ENC stands for Environmental Noise Cancellation. It refers to the technology that suppresses background ambient noise during calls, ensuring your voice is clear to the person on the other end. ENC works when you’re using the headset's microphone—it relies on capturing both your voice and the noise around you.
But how does it actually work? Let me explain it in simple words. Every time an audio signal is fed into the internal electronic circuit, it creates an identical signal in the opposite phase to cancel the original sound. It’s like placing two equally heavy objects on a scale—they balance each other out. Similarly, when the noise around you is cancelled with an opposite signal, your voice comes through clearly without background disturbances.
This is why ENC earbuds are ideal for clear voice calls in noisy environments like streets, cafes, or public transport.
[READ MORE: Battle of Noise Cancelling vs. Noise Isolating: Which is better for you?]
You may be familiar with ANC or Active Noise Cancellation for your headphones, but have you ever heard of ENC?
For starters, ANC is designed for the listener, while ENC is built for the talker. ANC reduces the ambient noise you hear through the headphones, perfect for listening to music or movies in peace. ENC, on the other hand, is designed to block out background noise during calls so that the person you’re speaking to hears you clearly.
ANC headphones use microphones to pick up environmental sounds and generate opposing sound waves (antiphases) to cancel them out. This creates a more immersive listening experience by reducing external distractions.
A great example is the Cleer ALPHA adaptive noise cancelling headphones, which use advanced technology to deliver clear, powerful sound while minimising background noise.
In technical terms, if your external noise is +5, ANC adds -5 to neutralise it to zero.
ENC uses dual microphones to filter out ambient sounds, such as wind, traffic, or chatter, when you're speaking. It ensures that your voice is isolated and enhanced for the best possible call clarity.
If you’re looking for earbuds for Zoom meetings, calls on-the-go, or voice recording, ENC-equipped earbuds are essential.
It depends on your needs.
Want to listen to music or podcasts in peace? ANC is your best bet. It blocks out distractions and allows you to enjoy audio at lower volumes.
Need to take phone calls in noisy environments? ENC is the feature to look for, as it enhances your voice for others to hear clearly.
Yes. ANC can slightly degrade sound quality, especially in some headphone models. It can also create a subtle pressure sensation, similar to what you feel in an airplane cabin. Some people may find this uncomfortable after extended use.
Professionals like DJs or audiophiles who value pristine audio may prefer ENC-only models that don’t alter playback frequencies.
Most modern noise-cancelling headphones allow users to switch ANC on or off. This is useful when you’re in a quiet environment and want to preserve natural audio quality.
However, ENC is typically active whenever you're using the microphone, particularly during calls, and doesn’t require manual switching.
When it comes to ENC headphone technology, the purpose is to ensure that when you’re making phone calls or recording your voice, everything is crystal clear and easy for others to hear—even in noisy environments. So, if you’re the type of person who makes frequent calls on the go, investing in earbuds or headphones with ENC technology is a smart move.
Looking for the best earbuds for phone calls or virtual meetings? Be sure they support Environmental Noise Cancellation.
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