Physical noise reduction vs. ENC noise reduction: Actual Test Comparison

As a leading manufacturer of call center headsets, Bain conducted real-world noise reduction tests on three of our main headset models last week. We now invite you to experience the noise reduction effects of these headsets firsthand.

• B25 Headset: Our basic model, and one of the most frequently repurchased products by our distributors. It features passive noise cancellation, covers essential daily functions, is affordable and durable, and weighs approximately 100g.
• BS29 Headset: Our best-selling model, offering excellent value for money. It features ENC dual-microphone noise cancellation, wideband audio, weighs approximately 130g, and has a durable structure, ensuring more efficient communication with your clients.
• FC22 Headset: Our premium model, featuring a unique gradient arm design, ENC dual-microphone noise cancellation, an integrated microphone boom, a more robust structure, wideband audio, and a 360-degree rotating microphone boom. It weighs approximately 130g.

More Headset list:  Beien Noise-Canceling Headset with Microphone Buying Guide

FAQ: More quantity, better price & FAQ

What are Physical Noise Reduction and ENC Dual-Microphone Noise Cancellation?

• Physical Noise Reduction: Achieved through a tight ear cup design and high-quality sound insulation materials, physically blocking external noise. The noise reduction effect is limited. In terms of noise reduction effectiveness: In-ear > Over-ear > On-ear
• ENC Dual-Microphone Noise Cancellation: Utilizes two microphones working together: one collects ambient noise, and the other collects both human voice and ambient noise. A ​​DSP chip compares the two signals, creates a noise model, and then subtracts this model from the mixed signal in real-time, thus transmitting a "pure voice" to the other party and significantly reducing the background noise they hear.

Why can I still hear sounds after ENC noise cancellation?
For varying signals such as music and human voices, the ENC noise cancellation algorithm selectively preserves certain frequencies to prevent voice distortion. Simultaneously, the technical processing involves a slight delay, making it impossible to completely eliminate sudden sounds. This is to ensure that users can still perceive important ambient sounds, guaranteeing safety and natural communication.

Why do no brands promise "100% noise cancellation"?

• No professional headset brand offers "100% noise cancellation," not even major international brands like Jabra, Plantronics/Poly, Logitech, and EPOS. This is not due to a lack of technology, but rather a deliberate design choice. These established brands have found a balance between safety regulations, usage scenarios, health considerations, and actual performance.
• As a leading manufacturer of call center headsets, we at Bain have always advised our clients to focus on the actual noise cancellation needs in their work environment, rather than pursuing marketing numbers. In a call center environment, retaining a certain level of environmental awareness is often a feature, not a flaw; it's a safety design, not a technical shortcoming. Even if a client wants to use "100% noise cancellation" as a marketing point, we will still maintain our professional stance, emphasizing that excessive noise cancellation can impair voice clarity and call authenticity. This is not a lack of technical capability, but a responsible choice for user experience and safety.

Taking ENC (Environmental Noise Cancellation) as an example, what are the potential consequences of excessive noise cancellation?

1. Voice distortion and word loss. Over-eliminating ambient noise may inadvertently affect the voice frequency range, resulting in the other party hearing a dry, mechanical-sounding voice, or even losing details of words and phrases.
2. Imbalance in environmental awareness. Users may be unable to perceive crucial information such as colleagues' calls or office announcements due to excessive suppression of ambient noise, affecting collaboration and safety.
3. Prominent algorithm side effects. In pursuit of "ultimate clarity," the algorithm may increase processing delay or generate electronic residual noise such as "bubbling sounds" or "breathing sounds," thus reducing call quality.
4. Psychological discomfort. Completely pure voice transmission can sound unnatural, leading the other party to have the illusion that they are talking to a robot, weakening communication trust.

In short, a moderate amount of residual ambient noise (such as slight keyboard sounds or background conversations) can actually convey a realistic communication scenario, ensuring naturalness and contextual appropriateness of the voice.

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