Tag: noise canceling microphone

Ditch the noise: How to Make Airpods Work for Crystal-Clear Business Calls

Posted on by Doug Merritt

AirPods, you know, those elegant white buds that have redefined how we tune in what we like, and tune out the rest. And for a very long time, Airpods have been, and continue to be, the buds of choice for countless people across all walks of life. They’re small, discreet, comfortable, they sound great, and they’re a freaking Apple product which means there’s a lot to like about them.  

Yet, while the Pro and Max models come with Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) and Transparency Mode for convenience and noise reduction, the standard editions aren’t as nicely appointed in that same way. So if you’re using Airpods without these premium tech features, you’ll have more challenges when it comes to dealing with the noise around you.

Are you using Airpods for business calls? How about video calls? Because if you are, the sound quality may not be the best because noise can easily find its way onto your calls which can be very distracting to you, and to your callers. It can also be a productivity drain as well. That can leave you frustrated, and curious. Frustrated from the noise intrusion, and curious as to what you can do about it, because parting ways with your Airpods, even for your business calls, isn’t something you probably want to do.

And though your Airpods might not have Active Noise Cancellation or Transparency for dealing with distracting noise, there are some things you can do to improve your call quality when using Airpods. Hopefully this blog will give you some help in keeping noise to a minimum, and you and your callers being less distracted by it.

Using Airpods for business calls, and want better noise reduction? Here are some tips

  • The Power of Fit: Forget one-size-fits-all! That’s rarely the case. Instead, experiment with the different ear tip sizes to achieve a snug seal. This natural barrier dampens ambient noise, giving your AirPods passive noise-canceling. What you want to avoid is using an ear tip that isn’t snug because if it is, noise will find its way in. And you don’t want to use those that are too tight because it probably won’t take long for your ears to be oozing in pain. So take your time, experiment with the different sizes to find the ones that provide a good noise seal, but not so much that you can’t wear them comfortably.
  • Seek Refuge in Silence: Location matters! Escape to an office, conference room, or any other available place that offers a more quiet place to work. Remember, every decibel shaved off becomes meaningful in your pursuit of a better, quieter call.
  • White Noise : Play calming nature sounds, white noise, or ambient music through your AirPods. allowing these soothing sounds to truly envelop you, and it gives you something better to hear compared to sounds known to be distracting. Though this isn’t possible if you’re on calls, it can help to lessen the negative effects of noise when you’re doing other tasks.
  • Bump the bass: Crank up the bass! Well, at least to a certain degree. Deep, resonant sounds naturally mask high-frequency distractions like chatter or traffic noise. So if you’re listening to music, make sure to adjust up the bass so those high pitched sounds, like keyboard clacking, doors closing, and machine noise can be muffled so you won’t hear them at all. And that’s just one more thing you can do to fight back against the annoyances of distracting noise.
  • Software over hardware: Consider using neep AI software. It’s affordable, and it will eliminate the noise on both ends of the conversation. Whether it’s a softphone call, or an important video call, neep AI will silence the noise. It will isolate your voice from other voices, and it will enhance the sound of your voice which gives your callers a better audio experience. And if you’re still a kid at heart, you can alter the sound of your voice across several voice profiles to have a little fun. Best of all, you can try neep for free!  There’s no better way to find out how good it is than by trying it out in your exact working environment. Once you do, I’m betting you’ll love it because your Airpods may not remove noise, but neep will. And that means you can confidently use your Airpods on all your voice and video calls knowing that noise is no longer a problem. 

Tips beyond neep AI software

Whether you rock the Pros, Max, or the classic editions, these simple tips can help you further in your pursuit of silence. 

  • Headphones over Pod: Double down on silence! Wear noise-canceling headphones over your AirPods. This might sound like audio overkill, but for environments like airplanes or construction zones, it’s a game-changer. You continue using your favorite earbuds, while shielding them from the barrage of noise around them. 
  • Tech Tweaks: Unlocking Hidden Potential: Dive into your device settings! Many phones and laptops offer audio enhancements like bass boost or spatial audio that can help mask background noise. So don’t overlook your Airpods settings, as well as settings in your computer.

Conquering noise is a journey, not a destination. Experiment with these tips, discover what resonates with you, and don’t be afraid to get creative! Here are some bonus hacks:

  • Music with a Mission: Choose music with prominent instrumental sections or natural soundscapes. These can offer further masking for high-frequency disturbances.
  • The Power of Timing: Schedule calls or noisy activities for quieter times of the day. Avoid scheduling your important calls at times when a general sales meeting is getting started for example. Timing matters, so keep that in mind if you want to give yourself a better chance of  having a call when noise isn’t at its peak.
  • Embrace Focus Modes: Some AirPods models offer Focus Mode, allowing you to amplify specific sound directions. Use this to prioritize the speaker in a noisy conference room which can be helpful in not missing part of the conversation.
  • Mindfulness Matters: Take breaks from noise altogether. Step outside, listen to the wind, or enjoy the quiet hum of nature. These moments can recharge your ears and enhance your appreciation for audio clarity when you return. I think we’re all guilty of not taking enough breaks throughout the day. Set an alarm as a reminder, and don’t turn it off, and resume working. Breaks are necessary, and beneficial for a host of reasons.

Remember, noise can be dampened, or even eliminated with some patience, and effort

Each of us experiences sound differently. Embrace the flexibility of your AirPods, utilize hacks, and explore the power of neep AI’s voice clarity and noise cancellation magic. Whether you use the Pros, Max, or the classic editions, you hold the key to crafting your own silent surroundings. So, you now have a few things you can try in order to help improve your noise problem while using Airpods. Remember, if the hacks don’t work, neep will. Either way, I wish you the best in your search for silence when using Airpods as your headset of choice while on business calls.

Have questions, or need some help?

Don’t feel like you have to go it alone. Finding the right solution can be complicated because there’s a lot to know, and a lot of options to consider. Headset Advisor has been assisting customers since 1994, and I know we can help you too. We’ll listen carefully so we understand your needs, and we’ll make a tailored recommendation that’s guaranteed to be right for your situation. 

Contact us today, and one of our Advisors will be happy to help!

Silence the Static: Master the Art of Noise-Free Video Calls with These Helpful Tips

Posted on by Doug Merritt

The video call revolution has transformed communication in many ways, but unwanted background noise can quickly turn your professional video presentation into a disaster. Whether it’s barking dogs, whirring fans, or the rumble of construction work outside, ambient noise can drown out your voice, shatter focus, and leave a lasting unprofessional impression not to mention how it impacts productivity.

But with all the landmines of noise that lurks around every corner, there is hope for a more serene, peaceful and productive video call. We all want to be heard, and we all want a productive video call but without the distraction of surrounding room noise.

This blog post will help you to navigate your way through the jungle of noise and help to empower you to conquer noise with confidence. We’ll explore a range of tools and techniques, all optimized for crystal-clear communication and a clear video call experience.

Why Noise Matters on Video Calls

Research reveals the chilling impact of noise on communication. One study by Stanford University found that background noise reduces comprehension by 20%, and even moderate levels can make you appear less competent and trustworthy. In the realm of video calls, where every nuance counts, unwanted noise isn’t just annoying – it’s a productivity and professionalism crusher.

  • Comprehension Crumbles: Your carefully crafted messages can crumble under the relentless assault of noise. Studies show background noise can reduce comprehension by up to 20%, leaving your audience lost in a fog of missed words and muffled meanings. When your message is important, the last thing you need is for your audience to not get it.
  • Focus Flees: Attention, the precious fuel of productivity, evaporates in the face of distractions. Our minds can easily wander, leaving crucial details and key points abandoned on the call. Distractions add to the probability of fleeing focus, so it makes sense to keep noise to a minimum.
  • Professionalism Plummets: The clanging of dishes or the insistent sounds of traffic paints an unprofessional picture, suggesting a lack of preparation or consideration for your audience. In a world where first impressions matter, unwanted noise can leave a lasting dent in your credibility and confidence. And if noise is a constant companion on your video calls, your image will suffer.
  • Stress Spirals: The fight-or-flight response, a protective mechanism designed for dangerous situations, can be triggered by unexpected noise. This physiological reaction leads to increased heart rate, tension, and anxiety, making it difficult to think clearly, communicate effectively, and maintain composure.
  • Anxiety Meds Rise: As far fetched as that may sound, there was a study conducted in Europe that revealed elevated levels of noise in the workplace resulted in a rise in the use of anxiety medication.
  • Communication Mishaps: Misunderstandings can flourish. Muffled words, misinterpreted phrases, and missed nuances can lead to frustrating back-and-forths, hindering collaboration and fostering communication breakdowns. And when you’re wanting to be productive, and accomplish goals, clear communication is one of the most important things to help make that happen.

And if all that weren’t enough, there’s now an identified medical condition to noise, called Misophonia where they estimate 1 in 5 individuals will have this. In short, it’s a condition where people have a reaction to noise. Noise can be simple things like the sound of a clicking pen, tapping of fingers, clicking of a keyboard, people eating etc.  The person can react to these, and other noises passively, or aggressively or they might just remove themselves from the environment. To read more about this condition, here’s an article from the Cleveland Clinic. 

Needless to say, noise can be a problem from many perspectives, and one thing is for sure, noise needs to be controlled, because if you leave noise unchecked, there is a price to pay.

Noise Cancellation Solutions that can make the difference 

Thankfully, you’re not at the mercy of noise, because there are several tools and techniques can help you reclaim the audio stage and ensure your voice is front and center.

  • Hardware Solutions:
    • Headsets with integrated noise cancellation: Invest in a good quality headset with active noise cancellation (ANC) technology. These headphones use microphones to analyze and filter out ambient noise, creating a quieter soundscape for your calls.
    • External microphones: Consider a directional microphone that focuses on your voice and minimizes background noise.
  • Software Solutions:
    • Video conferencing platforms with noise cancellation: Many platforms like Zoom and Google Meet now offer built-in noise suppression features. Experiment with these settings to find the level of noise reduction that works best for you. And if you’re unaware of how to access these settings, and a Google search doesn’t provide you with the answer, don’t hesitate to contact a tech savy friend to give you a hand.
    • Dedicated noise cancellation apps: Apps like neep AI based software analyze and remove background noise from your microphone input, providing real-time audio filtering. Not only does neep remove noise from your environment, but it also removes noise from your callers. And it sharpens your voice, and separates it from the voices of others which means your callers will be focused on you, and not the sounds of those having a conversation in your background. neep is an amazing app that takes care of the noise no matter what audio device you’re using. That means no expensive hardware to buy to take advantage of neep’s incredible noise eliminating capabilities. You can try neep for free too. Once you use it, and see now good it really is, I guarantee you’ll be sold on its value.
  • DIY Techniques:
  • Find a quiet space: Minimize ambient noise by choosing a quiet room for your calls. Close windows, switch off fans, and politely request family members or officemates to be mindful of your call time. If your call is being conducted using a laptop, then you stand a better chance of relocating to more favorable locations. Get mobile, and find the space that works best for you.
  • Mute when not speaking: Develop the habit of muting your microphone when not actively participating in the conversation. This prevents extraneous noises like coughing or sniffles from disrupting the flow of the call. And though this may be a pain in the beginning, it can become a process that’s second nature once you establish this as a routine.

Other things you can do

Remember, noise cancellation is not just about technology; it’s about creating a mindful environment for communication. Here are some bonus tips to help you conduct a flawless video call:

  • Invest in soundproofing materials: Consider using acoustic foam panels or sound-absorbing curtains to dampen background noise in your designated video call space. This assumes you have a dedicated space available, and you have the budget to acquire these materials.
  • Record and evaluate: Record a test call to assess the remaining noise levels and fine-tune your noise cancellation settings or choose the most effective solution for your environment. It’s never a bad idea to do a trial run and adjust where needed. 
  • Communicate with your participants: Briefly mention your efforts to minimize noise before the call, setting expectations and demonstrating professionalism. It’s also worthwhile to ask for their input as to your sound quality, and noise level because at the end of the day, it’s their perception that matters.

The Final Note

Embrace the world of noise cancellation and elevate your video call experience to new heights. You don’t have to be at the mercy of noise – become the master of your communication environment, so that your voice resonates with clarity and confidence.

 Invest in the right tools, adopt strategic techniques, and create a quiet haven for your calls. By silencing the distractions, you amplify your professionalism, leaving a lasting impression of focus, competence, and control.

Remember, conquering noise isn’t just about comfort; it’s about crafting communication that inspires, encourages collaboration, and fuels success. So silence the static, and have video calls worthy of gold medal recognition. 

Have questions, or need some help?

If you have questions, or need some help, don’t hesitate to contact us.  We’ve been assisting customers since 1994, and I know we can help you too. Our Advisors can help tailor a personalized technology solution that’s right for your situation. Don’t feel like you have to comb through the internet to get the answers you need, because we’re as close as a call or mouse click away.

AirPods For Business: Slay Noise, Boost Focus With These Noise Canceling Hacks

Posted on by Doug Merritt

Ah, AirPods. Those sleek white buds that revolutionized wireless listening.

But amidst the convenience, and coolness, a silent nemesis lurks: ambient noise. The chatter of the coffee shop crowd, vehicle noise, the insistent sounds of construction work, or your favorite four legged friend – all conspiring to drown out your calls and intrude on your focus, and productivity.

Noise in the workplace is not only annoying, but it negatively affects productivity, and can actually be detrimental to your health. Here’s an article that talks about noise, and its negative health impacts on your body. And when you’re using many of the models of Airpod earbuds, noise can be a problem because they’re not the best at handling noise. So when it comes to your personal well-being, and productivity, noise in the workplace isn’t something that should be ignored.

But what can you do when you’re using your favorite pair of Airpods knowing that they may not be the best at dampening those annoying sounds? Are you getting distracted? Are your callers hearing everything going on around you? And the thought of using a traditional pair of headphones just doesn’t cut it.

Fear not because there’s hope on the horizon. This blog post is your quick guide to conquering noise on your AirPods allowing you to reclaim serenity, and that beautiful sound of silence for you and your callers.

Airpods have been a fan favorite for a very long time, and for a lot of good reasons. They’re small, lightweight, they sound great, and they’re an Apple product, so what’s not to like about that? And if you own Airpods Pro, or Airpods Max, you have the added advantage of Active Noise Cancellation, and Transparency features. So if noise is your problem, and you’re using one of these Apple products, then there may be some hope for you to dampen the noise around you, and have better, more productive calls. And even if you’re using a different Airpods model, you won’t be left out, because there’s a solution for you too.

Below are some ideas to consider if you’re using the Apple Airpods Pro, or Max.

  • Optimize ANC and Transparency Modes:
    • ANC: Ensure ANC is active and experiment with the different ANC strength options available on your iPhone or through the Control Center. Adjust the strength based on the specific office noise (low rumble vs. high-pitched chatter).
    • Transparency Mode: If you need occasional situational awareness, consider using Transparency Mode, which blends ambient noise with your audio. You can choose between “Off,” “On,” and “Adaptive” Transparency depending on your preference and how much awareness you need. This feature is generally found on high-end business headsets, and less common on earbuds. And being able to keep the earbuds in place and not having to remove them everytime you want to have a coworker conversation, or hear what’s going on around you is a nice feature to have.
  • Optimize Audio:
    • Play background noise: Use white noise or nature sounds through Apple Music or a dedicated soundscape app. Masking noise can effectively drown out lower-frequency disruptions like hums and air conditioning. This gives you something more pleasing to listen to, and draws your attention away from more distracting, or annoying sounds.
    • Focus on the bass: Choose bass-heavy music or audio tracks. Deeper frequencies can naturally mask higher-pitched office noises like keyboard clicks and conversations. Anything you can do to not get distracted will pay dividends in your frame of mind, and your ability to get things done.
  • Physical Adjustments:
    • Fit check: Ensure your AirPods Pro fit snugly in your ears. A loose fit allows more noise to creep in, reducing the effectiveness of ANC. Consider using different ear tip sizes for a better seal. We all have different sizes of ears, and ear openings. Don’t settle for close enough. Instead, find the ear tip that best fits your ears, and stick with those.
    • Minimize noise leaks: If possible, find a quieter corner in your office or wear additional ear protection over your AirPods for extra noise blocking.

BONUS TIP: Affordable Noise Canceling Software

If you’ve tried all of these things, and noise is still getting in your way, then here’s a suggestion that’s guaranteed to give you a noise free voice or video call when using your Apple earbuds, or headphones.

neep AI noise canceling software

neep software is affordable for anyone, and it flat out works. It’s chocked full of features that guarantee you’ll have a noise free, stress free, high quality call no matter what microphone and speaker you’re using. Whether that’s an Apple device, a traditional headset, or even a hands free conference phone, neep will work with all of them which means there’s no need to invest in costly hardware to take advantage of neep’s amazing features.

Not only will you sound great to your callers without the distraction of background noise, but your voice will be isolated from other voices, and enhanced. And if that weren’t enough, the noise in your caller’s background will be removed as well, which is pretty awesome. So no matter where the noise is coming from, neep takes care of it, while at the same time, making you sound great.

And if you’re a Gamer with a sense of humor, the voice changer feature will likely appeal to you. So if you want to sound robotic for example, just select that voice profile and you’re good to go.

neep can also give you enhanced audio for any of your voice or video projects. Working on a Podcast or Youtube video? Let neep sharpen things up so you have stellar audio.

Give it a try for free, and when you do, I’m confident you’ll be impressed by how well it removes the noise when using Airpods, or any other audio device. So if you use Airpods for business, and you’ve been looking for a noise cancelling solution, I’d say you just found it.

Follow these simple tips to escape the noise and enjoy clear communication and better focus and productivity. Remember, AirPods are powerful tools for enjoying music and staying connected, and by following this advice, combined with using neep software, you can truly unlock their full potential.

Have questions, or need some help?

Headset Advisor has been helping customers for the past 30 years. Our aim is, and has always been, to help you find the right technology solution so that you’re as productive, and comfortable as possible, with service that’s second to none. Our Advisors are available to answer your questions, so don’t hesitate to contact us if we can help you in any way. 

Your Search For A Noise Free Workspace Leads To neep Software

Posted on by David Merritt

In a world inundated with constant noise, the quest for tranquility has driven many to seek refuge in noise-canceling devices. Over-ear headphones and earplugs have become popular choices, offering a semblance of peace amid the varied sounds of modern life. Yet, as technology evolves, so does our capacity for innovation. Enter neep AI noise-canceling software, a revolutionary leap beyond conventional devices like headphones, earplugs, partitions, or noise absorbing materials. In this blog we’ll dive into the realm of noise-cancellation, examining traditional devices and highlighting the unparalleled advantages offered by neep, particularly through its advanced, deep neural network,  AI based technology.

Understanding Traditional Noise-Canceling Devices

To truly appreciate the innovations brought about by neep AI noise-canceling software, it’s important to grasp the fundamental principles of this technology. Traditional noise-canceling devices, such as over-ear headphones and earplugs, operate on a straightforward, yet fairly effective premise: they physically block or diminish external sounds. These devices typically leverage either passive noise isolation, i.e., earplugs that create a noise barrier, or active noise cancellation (ANC) technology, an electronic feature found on many business grade headsets today.

Passive noise isolation relies on physical barriers, such as the design of a headset ear cup or the material of the earplug, to obstruct ambient noise. While this method is effective to some extent, it does have limitations, especially when dealing with dynamic and unpredictable soundscapes, because sounds can vary widely, and include many different tones across the audio spectrum, not to mention variations in decibel levels. 

On the other hand, ANC technology, commonly found in high-end headphones, employs built-in microphones to capture external sounds. The device then generates sound waves with an inverted phase to counteract the incoming noise, akin to anti-noise.

Although ANC has proven effective in many situations, it is not without its drawbacks, including limited efficacy against sudden, sharp noises and the potential for audio quality degradation. But when you evaluate the various options available for countering noise, ANC ranks among the very best.

The Rise of neep AI Noise Canceling Software

neep represents the next frontier in addressing unwanted noise. At the forefront of this innovation is a groundbreaking technology that takes noise cancellation to unprecedented levels.

neep AI operates on a fundamentally different premise than traditional devices. Instead of relying solely on physical barriers or predefined algorithms, it continually learns and adapts to its user’s auditory environment. This dynamic approach enables neep to excel in scenarios where traditional devices might fall short. And if silencing your surroundings is your goal, neep is your best solution against the challenges of noise in the workplace.

Key Advantages of neep AI Noise Canceling Software

Adaptive Learning:

  • neep AI noise-canceling software boasts a key strength in its ability to adapt in real-time. It employs advanced machine learning algorithms to understand and categorize various types of noises. As users go about their daily lives, the software refines its noise-canceling profiles, ensuring a personalized and optimized experience.

Real-Time Adjustments:

  • Unlike traditional devices with fixed noise-canceling settings, neep AI software can make instantaneous adjustments based on the changing acoustic landscape. Whether you find yourself working in a noisy office,, a coffee shop, or at home, neep noise canceling software tailors its noise canceling parameters to suit the specific environment, providing a seamless, quieter experience.

Enhanced User Comfort:

  • Traditional noise-canceling devices, especially heavy headphones, can cause discomfort during prolonged use. neep AI software eliminates the need for bulky hardware like this, offering anyone who works in an office, call center, or at home, a better, more comfortable solution. Users can enjoy the benefits of superior noise cancellation on any microphone or speaker now being used. That means neep can work with your computer microphone and  speaker, a headset or earbuds, or a conference phone for example. neep is flexible and works with your current devices, which means you don’t have to spend money on hardware to take advantage of the incredible noise reducing, and voice enhancing features of neep.

Improved Sound Quality:

  • neep software does much more than remove noise; it enhances the overall audio experience. By selectively eliminating unwanted frequencies, the software allows users to immerse themselves in their chosen audio content with unprecedented clarity and richness. Background conversations are eliminated, and your voice is sharpened and enhanced. You hear better, and your callers hear you better too which makes for a far better, more enjoyable, and productive conversation.
  • neep also eliminates background noise that’s coming from your callers. So it not only removes your noise, but it also removes your callers noise, which is pretty amazing. And when you combine this, with neep’s ability to isolate your voice, and separate it from other voices, your callers will hear your and not those around you. And that makes for a better, more engaged voice or video conversation.

Versatility Across Devices:

  • While traditional noise-canceling devices are often limited to specific hardware, neep AI software can be seamlessly integrated into various devices, from headphones and earbuds to smartphones, smart speakers, and conference phones. This versatility ensures that users can experience the benefits of advanced noise cancellation across their entire tech ecosystem. You can even use neep to enhance the audio quality of your audio and video projects. So if you want to sound your best on a Podcast for example, neep can help make that happen.

Continuous Updates and Upgrades:

  • The world of technology is ever-evolving, and so is neep AI noise-canceling software. Regular updates and upgrades ensure that users stay at the forefront of noise-canceling technology, benefiting from the latest advancements without the need for frequent hardware purchases. This delivers seamless convenience, and saves you money.

Customization and User Profiles:

  • neep noise canceling software allows users to create personalized profiles, tailoring the noise-canceling experience to individual preferences. Whether someone prefers complete silence or a subtle reduction in background noise, the software can adapt to diverse user needs. The user can access the slider to dial up, or dial down the amount of noise reduction.
  • You can also have some fun by accessing the voice effects feature to help liven things up. So if robotic is your voice of preference, just select that, and your voice is automatically transitioned into robot mode. This is a feature Gamers are going to love.

neep is the future, but available now

In the relentless pursuit of silence, neep AI noise canceling software has emerged as a beacon of innovation, surpassing the capabilities of traditional devices. neep, with its adaptive learning, real-time adjustments, and commitment to user comfort, represents a major shift in how we experience and combat unwanted noise.

As technology continues to advance, the future of noise canceling is undeniably intertwined with artificial intelligence. neep’s commitment to harnessing the power of AI ensures that users can enjoy a personalized and intelligent noise free experience, ushering in an era where silence is not just a rare luxury but an everyday reality. 

So, as we navigate the many sounds of modern life, let neep AI noise canceling software be your ally in the pursuit of peace and tranquility, ensuring that silence is never out of reach, no matter what type of noise you find yourself dealing with, and no matter what device you’re now using.

Like to learn more?

Feel free to reach out to us with any questions that you may have, and we’ll be glad to help. Headset Advisor has been assisting customers with their communication needs for 30 years, and I’m confident we can help you too. So if noise is something you’re struggling with, and you’re looking for a solution, don’t hesitate to contact us, because noise is no joke.

Why not try neep for free?

You can try neep for free! And when you do, I’m betting that you’ll be impressed by how well it removes your background noise. Noise is a problem, and believe me when I say, neep is the answer.