How Does Noise Cancelling Work?

What is Noise Cancellation?

Noise cancellation is a modern technology embedded in modern audio devices that actively reduces unwanted ambient sounds. By using built-in microphones, these devices can analyze the sound waves around you and generate opposite sound waves to counteract the noise. Essentially, noise cancellation works by creating sound waves that are the inverse of the unwanted noise, thereby neutralizing it. This process helps to diminish the background noise significantly, allowing you to focus on the audio you want to hear.

Noise-canceling devices employ a built-in microphone to analyze the ambient sound environment continuously. These microphones detect the sound waves around you, and the device's internal circuitry produces an inverse wave—a sound wave with the opposite phase. When this inverse wave is played back through the speakers, it interferes with the incoming noise wave, effectively cancelling it out.

However, noise cancellation works best with consistent, low to medium-pitch sounds, such as the hum of an engine or air conditioning unit. It's less effective against sudden, high-pitch sounds like a dog's bark or a baby's cry, which change too quickly for the device to counteract in real-time. This means that while some noises are fully cancelled out, others might still be audible.

Yes, noise-cancelling technology does reduce noise, but it's important to understand its limitations. While it significantly reduces the volume of consistent background noises, it does not eliminate them entirely. Additionally, noise cancellation is less effective against irregular or abrupt sounds.

Noise Cancellation Types and Settings

The best noise-canceling headphones and earphones offer various modes and settings to suit different environments and user preferences:

What is Active Noise Cancellation (ANC)?

Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) is a more advanced form of noise cancellation. ANC works by using microphones both inside and outside the earphone to listen to the surrounding noise. These microphones capture the external sounds, and an ANC chipset inverts the sound waves before they reach your ears. The inverted sound waves effectively neutralize the incoming noise, similar to how adding +2 and -2 results in zero.

There are several types of ANC systems:

A microphone on the outside of the earphone detects the noise, and the ANC system processes it before it enters the ear.

A microphone inside the earphone detects the noise and processes it once it has already entered the ear.

Combines both feed-forward and feed-back systems for more effective noise cancellation.

LG Wireless Earbuds Noise Cancellation Technology

LG Wireless Earbuds feature advanced Adaptive Noise Cancelling technology, which includes:

● An advanced ANC structure

● A real-time ANC optimizer

● A double-step ANC algorithm

The earbuds are equipped with an inner microphone that monitors ambient noise and automatically adjusts the ANC for optimal performance.

Beyond noise cancellation, these earbuds are designed for both comfort and performance. The Performance Fit feature ensures a snug, comfortable fit that enhances sound quality and noise reduction. For calls, the earbuds come with three microphones and a Voice Pickup Unit (VPU) that isolates your voice from background noise, providing clear communication. Also, they support Dolby Atmos technology for the clearest sound you could ever hear!