Sony's new adaptive noise-cancelling headphone headed for Asia

Kelvin Low | Jun 30, 2009

If you always wanted to reduce the noise around you, you basically had only two methods: Noise isolation or noise cancelling. If you need both, Sony has announced the availability of its latest noise-cancelling in-ear headphones, the MDR-NC300D, for Asia Pacific.

Like the noise-cancelling feature found in the Sony X-series Walkman, this works by using a noise-cancelling signal mixed into the audio output. However, it performs well only in stable situations such as the loud drone of an airplane in flight. While not the first noise-cancelling in-ear headphone in the market, the NC300D is one of the first few to feature adaptive noise cancelling.

Sony's new headphones sport its Digital Noise Cancelling (DNC) engine, but what really sets the headset apart from the rest is the Automatic AI Noise Cancelling (AINC) function. It's able to adapt to different environments automatically by analyzing the surrounding noises with the built-in microphone. Sony claims it's capable of removing up to 98.4 percent of ambient noise when enabled.

Do note that this uses a control box with Digital Sound Enhancer (DSE) and an S-Master amplifier built-in to work its noise-cancelling magic. So that's an extra appendage you'll have to lug around. The control box runs on an AA battery--good for about 20 hours with noise cancelling activated. Other accessories include an in-flight adapter, carrying case and pouch.

The MDR-NC300D is expected to arrive in late July. The price has not been announced yet, but we'll keep you updated as soon as we get it.

Update:The ND300D is now on sale at Sony Style outlets for S$559 (US$397.89).

Kelvin Low is CNET Asia's very own go-to intern for Music & Play. When he's not fiddling with gadgets or setting up new PC rigs, he can be found hitting the dirt tracks on his mountain bike. Kelvin is currently studying mass communications at Temasek Polytechnic in Singapore. Email Kelvin.

Filed under: Music & Play
Leave a comment | Bookmark | Share