aim high | jun.2007

Noble Peace Prizes
Audio-Technica ATH-ANC7 Sennheiser PXC 450
We almost couldnt get these phones because Sennheiser was still obsessing over the noise-cancellation data. Boy, did it pay off. Wired Bombastic noise canceling. Oversize cups fit listeners from Dumbo on down. Monitor button useful for hearing the captain apologize for ineffective air-conditioning and impending doom. Tired Uncomfortable earcups made me sorry that security had nabbed my box cutter. Pressure on the cansas when snoozing against the windowsummons terrifying feedback shriek. $450, www.sennheiser.com
Active Noise-Canceling Headphones
Back in the day, active noise canceling meant a quick roundhouse for the proud grandmother in the middle seat. Then came the Bose QuietComfort headphones, the first to cut the clamor by generating a sound wave opposite the ambient buzz. Bose still makes a sweet headset; wed rate the QC2 at a more-than-solid 8 out of 10. But we recently tested four new models and found that Bose is no longer king of the ring. joe brown
Philips SHN9500/37 Sony MDR-NC60

Photogra ph by

Todd Tankersley
Copyright 2007 by The Cond Nast Publications, Inc. All Rights Reserved. www.wired.com.
Audio-Technica U.S., Inc. 1221 Commerce Drive, Stow, Ohio 44224 (330) 686-2600 Fax (330) 686-0719 Email: pro@atus.com www.audio-technica.com
sty l in g by S han no n A m o s/ar t ist u nt i ed
Primarily a pro audio company, Audio-Technica wanted its entry into this arena to boast the best possible sound qualitywith or without the noise canceling activated. Thank you, neurotic Japanese engineers. Thank you. Wired Amazing sound, balanced and sweet, from Segovia to Snoop Dogg. Lightweight and comfortable. Battery still kickin after two weeks of nearly constant use. Oh yeah: excellent, clean noise canceling. Tired The only new model without a monitor button. $220, www.audio-technica.com
Philips product development team traversed the globe and took 86 molds of human ears from every inhabited continent. They created the ultimate average ear shape and made these headphones to fit it. Wired Super comfy for long stretches. Blocks a surprising amount of noise just by virtue of their shape. Already a bargain at list, but we found em online for 95 bucks! Tired Sounds muddy once you switch the power on. Overlarge case is a better tambourine than headphone holder. Noise canceling gets buzzy when battery is low. $160, www.philipsusa.com
When we first ogled these exquisitely crafted cans, we almost forgave Sony for pushing ATRAC3. When we put them on we were right back to bitching about Memory Sticks and UMDs. Like most of Sonys recent audio endeavors, these look far better than they perform. Wired Oozes first-class, from the swank leather case to the smoked metal accents. Decent sound. Tired Hisssssssssssss. The only pair we tested that produces an audible hum when noise cancelation is switched on. There is just no excuse for this kind of behavior. $200, www.sonystyle.com

To remove the battery

3-100-028-11(1)
3 Put on the headphones so that the ear

pads cover your ears.

Noise Canceling Headphones
Operating Instructions Manual de instrucciones
Open the lid of the battery box, then push the position marked with PUSH G. The e side of the battery comes up. Remove the battery by pulling it.
Putting the headphones in the carrying case
Fold the headphones before putting them in the carrying case. The supplied cord, unimatch plugs or reserve batteries can also be stored in the pocket.

Troubleshooting

No sound
Check the connection of the headphones and the AV equipment. Check that the connected AV equipment is turned on. Turn up the volume of the connected AV equipment.
4 Turn on the power of the AV equipment.
If the lid of the battery box is detached
Follow the procedure below to reattach the lid.

Muffled sound

Turn down the volume of the connected AV equipment. Replace the battery.
Hearing environmental sound for safety
If the MONITOR switch is pressed and held while the POWER switch is set to ON, playback silences so you can hear the surrounding environment.

Power does not turn on

Check if the battery has expired (the POWER indicator dims). Replace the battery with a new one.
1 Attach the lower side of the lid.

MDR-NC60

2007 Sony Corporation Printed in Malaysia
MONITOR switch Monitor microphone

Howling

Make sure you are wearing the headphones correctly.
2 Push the upper side of the lid straight
forward until it clicks into position.

Specifications

Note on storing the connecting cord
Store the connecting cord in the carrying case with both plugs together to avoid short circuiting the battery. General
Type Dynamic, closed Driver units 40 mm, dome type (CCAW adopted) Power handling capacity 100 mW Impedance 40 at 1 kHz (when the power is on) 100 at 1 kHz (when the power is off) Sensitivity 102 dB/mW (when the power is on) 100 dB/mW (when the power is off) Frequency response 14 24,000 Hz Frequency range of active noise attenuation 40 1,500 Hz, more than 16.5 dB at 200 Hz Power source DC 1.5 V, 1 R03 (size AAA) battery Mass Approx. 230 g (8 oz) including battery

English

Before operating the unit, please read this manual thoroughly and retain it for future reference.

Installing a battery

1 Push the BATT Z button located at the
bottom of the right housing.
The lid of the battery box opens slightly.
The environmental sound might not be heard if the microphone is covered with your fingers.

WARNING

To reduce the risk of fire or electric shock, do not expose this apparatus to rain or moisture. To reduce the risk of electrical shock, do not open the cabinet. Refer servicing to qualified personnel only.
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) This device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation. You are cautioned that any changes or modifications not expressly approved in this manual could void your authority to operate this equipment.

Right housing

Listening to music
1 Connect the headphones to the AV

equipment.

Notes on using on the airplane
The supplied plug adapter can be connected to dual and stereo mini jacks.
for dual jacks for stereo mini jacks

Precautions

The headphones contain a noise canceling circuit.

What is noise canceling?

The noise canceling circuit actually senses outside noise with built-in microphones and sends an equal-but-opposite canceling signal to the headphones.

2 Open the lid of the battery box of the
headphone to insert one size AAA battery.
Match the e on the battery to the e in the battery case.
Headphones When connecting to dual or stereo mini jacks of in-flight music services. R L
Plug adapter (supplied) To headphone jack on airplane seats
Do not use the headphones when use of electronic equipment is prohibited or when use of personal headphones for in-flight music services is prohibited. If you have any questions or problems concerning the system that are not covered in this manual, please consult the nearest Sony dealer.
The lid of the battery box opens only so far, as shown in the illustration. Do not further force open the lid as it may damage it.
When connecting to the stereo mini jack of a WALKMAN*, etc. Connecting cord 1.5 m (supplied)

After listening to music

Turn off the power of the headphones.

Owners Record

The model number is located on the housing, and the serial number is located inside the battery box. Record the serial number in the spaces provided below. Refer to them whenever you call upon your Sony dealer regarding this product. Model No. MDR-NC60 Serial No. The validity of the CE marking is restricted to only those countries where it is legally enforced, mainly in the countries EEA (European Economic Area).

3 Close the lid.

Remote control When connecting to the stereo mini jack of the remote controls jack supplied with a WALKMAN, etc.

Folding the headphones

Folding
The housings rotate to make them flat for easy storage in the carrying case (supplied), or in a seat pocket. Restore to their usual position before using.
* WALKMAN and WALKMAN logo are registered trademarks of Sony Corporation.

Notes Battery life

Battery Approx. hours*1
When connecting the cord, insert the plug into the jack until the green portion of the plug disappears.
The noise canceling effect may not be pronounced in a very quiet environment, or some noise may be heard. In such a case, turn the POWER switch off. The noise canceling effect may vary depending on how you wear the headphones. When you turn the POWER switch on, the operation sound of the noise canceling may be noticeable. This is not a malfunction. The noise canceling function is only effective for noise in the low frequency band. Although noise is reduced, it is not canceled completely. When you use the headphones in a train or a car, noise may occur depending on street conditions. In such a case, turn the POWER switch off. You can use the headphones without turning on the power. In this case, the noise canceling function is not active, and the headphones operate as passive headphones. Howling may occur if you do not wear the headphones correctly. Mobile phones may cause noise. Keep the headphones away from mobile phones.

Supplied accessories Connecting cord (1.5 m, gold plated L type stereo mini plug)(1) Sony R03 (size AAA) battery (1) Carrying case (1) Plug adapter for in-flight use* (single/dual)(1) Gold-plated unimatch plug adapter (stereo phone plug y stereo mini jack)(1) Operating Instructions (1) Card warranty (1) * May not be compatible with some in-flight music services. Design and specifications are subject to change without notice.

Notes on usage

Clean the headphones with a soft dry cloth. Do not leave the plug dirty otherwise the sound may be distorted. Be sure to consult a Sony dealer when the earpads become dirty or damaged, or when the headphones require repair work. Do not leave the stereo headphones in a location subject to direct sunlight, heat or moisture.
Sony alkaline LR03/AM-hours* (N) (size AAA) battery Sony manganese R03/ UM-hours*2 (NU) (size AAA) battery *kHz, 0.1 mW + 0.1 mW output *2 Time stated above may vary, depending on the temperature or conditions of use.
To disconnect the cord, pull it out by the plug, not the cord, as the inner conductors may break.

Features

Noise canceling headphones reduce unwanted ambient noise, providing a quieter environment to enhance your listening experience. A microphone inside each earpiece works with electronic circuitry to create an opposite sound wave to cancel out the noise. Up to 85 % ambient noise cancellation (Over 16.5 dB is reduced at 200 Hz) Slim, folding design for easy portability Premium piano black design Neodymium magnets for powerful sound Dual-use capability allows option to listen to music with or without noise cancellation Built-in monitor function lets you silence the audio to listen outside Supplied plug adapter for easy connectivity to stereo or dual jack for in-flight music services
Because the supplied battery was included in the package from the time of manufacture (as a convenience to the user), it is possible that the battery life may be somewhat depleted by the time of purchase. The actual life of the supplied battery may be shorter than the standard time described in this manual when using a fresh battery.