Noise cancellation is required in many environments where noise could otherwise be disruptive and discomforting. There are two primary forms available, depending on the application: active noise cancellation and passive noise cancellation. Understanding how each works and when you would use one or the other will help you determine which solutions to implement.
What Is Active Noise Cancellation (ANC)?
Active noise cancellation, or ANC, uses certain types of technologies to actively eliminate external noise from listening and communication experiences. ANC works to reduce distracting background noise for the wearer of the headset so that they can better focus. It uses microphones to identify any ambient noise, with antiphases blocking out these noises from the user experience.
So, how does ANC work? First, the microphones detect the noise the user wants to eliminate from the experience, followed by generating sound waves that match the noise's frequency while inverting it. In the process, ANC audio systems utilize destructive interference to mitigate ambient noise.
Many Bluetooth® headsets and earbuds implement active noise cancellation. Users can combine them with video conferencing solutions and other technologies in any environment, from office spaces and shared study areas to public transportation and hospitals.
These technologies also work in combination with passive noise cancellation for effective anti-noise solutions.
What Is Passive Noise Isolation (PNI)?
Passive noise cancellation, or passive noise isolation, uses physical structures to help eliminate ambient noise from environments. They use the physical design of headsets, including cushioned cups and earbuds designed to fit snugly into the ear. Other forms of PNI include acoustic foam that absorbs noise in offices and other spaces, noise-absorbing textiles, and other barriers.
Active noise cancellation uses microphones and sound wave inversion for voice isolation and blocking ambient noise. But passive noise cancellation is purely physical—with voice isolation meaning that the device works to separate the caller's voice from background noise. Ergonomic and noise-reducing structures make for a better listening experience and voice isolation, meaning they essentially isolate the ears and physical area from any outside noise by using a barrier.
Often, passive noise cancellation works in conjunction with active noise cancellation solutions to maximize noise level control. However, the primary kind of noise cancellation that's best to use will depend on the environment and individual needs.
When to Use Active vs. Passive Noise Cancellation
Generally, applications would use active noise cancellation for more direct noise cancellation of low-frequency noise like that from traffic and engines. Passive noise cancellation is typically effective in situations with mid- to high-frequency noise, such as human speech and continuous typing.
Here are some specific circumstances when you would use either type of noise cancellation technology:
Using Active Noise Cancellation
You would want to use ANC solutions for:
Reducing low-frequency and constant noises, such as the humming of engines, air conditioning systems, and traffic
Maximum noise reduction, particularly in areas with high and constant noise levels
Creating a more immersive listening experience, particularly while traveling and commuting
Enabling clearer communications with video conferencing and other telecom methods
Active noise cancellation is particularly effective in enabling more immersive listening experiences through reduced background noise. It facilitates improved focus on various tasks and clearer communication. It's also effective at protecting your hearing, something that many headsets without this tech don't necessarily do. People listen to music and other audio past the unsafe 85-decibel level in many cases, which can negatively affect hearing without the right precautions.
Using Passive Noise Cancellation
Meanwhile, passive noise cancellation or PNI works best for:
- Noise-cancelling for mid- to high-frequency noises like typing, car horns, and conversations
- Maintained audio quality due to a lack of electronic processing of any kind
- Providing a comfortable and secure fit for headsets and earbuds
- Offering a more cost-effective solution for noise dampening than active anti-noise options, without the need for batteries and other electronic-related expenses
You might want to utilize these solutions for increased comfort, affordability, and the elimination of electronic components.
Types of Active Noise Cancellation
There are a few key ways ANC systems work, including:
- Adaptive ANC: this is the most advanced type of active noise cancellation. It automatically tunes out the right amount of unwanted noise when listening to music or on calls. In scenarios where Passive ANC is not blocking as much noise as it should, adaptive ANC can adjust for the sound leakage.
- Feedforward ANC: This form of active noise cancellation uses exterior microphones to capture any surrounding ambient noise in the area.
- Feedback ANC: In these devices, internal microphones within the ear canal or headset cup capture the noise that the listener hears directly through the device.
- Hybrid ANC: Some applications may use a blend of feedforward and feedback types to allow for even better noise reduction and control.
Other headset noise cancellation technologies
If you're considering active noise cancellation solutions, it is also important to consider how your voice would sound in noisy environments. The below technologies improve noise reduction of the headset benefitting the listener at the far end of the call.
These include:
AI and Machine Learning
Solutions like Poly NoiseBlockAI use both of these technologies to more effectively identify undesirable ambient noise and cancel it while on a call. The result is better voice isolation and minimal distractions for all participants.
Acoustic Fencing
Another technology helping advance noise cancellation is more geo-specific in nature. Acoustic fencing uses isolating tech to develop a designated audio zone that shields calls from most external noise, including conversations outside of the zone's radius. Tools like Poly Acoustic Fence are integrating these solutions in offices and other locations with audio zones in need of reliable noise isolation.
Wind Noise Reduction
Wind is one of the loudest noises on many calls, especially on mobile headsets, even at seemingly low speeds, which is where technology like Poly's WindSmart solutions can help. These tools can significantly reduce wind noise through a combination of calibrated windshields, aerodynamic microphone booms, isolated microphones, and an additional layer of noise filtration.
These are just some of the ways new devices and software are working to continually optimize noise reduction.
Make Use of HP Poly Labs Solutions for Reliable Active Noise Cancellation
If you're searching for high-quality noise cancellation solutions for your application, Poly offers a comprehensive selection of products and services, including a variety of headsets, phones, video conferencing tools, and software, as well as comprehensive noise reduction solutions for any space.
For example, you can integrate our solutions with platforms like Microsoft Teams, Zoom, and Google Workspace or Chrome OS. Want to learn more about our many offerings and how we could help you? Reach out to Poly Labs today for more information.
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