Latest Trend in Gaming Headsets: Superior Active Noise Cancellation through Innovative Design Approach, surpassing mere half-functional ANC

In the realm of gaming, a good pair of headphones can significantly enhance the immersive experience. From the world of gaming headsets, several models have emerged as top choices in various categories. The HyperX Cloud Alpha, Corsair HS55 Stereo, Razer BlackShark V3, Turtle Beach Stealth 600 Gen 3, Beyerdynamic MMX 330 Pro, Audeze Maxwell, Audio-Technica ATH-M50xSTS StreamSet, AceZone A-Spire, and Steelseries Arctis GameBuds are among the standouts.

However, it's not just about sound quality. Noise cancellation technology has become increasingly important, especially in gaming headsets. Active Noise Cancelling (ANC) technology, which uses microphones and onboard processing to counteract outside interference, is a key feature in many premium gaming headsets. Brands like Razer, SteelSeries, and others have incorporated ANC into their offerings to reduce ambient noise and improve the gaming experience.

Two types of ANC systems are commonly used: feed-forward and feed-back. The best systems often employ a combination of both. For instance, the Audeze LCD-S20, with its closed-back design, uses passive sound isolation to great effect, reducing sound leakage significantly. In contrast, gaming headsets often have thinner earcups, allowing more noise to seep in compared to the LCD-S20.

It's worth noting that ANC isn't perfect. It struggles to deal with sounds of humans talking, a doorbell, or music or TV played at high volume. On the other hand, open-back headphones, while rare in gaming, are dreadful at blocking out the outside world.

One unique approach to noise cancellation comes from the AceZone A-Spire headset, which offers an entirely new design philosophy for cutting out unwanted noise. Meanwhile, the Audeze Maxwell and Audeze LCD-S20, despite their high price tag, are not portable enough for travel due to their size.

In an effort to push the boundaries, SteelSeries' Arctis Nova Pro headphones offer hot-swappable batteries and infinite battery life, ensuring uninterrupted gaming sessions. Despite these advancements, the performance of ANC in gaming headsets from Razer and Steelseries, such as the Blackshark V3 Pro and Nova Pro, while improved, is not spectacular.

Jacob Ridley, the managing editor of the hardware team at PC Gamer, has noted the effectiveness of the Bang & Olufsen Beoplay Portal headphones in reducing outside noise and jet turbine rumble, but their gaming capabilities are not their primary focus.

In conclusion, while noise cancellation technology continues to evolve, it's clear that it plays a crucial role in enhancing the gaming experience. Whether it's through passive sound isolation or active noise cancellation, manufacturers are continually striving to provide gamers with the best possible audio experience.

Latest Trend in Gaming Headsets: Superior Active Noise Cancellation through Innovative Design Approach, surpassing mere half-functional ANC