Bose-The Boss of Modulation!

Sony ex-chairman Akio Morita enjoyed listening to his Walkman while playing tennis. Back in 1979, the Walkman player was a hit because it offered both portability and hi-fidelity audio. But the late Mr Morita wouldn’t have enjoyed his music on an airplane. On a flight to Europe in 1978, Dr Amar Bose was trying hard to appreciate the music on his standard issue airline headphone. But the soft notes were overwhelmed by the roar of the engines. And Bose wondered if headphones could actually reduce noise. Back-of-the-envelope calculations on that flight indicated it was possible. That led to Bose Corporation to set up an entire research group dedicated to noise reduction technology. It was only after a whole decade of research that the first Bose Acoustic Noise Cancelling headset was ready.Serious music enthusiasts are investing in noise-canceling technology. In fact, the technology is aimed at those who listen to music while traveling. Some airlines have taken note and offer noise-canceling headphones on-board.Noise canceling technology is available in two forms: Active and Passive. Active noise-canceling headphones are obviously more expensive. Headphones with active noise cancellation have special circuitry that generates a counter signal to cancel surrounding noise. Naturally, these headphones are battery-powered. Light, rechargeable batteries ensure that such headphones are comfortable to wear over extended periods. But it’s the circuitry within the ear piece that deserves all the credit.Passive noise cancellation or sound-isolating technology is used in special earphones that have a modified in-ear design. The nozzle on the ear piece goes deep into the ear canal. Effectively this is a ear plug that blocks out ambient sounds, but directs sound from its tiny speaker deep into the ear canal. So you only hear the music.

But be ready to spend anything between US$ 100 - 550 for these high-tech earphones.

Noise cancellation and sound-isolating headphones cannot block out 100 percent ambient sounds. But they significantly improve the listening experience, especially while commuting. These products are not yet mainstream; for now they are only for enthusiasts.