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Digital Noise Canceling Headphones

Model number: MDR-NC500D
Rated 3.6 out of 5 stars
Tranquility is yours when you strap on the world's first headphones with digital technology for noise canceling. A unique feature even adjusts settings based on your environment.

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$399.99

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World's First Digital Noise Canceling Headphones

Groundbreaking technology, for your listening pleasure. The innovative MDR-NC500D headphones use digital technology to more accurately reduce stress-inducing noise from planes, trains and buses while providing the high-quality audio expected from Sony. For extra-long usage, a built-in Lithium-ion battery is included, as well as two AA batteries. Plus, in an independent blind test, frequent business travelers rated the NC500D headphones #1 twice as often as either the Bose® QC™ 2 or QC™ 3 in overall noise cancellation and audio quality.

Noise canceling technology

Noise canceling headphones reduce ambient noise and provide a quieter environment to enhance audio entertainment. The headphones have an inside microphone on each earpiece that work with an electronic circuitry to create an opposite sound wave to reduce wave. Ambient sound is reduced by synthesizing with a sound in opposite phase produced by the noise canceling circuit.

Digital Equalizer

Delivers ideal frequency response and high-quality music reproduction. A high S/N ratio is achieved through digital signal processing.

Design

Lightweight design for extremely comfortable wearing with pressure relieving urethane cushion in the earpad. They come with a premium travel case.

Ideal for:

Loud, noisy environments – planes, trains, buses, work or dorms.

Unique feature:

A built-in monitor function allows you to hear surrounding sound without taking off the headphones. Perfect for listening to announcements, flight attendants, or any external sound without the need to take the headphones off.

Noise reduction

Reduces up to 99% ambient noise (20 dB at 160 Hz) when noise canceling circuit is switched on.

Artificial Intelligence (AI)

Noise canceling with automatic selection of optimal noise canceling mode based on intelligent analysis of environmental ambient noise.

Battery

Internal Lithium-ion battery for up to 16 hours of use1 in addition to normal AA batteries which can be used as well and would allow for a joint 28 hours of use.

Product Specifications

Convenience Features

  • Noise Reduction : Total noise suppression - Approx: 20 dB (when power is on)

Power

  • Battery Indicator : yes
  • Battery Life (Approx) : Up to 16H (with built in fully charged battery)1 28H (with fully charged built in battery and 2 fresh AA batteries)1
  • Battery Type : DC1.5V- 2 size AA battery, DC 3.7V -built in rechargeable Lithium-ion battery
  • Power Handling Capacity : 100 mW 

Audio

  • Driver Unit : 40mm Dynamic, closed, dome-type
  • Frequency Response : 5 - 24,000Hz 
  • Impedance : 40 ohms at 1kHz
  • Noise Level : ON/OFF switch on EarCup
  • Selectivity : 3 distinct noise-canceling modes for use in three accoustically different environments (Airplane, Bus, office)
  • Sensitivity (db) : 102 dB/mW

General

  • Case Type : Carrying case
  • Design : Premium over the head, Noise canceling
  • Headband : Adjustable, Foldable (Swivel)
  • Magnet : Neodymium 
  • Plug : Gold-plated, L-shaped stereo mini plug
  • Type of Use : Noise canceling

Weights and Measurements

  • Cord Length (Approx.) : 1.5 m
  • Weight (Approx.) : 6.9 oz (195 g) (including built in battery) 

Audio Features

  • Ear Cups : Swivel for folding

Hardware

  • Cord : 1.5 m Single-sided cord
  • Headphone Type : Closed, dynamic 

In the Box

  • (2)AA Batteries
  • Connecting cord x3 (.5m stereo mini, 1.5 type stereo mini, cord with battery case)
  • Carrying Case 
  • Inflight plug adapter 
  • Startup guide
  • AC Power adaptor for charging internal battery
  • Unimatch plug adapter 
  • Warranty card 

Product Profile

Support

Product Warranty

MDR-NC500D 3.6 5 22 22
unbelievable! I am glad I bought this noise canceling headphone over other brands. Great at mid and highs....Bass is just right. I own couple other brands but this one beats them all.... January 20, 2009
Very disappointed I'm a big fan of Sony noise cancelling sets, so I upgraded to this model. The reviews and the product descriptions failed to mention that the batteries are NOT integrated into the headsets. If you want to run on batteries you have to carry a separate "battery pack" that holds 2 AA batteries. If you want to use the internal battery you have to carry a separate charging brick. Are you kidding? This is a complete non-starter for me, so I will be returning them. I am surprised that this disadvantage was not pointed out in any of the other negative reviews. My previous Sony sets had one AAA battery integrated into the earphone itself. NO accessories needed. March 19, 2013
try before you buy These headphone were an impulse buy. I quickly read a positive magazine review on them and then did some shopping on the net that brought me here, and low and behold they were on sale. BOOM. They perform about as well as any $50 headphone. The noise cancelling as actually pretty decent and the headphone themselves are actually quite comfortable. But the sound is somewhat muffled which is unacceptable for listening to music. So I paid a small fortune so I could listen to podcasts on an airplane? I've learned 3 things from this experience 1) try before you buy - I've been to a Sony store since this purchase and notice they do have a large selection of headphones on display for demos, this way you can decide for yourself if Sony should be in the headphone market. 2) Buying something online? - to return something is a major pain. 3) Don't believe anything you read in a magazine. February 27, 2013
Amazing These headphones are amazing but for some reason when im on the bus i hear thumping noises. I use these usually for my Djying or when im changing audio levels in songs or doing homework the block out my sibblings noise really good and for that thank you Sony. I would strongly recommend these headphones. January 10, 2013
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VIEW FOOTNOTES


1. Actual battery life may vary based on product settings, battery, usage patterns and environmental conditions.

2. At 160Hz.

©2009 Sony Electronics Inc.

Sony is a trademark of Sony. All other trademarks are property of their respective owners.

Features and specifications are subject to change without notice. Non-metric weights and measures are approximate.

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