Whenever I am asked what I do in a social environment, I give many blank looks. This was always followed by a long silence. Whenever any layman hear the word “noise cancellation”, they reminisce their past experience to assist them decide what they should do, that usually implies insulation and they start looking for a noise cancelling wall.
In the past few years, active noise cancellation has become more common due to the incredible efforts of the branded companies in creating soundproof door blanket. There is still a vital amount of confusion and how active noise cancellation is different from passive noise cancellation products like insulation. The purpose of this document is to try and describe those differences in a way that is both understandable and accessible to all.
The Fundamentals
In simple words, passive noise cancellation treatments are all about absorption and deflection. They are a barrier between the noise source and the observer. Passive treatments are like foam plugs in the ear, foam lining between the car engine and the interiors. Their main purpose is to both absorb the sound, and turn it into something different, or reflect it in another direction just like a noise reduction fence.
Why utilize Active rather than passive
If that explanation sounded very complex, don’t be concerned as it really is. Applying active noise cancellation is also more complex than describing it. So why bother about it at all? It is because there are specific waves that passive treatments are unable to stop.
Conclusion
While active noise cancellation is a high-tech solution to undesired noise, it is not a replacement for high density foam or a sound attenuator. Due to the costs involved with every system, we suggest doing everything possible with passive types of treatment and then evaluate your ambiance before deciding to apply active noise cancellation.