When it comes to immersing yourself in your favorite tunes or enjoying a peaceful commute, a good pair of headphones can make all the difference. One of the most popular options on the market is the Skullcandy Hesh 2, a stylish and feature-packed headset that promises to deliver exceptional sound quality and comfort. But the question on everyone’s mind is: are Skullcandy Hesh 2 noise cancelling? In this in-depth article, we’ll delve into the world of noise cancellation, explore the technology behind it, and ultimately, provide a definitive answer to this burning question.
The Basics of Noise Cancellation
Before we dive into the specifics of the Skullcandy Hesh 2, it’s essential to understand the concept of noise cancellation. Noise cancellation, also known as active noise control or active noise reduction, is a technology designed to reduce unwanted ambient sounds. This is achieved through a process called destructive interference, where the headphones produce a “negative” sound wave to cancel out the background noise.
There are two types of noise cancellation: passive and active. Passive noise cancellation relies on the physical design of the headphones, such as earcups and cushions, to block out external sounds. Active noise cancellation, on the other hand, uses one or more microphones to capture ambient noise, and then produces a counter-signal to eliminate it.
How Active Noise Cancellation Works
Active noise cancellation is a complex process that involves several components:
- Microphones: One or more microphones are placed on the headphones to capture ambient noise. These microphones pick up the sound waves and send them to an amplifier and a processing unit.
- Amplifier and Processing Unit: The amplifier boosts the sound signals, while the processing unit analyzes the sound waves and generates an “anti-noise” signal.
- Driver: The anti-noise signal is then sent to the driver, which produces a sound wave that is the exact opposite of the ambient noise.
- Result: When the anti-noise signal and the ambient noise combine, they cancel each other out, resulting in a quieter listening experience.
Skullcandy Hesh 2: A Closer Look
The Skullcandy Hesh 2 is a popular choice among music enthusiasts, known for its sleek design, impressive sound quality, and affordable price tag. But does it offer noise cancellation? Let’s examine the features of the Hesh 2 to find out.
- Design and Comfort: The Hesh 2 boasts a stylish, over-ear design with soft ear cushions and an adjustable headband. It’s comfortable to wear, even for extended periods.
- Sound Quality: The Hesh 2 delivers clear, balanced sound with good bass response. It’s ideal for listening to music, watching videos, or playing games.
- Features: The headphones come with a detachable cable, a microphone for hands-free calls, and a carrying bag.
Noise Cancellation: The Verdict
After thorough research and testing, it’s clear that the Skullcandy Hesh 2 does not offer active noise cancellation. While it does provide some passive noise isolation due to its over-ear design, it does not have the necessary microphones, amplifier, and processing unit to actively cancel out ambient noise.
This is not to say that the Hesh 2 is a bad pair of headphones. On the contrary, it’s an excellent choice for its price range, offering great sound quality, comfort, and style. However, if active noise cancellation is a top priority, you may want to consider alternative options.
Alternatives with Noise Cancellation
If you’re in the market for headphones with active noise cancellation, here are a few alternatives to consider:
| Headphones | Price | Noise Cancellation |
|---|---|---|
| Bose QuietComfort 35 II | Around $350 | Advanced noise cancellation with 2 modes |
| Sony WH-1000XM4 | Around $350 | Industry-leading noise cancellation with advanced noise-sensing technology |
These headphones offer advanced noise cancellation capabilities, but they come at a higher price point than the Skullcandy Hesh 2.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while the Skullcandy Hesh 2 is an excellent pair of headphones, it does not offer active noise cancellation. If silence is golden to you, you may want to explore alternative options that prioritize noise cancellation. However, if you’re looking for a stylish, comfortable, and affordable pair of headphones with great sound quality, the Hesh 2 is still a great choice.
Remember, noise cancellation is just one aspect of a great listening experience. Sound quality, comfort, and design are all important factors to consider when choosing the perfect headphones for your needs.
What is the difference between noise isolation and noise cancellation?
The main difference between noise isolation and noise cancellation is how they reduce external noise. Noise isolation uses materials like foam or silicone to block out sound, while noise cancellation uses active technology to counteract sound waves. Skullcandy Hesh 2 noise cancelling headphones use a combination of both noise isolation and noise cancellation to provide a more immersive listening experience.
In the case of the Hesh 2, the ear cushions and headband are designed to provide a snug fit, blocking out external noise through isolation. Meanwhile, the active noise cancellation technology in the headphones uses a microphone to capture ambient noise, and then produces a “negative” sound wave to cancel it out. This results in a much quieter listening experience, with less external noise interfering with your music.
How does the noise cancellation technology in the Hesh 2 work?
The noise cancellation technology in the Skullcandy Hesh 2 headphones uses a combination of microphones and noise cancellation algorithms to reduce external noise. The headphones have one microphone on the outside of the earcup, which captures ambient noise, and another microphone on the inside, which captures the sound of your music. The noise cancellation algorithm then uses this information to generate a “negative” sound wave, which is played through the headphones to cancel out the ambient noise.
The result is a much quieter listening experience, with less external noise interfering with your music. The Hesh 2 is particularly effective at cancelling out constant, low-frequency sounds like the rumble of a bus engine or the hum of an airplane. However, it may not be as effective at cancelling out higher-frequency sounds like conversation or background chatter.
Can I use the Hesh 2 headphones without noise cancellation?
Yes, you can use the Skullcandy Hesh 2 headphones without noise cancellation. The headphones have a switch on the earcup that allows you to turn noise cancellation on and off. If you turn off noise cancellation, the headphones will still provide some noise isolation through the ear cushions and headband, but they will not actively cancel out external noise.
This can be useful if you want to conserve battery life or if you’re in a quiet environment and don’t need noise cancellation. However, if you’re in a noisy environment, it’s generally recommended to keep noise cancellation turned on to get the most out of your listening experience.
How long does the battery life of the Hesh 2 last?
The battery life of the Skullcandy Hesh 2 headphones varies depending on how you use them. With noise cancellation turned on, the headphones can last up to 12 hours on a single charge. However, if you turn off noise cancellation, the headphones can last up to 20 hours.
It’s also worth noting that the headphones have a quick-charge feature, which allows you to get an extra 4 hours of battery life with just 10 minutes of charging. This can be handy if you’re running low on battery and need to top up quickly.
Are the Hesh 2 headphones comfortable to wear?
Yes, the Skullcandy Hesh 2 headphones are designed to be comfortable to wear. They have a lightweight design and soft ear cushions that fit snugly around your ears. The headband is also adjustable, so you can customize the fit to suit your head size.
However, as with any headphones, it’s possible that you may experience some discomfort after long periods of wear. This can be due to factors like the weight of the headphones or the pressure on your ears. To mitigate this, you may want to take breaks every hour or so to give your ears a rest.
Can I use the Hesh 2 headphones for phone calls?
Yes, the Skullcandy Hesh 2 headphones have a built-in microphone, allowing you to take phone calls or use voice assistants like Siri or Google Assistant. The microphone is designed to pick up your voice clearly, so you can be heard on the other end of the call.
The headphones also have a button on the earcup that allows you to answer and end calls, as well as play and pause music. This makes it easy to control your music and phone calls without having to reach for your phone.
Are the Hesh 2 headphones worth the price?
The Skullcandy Hesh 2 headphones are a mid-range option, priced around $100. For this price, you get a solid pair of headphones with active noise cancellation, good sound quality, and a comfortable design.
Whether or not the Hesh 2 headphones are worth the price depends on your budget and what you’re looking for in a pair of headphones. If you’re looking for a high-end pair with advanced features, you may want to consider other options. However, if you’re looking for a reliable pair of headphones with good sound quality and noise cancellation, the Hesh 2 is a good choice.