HOW exactly does "noise cancelling" work? I didn't realized batteries were needed. I'm looking for something that can block a tv set continuously playing in my workplace. So you have to have them plugged in to something and put a battery in it? null

Question

Desiree · Accepted Answer

One AAA battery (included in purchase) is inserted into one side of the headset. I switch can then be turned on and off for noise cancellation. The only thing you need to have them plugged into, is whatever you are listening to.

Answered by Desiree 9 years ago

SonyListens · Answer

Hi LibbySakiToby, This headphone uses a noise canceling circuit that actually senses outside noise with built-in microphones and sends an equal-but-opposite canceling signal to the headphones. The noise canceling function is effective in low-frequency ranges such as airplanes, trains, or offices (near air-conditioning, etc.) and is not as effective for higher frequencies, such as human voices. It has a supplied single AAA alkaline battery. For more information, please check this link. https://docs.sony.com/release//mdrzx110nc.pdf «Jerome

Answered by SonyListens 9 years ago

k1bfd · Answer

OK, kind of a technical answer but basically, noise-cancelling headphones use a miniature microphone in the earpiece that picks up ambient noise (such as traffic, air-handling systems, etc.). Noise-canceling circuitry in the ear piece create a noise-cancelling wave that is 180° out of phase with the ambient noise. This circuitry is why you need the battery.
If you switch off the noise cancelling (or the battery goes dead), they still work like regular headphones.

tmcdanel · Answer

k1bfd gave a pretty good answer as is possible in one paragraph when he tried 180º out of phase. Imagine the crest of an incoming noise wave being hit with the trough of the canceling wave and the two cancel each other to zero. But, here's a couple of things to remember:

Cheap does not equal great. You will hear a noticeable difference in noise volume when you flip the cancelling switch but you can still hear the noise, especially on cheaper noise-cancelling headphones.

Low pitch is easier to cancel than high pitch noise. Some engines are lower in pitch but others are higher.

Steady noise, like the sound of an engine is easier to cancel than unpredictable noise like the sound of voices conversing.

dalerd1 · Answer

The battery is needed for the noise cancellation (not needed to listen to music) because it powers a microphone that picks up external noise then plays it into your ear in such a way that it cancels (hence "noise cancelling") the external noise. In reality, it reduces the noise, not really cancels it.

Answered by dalerd1 9 years ago

“HOW exactly does "noise cancelling" work? I didn't realized batteries were needed. I'm looking for something that can block a tv set continuously playing in my workplace. So you have to have them plugged in to something and put a battery in it?”

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