There’s a lot of noise cancellation in headphones, earpods, and other ear gear. Almost everybody knows what noise cancellation does, and hence, a most-wanted part in headphones, earpods, and other ear gears. There are different types of noise cancellation.
Furthermore, the inevitable question of “Which one is better?” must also lurk in your mind. Do not worry; in this piece of writing, you will find out all about it. Learn about all the systematic ways of Active vs passive Noise Cancellation.
Understanding both Active Noise Cancellation and Passive Noise Cancellation
- ACTIVE NOISE CANCELLATION
The active noise cancellation uses its microphone to assess the incoming unwanted sound from the external medium. Then it signals the speakers to create sound waves to the extent that it makes the unwanted external sound inaudible. These sound waves are often referred to as “antiphases.” These waves have opposite frequencies so that when the two collide, the external ambient sound gets killed off. As a result, the final product that reaches our ears is the one that comes out of the headphone. The clarity of the sound is also heightened in Active noise cancellation.
This sound wave creation technology automatically comes inbuilt into Active noise-canceling sound gears. They differ from one headphone to another. Some may allow automatic noise cancellation as soon as you put them on. During others, you have to switch it on and off manually.
- PASSIVE NOISE CANCELLATION
Passive noise cancellation does not cancel the external noise, but it works on the principle of noise isolation. Unlike active noise cancellation, it has no inbuilt technology to carry out the noise cancellation. Instead, it employs physical barriers such as ear-cups, ear-muffs, or plugging material to work as a barrier. This physical barricading does not affect the incoming frequency. It reduces the amplitude of the sound and helps to let the sound in earphones or headphones reach clarity.
As per the experts, passive noise cancellation is effective in cancelling low-frequency sounds instead of high-frequency ones. A few examples of low-frequency sounds are airplane noise or noise when one is traveling inside the car. The higher frequency noises are those such as the chirping of birds, people talking around, or even the noise of utensils when sitting in a restaurant.
Pros and Cons of Active Noise Cancellation
Pros Of Active Noise Cancellation
- It has better technologically enabled noise cancelling capability.
- It works for both low-frequency and high-frequency noise.
- Reduces the exposure to unwanted sounds effectively and maintains ear health
- Has better applicability in terms of online classes, meetings, and webinars.
- It gives a more precise and more transparent sound.
Cons Of Active Noise Cancellation
- It makes one unaware of the surroundings.
- The active noise-canceling sound gears are costlier.
- High technological enabling causes batteries to drain faster.
- It could distort the music or audio.
Pros and Cons of Passive Noise Cancellation
Pros Of Passive Noise Cancellation
- It only affects low-frequency noises and doesn’t work against high-frequency noises.
- There are only physical barriers that isolate the noise. If those barriers are degraded, noise cancellation altogether becomes ineffective.
- Sound leakage is the real problem, especially when communicating through an online video call or class.
- The clarity of the audio depends on the power of the sound isolation, and most of the time, it is ineffective against louder sounds.
Cons Of Active Noise Cancellation
- is available at a lower price and is easily accessible.
- It keeps you aware of the general surroundings. It doesn’t make you oblivious to what is happening around you.
- The battery life is better, as it uses minimal power for operation.
- There is no distortion in the actual audio.
Final Verdict: Which One’s Better
At the end of the elaborate discussion on Active Vs. Passive Noise Cancellation, it is now time to decide which is better for investment: the Active or the Passive. The answer is that for what purpose are you buying noise-cancelling sound gear? If you buy headphones or earphones for recording, then active noise cancellation works best. You can use them to record music, podcasts, and even ASMR audio. However, passive noise cancelling will do well if you need it for a regular workout and generalized entertainment.
