus on your music or podcast without interruptions, noise cancelling headphones could be the perfect fit. Additionally, if you have trouble sleeping or relaxing due to background noise, noise cancelling headphones could be a game-changer.
Can I use Noise Cancelling Sony Headphones for phone calls?
Yes, noise cancelling Sony headphones can be used for phone calls, and they often come with advanced microphone technology that helps to reduce background noise and ensure clear voice quality. This means that the person on the other end of the call will hear your voice more clearly, without the distraction of ambient noise. Some noise cancelling headphones also come with features like voice assistants, allowing you to take hands-free calls and control your music playback.
However, it’s worth noting that noise cancelling headphones may not completely eliminate background noise during phone calls. While they can significantly reduce ambient noise, they may not completely eliminate it. Additionally, some users may notice a slight delay or echo during phone calls, although this is usually minor and doesn’t significantly impact the call quality.
Are Noise Cancelling Sony Headphones worth the cost?
Noise cancelling Sony headphones can be an investment, but for many users, they’re well worth the cost. The benefits of noise cancellation technology, combined with the high-quality audio and comfort of Sony headphones, make them an excellent choice for anyone who values a premium listening experience. If you’re someone who uses headphones frequently, or wants to enjoy their audio without distractions, the cost of noise cancelling headphones can be justified.
Additionally, noise cancelling headphones can provide long-term benefits like reduced listener fatigue, improved focus, and enhanced productivity. They can also be a valuable investment for commuters, students, or anyone who spends a lot of time in noisy environments. While the cost may seem high upfront, the benefits of noise cancelling headphones can pay off in the long run.
Do Noise Cancelling Sony Headphones require batteries?
Yes, most noise cancelling Sony headphones require batteries to power the noise cancellation technology. These batteries can usually be recharged via USB, and some headphones come with features like quick charging, which can provide several hours of playback time with just a few minutes of charging. The battery life of noise cancelling headphones can vary, but most models offer around 20-30 hours of continuous playback.
It’s worth noting that some noise cancelling headphones may not function at all without batteries, while others may continue to play audio but without the noise cancellation feature. Be sure to check the specifications of your headphones to understand their battery requirements and limitations.
Can I use Noise Cancelling Sony Headphones with other devices?
Yes, noise cancelling Sony headphones can be used with a wide range of devices, including smartphones, tablets, laptops, and music players. Most models come with a standard 3.5mm audio jack, making them compatible with most devices. Additionally, some headphones come with wireless connectivity options like Bluetooth, allowing for easy pairing with devices.
Some noise cancelling headphones may also come with additional features like NFC pairing or proprietary wireless technology. Be sure to check the specifications of your headphones to ensure they’re compatible with your device. In general, however, noise cancelling Sony headphones can be used with a wide range of devices, making them a versatile and convenient listening option.