Sony’s Digital Noise Cancelling Technology was first seen in the Xperia Z2 ( it has Digital Noise Cancelling microphone ) and with that Sony launched Sony MDR-NC31EM Digital Noise Cancelling Headset exclusively for Xperia Z2, Xperia Z2 Tablet the then, but now also compatible with Xperia Z3 and Xperia Z3 Compact.
Sony MDR-NC31EM Digital Noise Cancelling Headset do not come inside the box with Xperia Z2, Z3, Z3 Compact but in certain regions you may find these DNC headsets coming along with Xperia Z2 box. Let’s see what makes them special as compared to normal headsets. 98% ambient noises are reduced by an inverted anti-sound sine wave produced, as claimed by Sony.
[ REVIEW ] Sony MDR-NC31EM Digital Noise Cancelling Headset
Sony MDR-NC31EM Digital Noise Cancelling Headset currently priced at $64.99 at MobileFun UK, shipping world wide. They are available in White and Black colors only. If your phone don’t support DNC then you may not be able to use the headset with its full functionality as they will acts a normal headset only. We tried them with HTC M8 and it didn’t even recognize it.
Specifications
- Length – 1 m, Weight – 21 grams.
- 3.5 mm headphone connecting port, 5 pole ( Also a must requirement to use them ).
- Frequency Range – 20Hz – 20000Hz
- 13.5 mm dynamic speakers
- Microphone – ECM
Inside the box you will find 1 headset pair, 2 pairs of ear buds of varying sizes, manual and warranty leaflet.
Right hearing piece of headset carries the longer strap wire while the left one smaller wire which is exactly as usual found in many Sony headsets like MH750 etc.
You need to have 3.5 mm headphone connectivity port with 5 poles to use the headset.
Strap wire is pretty much long and handy to use. Though due to circular coil you will find it tangling very often.
As soon as you will plug them into your headset, you will see a pop up message on your phone’s screen. In the notification area you will see Noise Cancelling device added notification. You can specify from here whether you want DNC enabled all the time or not.
Go to Walkman app > sound settings and here you will see a couple of settings for the headset. You can specify your environment like Bus/Train, Airplane, Office; do not use them if you are not in any of the location.
Sony’s Digital Noise Cancelling technology really works and you can see a huge improvement in sound quality once the headset is plugged in. You may not find the design of earpiece of the headset comfortable as compared to headset like Sony MH750.
Pros
- Ambient noises reduction.
- DNC technology helps in producing a comfortable sound.
- Option to select the class of environment you are in.
Cons
- Compatible with selected handsets only.
- Weird headset design.
- Round strap cable, tangles a lot.
If you don’t have a device which supports DNC technology then buying Sony MDR-NC31EM Digital Noise Cancelling Headset, practically are or no utility but if your device supports them then surely this headset is the best option available in this class.
Are you using Sony MDR-NC31EM Digital Noise Cancelling Headset, describe your experience with them. Drop your comments below.
View Comments (12)
I'm using Sony Xperia Z2 and i get these DNC headphones with this beast ! Literally the best noise cancellation. I always support and love sony and this make me more lover :D
Do you know how to recieve calls with this nc31em noise cancellation handsfree?
unfortunately there is no button to receive calls, you need to pick up a call via phone but you can use headset as handsfree as microphone is inbuilt in the headset portion itself.
Thanks alot
My Xperia Z2 won't recognize MDR-NC31EM and Walkman have no DNC option in settings. Is it common problem?
you probably got a fake Z2. mine's working well with Z2 and noise cancellation is top-notch.
Dude just clean your port
Is there an over-the-ear headphones that provides the same or better sound quality and noise-cancellation than these earphones, Sony or any other brand? I'm looking something for Z2 as the in-ear ones are painful for my ears. pls let me know if there's anything under 100$...
hi anurag, just wanted to know......
i have a Z2, and have MH750 headset, is it worth the upgrade with respect to sound quality speacialy bass
If you are looking for Bass go with MDR-XB50AP - http://www.amazon.in/gp/product/B00K4AKI3A/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=3626&creative=24822&creativeASIN=B00K4AKI3A&linkCode=as2&tag=gizbol-21&linkId=LKCZIMRY7OGC3GSW
These are also great for bass - MDR-XB30EX - http://www.amazon.in/gp/product/B00FLJTHLS/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=3626&creative=24822&creativeASIN=B00FLJTHLS&linkCode=as2&tag=gizbol-21&linkId=3ZFMIWID4EIN3POE
Which one is good with laptop and ipod nano xtra bass or noise cancellation.
With a laptop you go with good bass headphones.