AKG K 440 NC

With the AKG K-440NC noise-canceling headphones, the crazy-loud world complies with your demands for some restful peace & quiet when flying the friendly skies. Austrian audio powerhouse AKG has tackled the thorny realm of "active" electronic noise-canceling technology with this small-sized NC model. The K-440 NC's earcups contain tiny built-in microphones that pick up ambient noises which are then attenuated via an electronic signal that counterbalances those incoming external sounds. This 'active' circuitry functions especially well at blocking out constant, lower-pitched frequencies -- perfect for airplane cabin noise. However, noise-canceling is much less effective at blocking out more inconsistent, higher-pitched sounds like loud talking, street traffic, the bawling kid in the seat behind you, or your constantly visiting in-laws. Also, that sometimes helpful noise-canceling technology can tend to mask musical detail resolution in the upper mids & highs. So noise-canceling may not be the best choice for demanding audiophiles but might be a perfect call for folks wanting to shut out the cacophany and just hear some blissful tunes during commutes. You can also activate the noise-canceling feature without music to turn down the ambient universe and get some well-deserved shut-eye.

The sonics of the AKG K-440 NC are decently clean for a noise-canceling design with a full bass response, fair mids, and a smooth but definitely rolled-off upper treble range; In other words, slightly weaker sound quality compared to the non- noise-canceling AKG-k414P and AKG-k27i headphones on which the K- 440 NC is based, but nevertheless acceptable for this category of headphone. The final verdict?: A portable, lightweight, noise-canceling set for listeners in noisy environs who don't want to use in-ear canal earphones (ECHs) but still seek peaceful isolation & decent audio performance during airline travel.

The AKG K-440 NC retains the lightweight aluminum '3-D axis' headband of its sibling 414-P and 27-i models. This unique design easily allows the headphone to expand to fit just about any sized head and also to collapse & fold down into a small leatherette carry-bag that's included in the package. The efficient 32-ohm impedance rating of the K-440 NC should allow plenty of output from most portable audio sources or directly from the airplane's sound system. The subdued dark grey-matte earcups with matching hardware and ultra-dark grey earpads make for an unobtrusive, classy-looking pair of headphones. The noise-canceling feature can be turned on/off via a simple (belt-hookable) switch attached to the 'phones and the whole shebang is powered by a single AAA battery located within the switch housing. The on/off switch sports a glowing red LED light indicating battery life. Also included in the K-440 NC box is the handy two-prong airplane jack adapter as well as a full-size 1/4" stereo plug adapter thus completing this nice traveler-oriented set. A 2-year manufacturer's warranty is standard with all AKG headphones.