Is there software that can turn ordinary headphones into noise-cancelling headphones?

[UNCjigga]

I was wondering if anyone's seen software (winamp plugin or DirectSound filter) that emulates a noise-cancelling headset when used with ordinary headphones. For example, say I was watching a DVD movie on my laptop in a plane and I wanted to cut out the background noise...or if I'm just listening to a CD. I don't think it would be all that hard to do...unless true noise cancellation requires a mic or something?

 

[SWirth86]

Wouldnt it have to have a microphone? Otherwise it wouldnt know what sounds to block out.

But then again I'm not an expert on the subject...

 

[Ameesh]

you need a mic or better insualtion to do it

 

[Grey]

Just turn the volume up.

 

[MichaelD]

Technically, Ameesh is correct.

Realistically, Grey is correct.

Go with Grey, or buy real Noise-Cancelling headphones.

They are overrated anyway...

 

[UNCjigga]

Originally posted by: SWirth86
Wouldnt it have to have a microphone? Otherwise it wouldnt know what sounds to block out.

But then again I'm not an expert on the subject...

Why wouldn't it know what sounds to block out? The interiors of most planes sound the same anyway...or the software could let you choose from different profiles (737, 767, A320 etc.) or have a manual adjustment (just like the dials on the 'black box' of real noise reduction headphones...)

 

[Jeff7]

From what I know of waves, the headphones would need to create the exact opposite of the actual sound being produced, otherwise it wouldn't work; it might even produce resonance or feedback, but I'm not sure of that part. It can't generate a generic "antinoise" wave, since there really is no specific generic noise.
The headphones would need to know exactly what kind of noise is coming at your ears, and generate, in realtime, the opposite waveforms to try to cancel out the noise - that's why they'd need a microphone. As for software doing this, I'd imagine there might be too much lag between the mic picking it up, processing through the soundcard, PCI bus, processor, then back, and out into the headphones.
Another option to look at (assuming you haven't) is a closed headphone design that completely surrounds the ears. It's not exactly sophisticated technology, but it helps.

 

[UNCjigga]

Originally posted by: Jeff7
From what I know of waves, the headphones would need to create the exact opposite of the actual sound being produced, otherwise it wouldn't work; it might even produce resonance or feedback, but I'm not sure of that part. It can't generate a generic "antinoise" wave, since there really is no specific generic noise.
The headphones would need to know exactly what kind of noise is coming at your ears, and generate, in realtime, the opposite waveforms to try to cancel out the noise - that's why they'd need a microphone. As for software doing this, I'd imagine there might be too much lag between the mic picking it up, processing through the soundcard, PCI bus, processor, then back, and out into the headphones.
Another option to look at (assuming you haven't) is a closed headphone design that completely surrounds the ears. It's not exactly sophisticated technology, but it helps.

Ahh so there is some realtime processing involved. I figured that the hum/whine sound of jet engines was pretty generic, so I thought you could do it without a mic (perhaps not as effectively as true noise cancellation, but better than nothing!) Closed headphones sucketh (irritate my ears)

 

[stebesplace]

I used the noise cancelling headphones by bose on a plane earlier this year. I swear to go they were so unbelivable, i could not hear but a TEEEENY engine noise. Compared to a large muffled sound with other headphones. I would never go back.

-Steve