It might seem a bit silly to describe a pair of headphones as soundproof; after all, isn’t the whole point of the system to make sound? However, soundproof headphones are a worthwhile purchase. Soundproof headphones simply block out all ambient noise, creating a peaceful haven of silence around your ears, leaving nothing but the soft sound of the headphones themselves. A good pair of soundproof headphones should be able to block out everything from the hum of computer fans to the rough play of nearby children. A good pair of soundproof headphones should be comfortable and you can wear them for hours. A good pair of soundproof headphones should leave you with no distractions, nothing to separate you from complete listening immersion.
There are two distinct philosophies to making a good pair of soundproof headphones. Some sound systems use active noise cancellation to make background noises less prominent. These systems usually require an extra set of batteries to run, but the result is well worth it. Active Noise Cancellation works by analyzing noise outside the headphones and generating equally loud sound of the exact opposite wavelength. This anti-sound is then played along with the rest of your music, where it will interact with background noise, canceling it out. Cheaper active canceling headphones may not correctly calculate the proper counter-wavelength to cancel out everything you don’t want to hear, resulting in audible hiss behind your music that is undesirable. Active canceling headphones also cost more, both to buy and to maintain the cost of the batteries. However, with some smart shopping, reasonably priced, high-quality active sound canceling headphones are pretty easy to find.
The second main method of sound dampening comes in the form of passive noise cancellation. Unlike active noise cancellation, passive noise cancellation eliminates background noise through noise absorption and deflection. Because all the noise cancellation is caused by the body of the headphones alone, no batteries or additional setup is required to make them work. Passive noise cancellation also tends to be cheaper to produce and therefore to buy. However, most of these headphones will use tight-fitting ear protectors, which can be uncomfortably tight and become hot and sweaty, causing discomfort if worn for extended periods. Passive headphones also tend to be bulky and heavy, causing neck discomfort. Finally, passive headphones are not fancy, elegant, or discreet. While they are sure to provide a satisfactory level of performance, transporting and using them in public can be difficult.
