Active Noise Cancelling FAQ - Friendie Headphones ANC Guide

Understanding ANC Technology

Q: What is Active Noise Cancelling (ANC) and how does it work?
A: Active Noise Cancelling uses built-in microphones to detect external sounds and creates opposite sound waves to cancel them out. The technology works by generating "anti-noise" signals - when the peak of an incoming sound wave meets the valley of the generated wave, they cancel each other out, creating silence. Think of it like adding +2 and -2 to get zero.

Q: How much noise can ANC actually block?
A: ANC technology typically reduces noise by 30-40 decibels across all manufacturers, including Friendie products. This level of reduction can transform potentially harmful noise levels into comfortable listening environments. For example, if you're in an environment with 90dB of noise (like heavy traffic), ANC can reduce what you hear to around 50-60dB (normal conversation level).

Q: What types of sounds does ANC work best on?
A: ANC is most effective against consistent, low-frequency sounds such as:
  • Aircraft engines and cabin noise
  • Air conditioning units
  • Traffic rumble
  • Train noise
  • Office ventilation systems
  • Snoring (particularly relevant for our AIR ZEN 3.0 sleep earbuds)
ANC is less effective against sudden, sharp sounds like voices, alarms, or unexpected noises - which is actually a safety feature.

ANC Performance: Over-Ear vs In-Ear

Q: Do over-ear headphones provide better noise cancelling than earbuds?
A: Yes, over-ear headphones like our AIR PRO 5 ANC  typically provide superior noise isolation compared to earbuds. This is because:
  • The ear cups create a physical seal around your entire ear
  • Dense foam padding adds passive noise isolation
  • Larger drivers and more space for ANC circuitry
  • Better microphone placement for environmental sound detection
Q: How do earbuds achieve effective ANC?
A: For earbuds like our AIR Focus ANC range  to provide effective noise cancelling, they require a very specific fit in the ear canal. The right ear tip size is crucial - without a proper seal, ANC performance drops significantly. This is why we include multiple ear tip sizes with all our ANC earbuds.

 

Technical Understanding

Q: Why does ANC take time to "learn" the environment?
A: ANC systems need time to analyze and adapt to consistent background noise. For example:
  • On an airplane, it may take a few minutes to fully adapt to engine noise
  • In an office, it learns to filter out air conditioning but adapts if the pattern changes
  • If someone suddenly shouts, the system hasn't anticipated that sound, so it won't be cancelled
  • If someone talks loud, the system hasn't anticipated that sound, so it won't be cancelled, but it should learn and eventually cancel them out.
Q: Does ANC work without playing music?
A: Absolutely! All our ANC products can operate in noise-cancelling mode without any audio playback. This is particularly useful for:
  • Studying in noisy environments
  • Sleeping (AIR ZEN 3.0)
  • Meditation or relaxation
  • Protecting hearing in loud environments
Q: Will ANC completely eliminate all sound?
 A: No, ANC technology cannot completely eliminates all sound - this is actually by design for safety reasons. You'll still hear:
  • Sudden loud noises like alarms
  • Human voices (though significantly reduced)
  • High-frequency sounds like phone notifications
  • Emergency sounds
This ensures you remain aware of your surroundings while enjoying significant noise reduction.

Practical Usage Tips

Q: How do I get the best ANC performance from my Friendie headphones?
A: For optimal performance:
  • Earbuds: Ensure proper ear tip fit - try all included sizes, try different sizes for each ear.
  • Over-ear: Adjust headband and rotate ears for complete ear seal.
  • All models: Keep ANC firmware updated
  • Environment: Allow 60 seconds for full ANC adaptation
  • Battery: ANC performance decreases with low battery
Q: Does using ANC drain the battery faster?
A: Yes, ANC requires additional power. However, all Friendie ANC products are designed with ANC enabled. Battery life varies by model, but expect several hours of continuous ANC operation.

Troubleshooting Common ANC Issues

Q: My ANC seems less effective than expected. What should I check?
A: First troubleshooting steps:
  1. Fit: Ensure proper seal (crucial for earbuds)
  2. Battery: Check charge level - low battery reduces ANC effectiveness
  3. Environment: Remember ANC works best on consistent background noise
  4. Expectations: ANC reduces noise by 30-40dB, not complete silence
  5. Ear tips: Try different sizes for earbuds

Below is typical sound levels. Your headphones with ANC activate will reduce the noise by their specified dB plus any environmental noise cancelling (ENC) from a secure fit or foam in the earpads. The 30-40dB reduction can transform a disruptive 70dB environment into a peaceful 30-40dB space, well within comfortable sleep levels.

Q: Can I use ANC if I have hearing sensitivity?
A: Many users with noise sensitivity find ANC helpful for managing overwhelming environments. However, some people may experience pressure sensations when ANC is first activated. Start with shorter sessions to allow adjustment.

Q: How do I clean and maintain my earbuds?
A: Remove the ear tips and gently clean the ear tips with a damp cloth and mild soap or a baby wipe, ensuring they're completely dry before reattaching. The main earbud body can be wiped the same way. Avoid getting moisture in the earbuds speakers, and replace ear tips periodically for optimal hygiene and fit.
Clean the pin charging touch points with a cotton-tip. 
Push down the charging pins in the charging case every so often to ensure the springs remain active. 

Q: The earbuds feel uncomfortable after a few hours. What can I do?
A: Try different ear tip sizes included with your earbuds. The right fit should feel secure but not tight. If discomfort persists, gradually increase wearing time to allow your ears to adjust, starting with shorter periods before full-night use. Try using different sizes for different ears (we are not made symmetrical). 

Product-Specific ANC Information

AIR ZEN 3.0 Sleep Earbuds 

Q: How does ANC help with sleep?
A: Our AIR ZEN 3.0 earbuds are specifically designed for sleep environments. The ANC technology excels at blocking consistent nighttime disturbances like:
  • Partner snoring (to a certain degree, if your partner sounds like a "chainsaw" 110db, and is not a consistent sound we cannot make it go silent)
  • Air conditioning noise
  • Traffic outside 
  • Neighbor noise through walls
  • Household appliances
The 30-40dB reduction can transform a disruptive 70dB environment into a peaceful 30-40dB space, well within comfortable sleep levels.

Q: Are sleep earbuds safe to wear all night?
A: Yes, our AIR ZEN 3.0 sleep earbuds are specifically designed for extended wear. They feature a low-profile design that won't cause discomfort when sleeping on your side, and the materials are chosen for breathability and skin-friendly contact during long periods of use.

Q: How do sleep earbuds differ from regular earbuds?
A: Sleep earbuds like our AIR ZEN 3.0 have several key differences: they're designed to stay comfortable when lying on pillows, have a flatter profile to prevent pressure points, often include sleep-specific sound options, and prioritize comfort over maximum volume output since they're used in quiet environments.

Q: Can I use sleep earbuds just for noise blocking without playing audio?
A: Absolutely! The ANC technology in our AIR ZEN 3.0 earbuds works independently of audio playback. You can activate noise cancelling without playing any sounds, creating a peaceful environment for sleep through noise reduction alone. 
Our Zen 3 in sleep mode remove the touch sensitive buttons, so please make sure you active ANC before activating sleep mode. 

Q: Will sleep earbuds fall out during the night?
A: Our AIR ZEN 3.0 earbuds are designed with sleep movement in mind. They include multiple ear tip sizes and a unique full silicone wing design to ensure a secure but comfortable fit that accommodates natural sleep movement without falling out or causing discomfort. We've done our best to ensure a secure comfortable design but yes they can still fall out, you could be a 'rough sleeper' or knock your ears during the night.

AIR Focus ANC Earbuds

Q: What's special about the AIR Focus ANC system?
A: Our AIR Focus earbuds feature dual-mode functionality:
  • ANC Mode: Blocks external noise for focus and concentration
  • Transparency Mode: Allows important sounds through for safety during activities like running, or fear of being attacked.
The ANC depth provides 25-30 decibels of noise reduction, making them ideal for office work, commuting, or study environments.

AIR PRO 5 ANC Over-Ear Headphones

Q: Why choose over-ear ANC headphones?
A: The AIR PRO 5 provides maximum noise cancelling performance due to:
  • Complete ear enclosure with high-density ear cups
  • Larger ANC processing capability
  • Superior performance in extremely noisy environments like aircraft
  • Comfort for extended wear during long flights or work sessions