ENC vs ANC: Complete Guide to Noise-Free Listening

Confused between ENC and ANC? Wondering what exactly these terms are? Do not worry! Here’s Hammer with a breakdown of their differences to let you experience the best of noise-free listening.

ANC refers to Active Noise Cancellation whereas ENC refers to Environmental Noise Cancellation. Both of these are used in sound based smart devices like earbuds, headphones and headsets but with differences in technology and method. Let’s delve deep with the below given insights:

Difference between ANC and ENC Technology:

Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) generates anti-noise signals to cancel external sounds. It significantly improves the quality of audio playback by reducing unwanted ambient noises, allowing listeners to hear music, podcasts, or other audio content more clearly. By cancelling out external sounds, ANC creates a more immersive audio environment, making it ideal for enjoying media content without distractions. ANC in headphones or TWS earbuds is particularly beneficial for travelers, as it can effectively reduce the noise of airplane engines, train sounds, and other consistent background noises encountered during transit. In noisy office environments, ANC can help individuals concentrate better by reducing the sounds of conversations, office chaos, and other unwanted noises. By reducing background noise, ANC allows users to listen to audio at lower volumes, which also helps to protect hearing over time by minimizing the risk of damage from high volume levels.

On the other hand, Environmental Noise Cancellation (ENC) filters out background noise to focus on the user's voice, ensuring clear and intelligible communication during phone calls, video conferences, and voice recordings. ENC uses multiple microphones to capture external noises and then employs digital signal processing to separate your voice from the background noise. For true gamers, ENC headphones or earbuds are best as this technology provides clear communication with teammates by filtering out environmental sounds, which is crucial for effective team coordination and performance. ENC helps improve call quality in noisy public spaces like cafes, streets, or public transportation, making it easier for users to have clear conversations. ENC technology is often integrated into Bluetooth headsets, gaming headsets, and true wireless earbuds to improve the overall communication experience. ENC is used in built-in microphones of devices such as smartphones, laptops, and conferencing systems to ensure that the user's voice is transmitted clearly without any ambient noise interference.

In conclusion, both technologies aim to improve audio experiences but serve different primary purposes: ANC enhances listening quality by reducing ambient noise, while ENC improves communication quality by enhancing voice clarity.

FAQs

What is the main difference between ANC and ENC technology?

ANC (Active Noise Cancellation) reduces ambient sounds for a better audio listening experience, while ENC (Environmental Noise Cancellation) focuses on reducing background noise during phone calls to improve voice clarity.

Can ANC and ENC be used together?

Yes, many Hammer headphones and earbuds have both ANC and ENC technologies to elevate your sound game.

Can I adjust the level of the ANC?

Yes, many ANC headphones and earbuds offer adjustable levels of noise cancellation, allowing users to choose the degree of noise reduction based on their environment and preferences.