History of Noise Cancelling Headphones : Active Noise Cancel

history of noise cancelling headphones

Headphones have undergone a remarkable transformation over the past century, evolving from large, heavy devices into compact accessories that allow us to listen to music anywhere. In the early days,

headphones were mainly used for practical telephone and radio communications, acting as devices that perform a function similar to the concept of attenuation in signal transmission. But as the innovative mind of people like Amar,

founder of Bose Corporation, pushed audio technology forward, headphones evolved to become music-listening devices in their own right. Let’s explore some key milestones that trace the fascinating journey of headphones, including the advent of noise-cancelling technology pioneered by Amar Bose.

19th Century: The Beginning of noise cancelling headphones

In 1876, Alexander Graham Bell patented the telephone, requiring operators to wear a headset with receivers over both ears, a design concept not dissimilar to what Amar Bose would later employ in his headphones development.

These first telephone headsets, much like the duct design proposed by Paul Lueg, consisted of separate earpieces connected by a headband that rested on the head. Weighing over 10 pounds,

these early headphones were heavy and uncomfortable for extended periods, a far cry from the lightweight comfort found in Amar Bose’s designs.In the late 1800s, the electrophone system was invented in Zurich,

which allowed music enthusiasts to play music simply by inserting a coin. Special over-ear headphones were used, which included padded leather cushions for comfort. The audio quality, ranking lower than what we would consider acceptable dB levels today,

was considerably primitive. Even so, it marked an early attempt at headphones for music enjoyment – a mission that Amar Bose, founder of Bose Corporation, would later take up. 

The invention of the electrophone system – a concept that would inspire the destructive interference used in noise-cancelling headphones by Amar Bose – was a major milestone in the development of headphones.

Reminiscent of Amar Bose’s goal when he founded the Bose Corporation, this was the first time people could listen to music privately and with a certain level of comfort. This was a significant improvement,

bringing the dream of Lawrence Jerome Fogel of creating comfortable and user-friendly headphones closer to reality, from the heavy and uncomfortable telephone headsets of the time.

The electrophone system paved the way for further advancements in headphone technology pioneered by innovators like Amar Bose,

leading to the development of lightweight models that provided improved audio quality through technologies like destructive interference. Today,

as Amar Bose envisioned, headphones are available in a variety of styles and sizes, allowing people to enjoy music just the way they prefer.

Early 20th Century: Headphones for Wireless Radio

At the dawn of the 20th century, much like in Zurich where the electrophone system was invented, radio communication expanded rapidly. Headphones, taking advantage of the principle of attenuation,

became crucial for private radio reception instead of listening through loudspeakers. In 1910, Nathaniel Baldwin developed the first headphones specifically made for individual audio listening rather than telephone use.

Weighing just a few ounces, Baldwin’s headphones brought us a step closer to Amar Bose’s dream of comfortable headphones for prolonged wear.

During World War I, Baldwin sold his headphone patents to the U.S. Navy. Hundreds of navy radio operators relied on his lightweight headset design,

which also incorporated movable leather headbands for a more customized fit. The military’s need for radio headset helped establish them as a mainstream communication device. 

Baldwin’s first headphones were so successful that they were soon adopted by the military, and by the 1930s, headphones had become a staple of the radio industry. After World War II,

the demand for headphones grew even more, and manufacturers began to produce them in a variety of styles and sizes. Today,

headphones come in a range of designs, from the traditional over-ear models to the more modern in-ear versions. Despite the advances in technology, Baldwin’s original design remains an important part of the history of headphones.

Mid 20th Century: The Advent of High Fidelity Sound

By the 1950s, consumer audio technology started improving dramatically with the arrival of vinyl records and stereo sound. This created demand for headphones that could reproduce the full range of sound with lifelike precision.

In 1958, John C. Koss revolutionized headphones by using smaller voice coils and lightweight materials to cover the complete audio spectrum at a reasonable cost.

His stereo headphones delivered much more realistic and detailed sound for immersive music listening. Throughout the 1960s and 1970s, high-fidelity headphones gained popularity with audiophiles and music enthusiasts who wanted to hear the music.

The iconic Sony Walkman was launched in 1979, giving people the freedom to listen to music with compact headphones on the move.

Walkman headphones were lightweight with foam earpads for comfort. As portable cassette players took off globally, headphones became a mainstream accessory. 

The introduction of portable cassette players and the Walkman revolutionized the way people listened to music.

As a result, headphones quickly became a must-have accessory, with manufacturers offering a range of styles and sizes to suit different needs.

From in-ear buds to over-ear headphones, people could now enjoy their favorite music in comfort and style. With the rise of digital music in the 1990s,

headphones evolved to meet the demands of the new format, and today, they are an essential part of the music experience.

Late 20th Century: Active Noise Cancellation Arrives

evolution of noise-cancelling technology (ANC) for headphones originated in the 1950s with Lawrence J.

Fogel. But the bulky electronics of the time made it unrealistic for consumer devices. By 1986, the technology improved enough for active noise reduction to be applied in aviation headsets that reduced airplane engine noise for pilots.

In the late 1990s, new digital signaling processing (DSP) chips could analyze and cancel noise in real-time. This allowed the release of the first noise reduction headphones for general use by Bose in 2000.

Using internal microphones, these active noise cancellation headphones generate opposite sound waves to electronically counteract external noise. 

Since then, Active noise-cancelling technology has become increasingly popular and accessible. Today,

Active Noise-Cancelling headphones are available in a variety of styles and price points, from in-ear buds to over-ear models.

Many of the latest models use advanced algorithms to provide even more effective noise cancellation, allowing users to enjoy their music or audio without interruption from external noise. Additionally,

ANC technology has been adapted to other products, such as earplugs, allowing people to enjoy a quiet environment in a variety of settings.

21st Century: Evolution Continues of ANC

In recent years, wireless ANC headphones have boomed in popularity. Advances like Bluetooth audio streaming and longer battery life unlocked the cordless listening experience.

Sound quality also keeps improving with support for premium formats like lossless, hi-res music and spatial audio.

Now powered by miniaturized electronics, headphones deliver remarkably advanced capabilities. State-of-the-art ambient noise cancellation using hybrid ANC (Active Noise Control) headphones combats a wider range of frequencies.

Onboard touch controls, fitness tracking sensors, and always-on voice assistants bring headphones into the world of hearables. 

Today, wireless headphones offer a wide range of features and capabilities. From custom EQ settings to advanced low-frequency noise, users can tailor their listening experience to their exact preferences.

Many headphones are now equipped with fitness tracking sensors, allowing users to track their workouts and monitor their progress.

Additionally, voice assistants like Siri and Alexa are now integrated into many headphones, allowing users to access their favorite music,

podcasts, and more with just a few simple commands. With so many features and capabilities, it’s no wonder why wireless headphones have become so popular.

The Future: More Immersive Listening

Hundreds of manufacturers now compete in the global headphones industry worth over $20 billion. Experts forecast more growth as consumers desire personalized, premium sound to match their high-definition video content.

As the technology continues to evolve, hearables will become increasingly sophisticated. For instance, they will be able to detect and respond to voice commands, allowing users to access their music library and other audio content with ease.

Additionally, hearables will be able to detect and respond to environmental sound, such as traffic or loud conversations, and adjust the audio output accordingly with noise reduction technology.

This will enable users to enjoy the sound of their favorite music without being distracted by outside noise. Finally, hearables will be able to provide personalized audio experiences, such as custom equalization settings,

that are tailored to the user’s individual preferences. All of these features will combine to create an incredibly immersive and enjoyable audio experience. 

Final Thoughts

From heavy telephone headsets to tiny wireless earbuds, headphones have come a remarkable way in just over 100 years.

Each step from Baldwin’s headset to Bose corporation noise cancellation technology pioneership to Apple’s spatial audio has built on previous breakthroughs. We now have unimaginable audio quality and convenience compared to early days.

One thrilling aspect is that there still seems to be so much room for acoustic noise cancelling headphones to evolve further. As technology trends like AI, biometrics and extended reality mature,

passive noise headphones are poised to deliver incredibly immersive and personalized experiences. The next century of headphones promises to be as transformational as the last. Where we end up remains to be heard, but the journey will undoubtedly be spectacular.