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Technical Details
- World's first digital noise canceling headphones
- Artificial Intelligence noise canceling
- Automatic selection between 3 different environments
- Digital EQ - accurate sound & wide frequency response
- Monitor switch to let surrounding sounds be heard
Product Details
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Product Description
Amazon.com Product Description
Experience the world's first headphones that uses digital technology to realize incredible noise reduction along with pristine quality audio with Sony's MDR-NC500D. Reducing up to 99% of ambient noise from airplanes, trains, or at the office, the MDR-NC500D headphones have ground breaking new digital signal processing technology suitable for an optimal listening environment. Enjoy features that include three distinct noise canceling modes, artifical intelligence function that automatically selects the optimal mode, a digital equalizer that ensures high-grade audio without sacrificing the noise canceling effectiveness, and a lightweight design that offers premium comfort.
Noise Canceling Technology
Enjoy music in a quieter environment with MDR-NC500D's noise canceling technology that reduces ambient noise to enhance your audio entertainment. The headphones have an inside microphone on each earpiece that work with an electronic circuitry to create an opposite sound wave to reduce wave. It reduces up to 99% ambient noise when the noise canceling circuit is switched on. Perfect for loud and noisy environments such as planes, trains, buses, work or dorms.
Synthesizing with a sound in the opposite phase for ambient sound reduction
Digital Equalizer
Experience high-quality music reproduction and ideal frequencey response with the MDR-NC500D. It delivers a high S/N ratio that is achieved through digital signal processing.
Artificial Intelligence (AI)
Experience noise canceling optimization with Artificial Intelligence. Because not all ambient noise is the same, the Artificial Intelligence technology will automatically select the optimal noise canceling mode based on intelligent analysis of environmental ambient noise.
Noise cancelling intelligence that is optimized for your environment
Pressure relieving urethane cushions for long-lasting comfort
Hear surrounding sound without taking off your headphones with the built-in monitor function
Design
Enjoy long-lasting comfort while listening to your music with the lightweight design of the MDR-NC500D. With pressure relieving urethane cushions in the earpad, the MDR-NC500D is designed for long comfort wear and comes with a premium travel case.Built-in Monitor Function
The MDR-NC500D has a unique feature that allows you to hear surrounding sound without taking off the headphones. Perfect for listening to announcements, flight attendants, or any external sound without the need to take the headphones off.Long Battery Life
Enjoy your music for up to 16 hours with the internal lithium-ion battery. Normal AA batteries can be used as well and allows for a joint 28 hours of use. 
Travel Ready
Keep the music going on all your trips with the provided travel kit that includes all of the essentials-a premium case to help protect the headphones, an AC power adaptor, AA battery backup kit, and an airplane adaptor.MDR-NC500D Specs
| Frequency Response: | 5Hz - 24,000Hz |
| Driver Unit: | 40mm dynamic, closed, dome-type |
| Magnet Type: | Neodymium |
| Impedance: | 40 ohms at 1kHz |
| Sensitivity (db): | 102 dB/mW |
| Power Handling Capacity: | 100mW |
| Cord Length: | 1.5m |
| Weight: | 6.9 oz (including built in battery) |
What's in the Box
- MDR-NC500D headphones
- Carrying Case
- AC Power adaptor for charging internal battery
- (2) AA Batteries
- Inflight plug adapter
- Unimatch plug adapter
- Connecting cord x3 (.5m stereo mini, 1.5 type stereo mini, cord with battery case)
- Startup guide
- Warranty card
Comparison feature
 MDR-NC7 Noise Canceling |  MDR-NC13 Noise-Canceling |  MDR-NC40 Noise Canceling |  MDR-NC100D Digital Noise Canceling |  MDR-NC200D Digital Noise Canceling |  MDR-NC300D Digital Noise Canceling |  MDR-NC500D Digital Noise Canceling | |
| Driver Units | 30mm | 13.5mm | 30mm | 13.5mm | 40mm | 16mm | 40mm |
| Ambient Noise Reduction | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |||
| Digital Noise Canceling with Intelligent Auto Selection | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |||
| Passive Listening Mode | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |||
| Monitor Button | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |
| Battery Life | 25 hours* | 50 hours* | 20 hours* | 22 hours* | 22 hours* | 20 hours* | 15 hours* |
| Folding/Swivel | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |||
| Design | Over-the-head | Earbud | Over-the-head | Earbud | Over-the-head | Earbud | Over-the-head |
| Carrying Case/Pouch | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
Product Description
The lightweight, MDR-NC500D headphones use digital technology to more accurately reduce stress-inducing noise from planes, trains and busses while providing the high-quality audio expected from Sony.
Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
71 of 76 people found the following review helpful
Forgot to bring my noise canceling headphones on a recent trip and decided to pick up a pair of those on the return leg.
The built quality is very good, it comes with a nice (but quite large) case and a full set of cables and adapters.
Although I'm skeptical about the claimed 99% reduction in noise levels I must admit that the noise canceling is very efficient, it's far better than that of any other headset I've tried.
They're comfortable to wear for extended periods of time and the internal battery easily lasts for a full flight. A nice touch is that it also works with AA batteries should you forget to charge the internal battery.
My only complaint is the size of the case, it's much to big. Other than that those headphones are great and I'd recommend them to anyone with a bit of extra space in their carry on.
The built quality is very good, it comes with a nice (but quite large) case and a full set of cables and adapters.
Although I'm skeptical about the claimed 99% reduction in noise levels I must admit that the noise canceling is very efficient, it's far better than that of any other headset I've tried.
They're comfortable to wear for extended periods of time and the internal battery easily lasts for a full flight. A nice touch is that it also works with AA batteries should you forget to charge the internal battery.
My only complaint is the size of the case, it's much to big. Other than that those headphones are great and I'd recommend them to anyone with a bit of extra space in their carry on.
43 of 45 people found the following review helpful
I bought these headphones after trying them out at Narita airport in Tokyo earlier this year. I didn't have time to charge the internal battery before the flight, so I used AA batteries in the included adapter cable. That was the only time that I used the external battery. I've logged about 75,000 air miles using these headphones without a single problem.
The noise reduction is excellent, and the headphones are quite comfortable. The digital technology allows the user to adapt the noise reduction curve to the ambient conditions.
Yesterday I swapped headphones with a friend while riding in the back of a Canadair regional jet between San Francisco and Albuquerque. Those of you who have ridden in that section of this aircraft know that it's one of the noisiest rides around. I found that I could barely hear my iPod with his noise-canceling phones, while listening was easy and enjoyable with the Sony digitals.
Since they're digital, the phones are thicker than other brands. That's not a big problem for me. However, the huge case is a problem and doesn't fit easily in my briefcase, so I've started carrying the headphones in a stuff sack with another sack for the charger and other accessories. Everything now fits fine in my briefcase and carry-on.
The noise reduction is excellent, and the headphones are quite comfortable. The digital technology allows the user to adapt the noise reduction curve to the ambient conditions.
Yesterday I swapped headphones with a friend while riding in the back of a Canadair regional jet between San Francisco and Albuquerque. Those of you who have ridden in that section of this aircraft know that it's one of the noisiest rides around. I found that I could barely hear my iPod with his noise-canceling phones, while listening was easy and enjoyable with the Sony digitals.
Since they're digital, the phones are thicker than other brands. That's not a big problem for me. However, the huge case is a problem and doesn't fit easily in my briefcase, so I've started carrying the headphones in a stuff sack with another sack for the charger and other accessories. Everything now fits fine in my briefcase and carry-on.
24 of 25 people found the following review helpful
Hello
I am an electrical engineer who travels extensively. I have used the Bose QC1 and QC3 for years and deeply appreciate noise cancelling headphones for flights (for the life of me, I cannot figure out why everyone isn't wearing them!).
On a recent trip, I lost one of the ear pads on my QC3, so I figured it was a good time to replace them with the new Sony digital Noise Cancelling headphones. I understand the technology well and expected a great product.
First, some complain about discomfort of these headphones. They are not heavy and I didn't find uncomfortable in the least. If my choice is wearing headphones versus listening to the drone of a A340, give me the headphones ANY DAY!
Now the good part: the noise cancelling is superior to anything that I have ever heard (though I suspect good earbuds, like Shure, are probably better. I am not a fan of ear buds). These Sonys are certainly better than the Bose. The sound quality is Sony-perfect and I could barely hear aircraft engines. Besides superior noise cancelling, the Sony blocked out ALL noise, including talking or those damn crying babies, whereas the Bose only cancelled out the engines, with little attenuation of baby noise. DSP to the rescue-Sony has done a superb job of noise cancellation!
And, now for the bad part: These headphones have a VERY annoying thumping problem that comes and goes. It sounds as if someone is constantly thumping on the headphones on a windown and it can be loud. The problem seems worse on aircraft but I am sitting in the basement right now and I can still get the thumping. There is a definite problem with the noise cancelling algorithm that causes the phones to start thumping at a low frequency. On a recent LAX-ORD flight, I found that the thumping noise could be influenced by pressing on the phones or even leaning back in the chair. Sometimes even the slightest pressure on the outside of the cans causes them to start thumping. To stop the thumping, you lift one of the ear cups momentarily.
I found that sometimes I could move my jaw around and start or stop the thumping. I think the thumping is also somewhat dependent on ambient noise. Right now I am in the basement and the only noise (absolutely, totally cancelled) is the furnace. The thumping is pretty much gone until I touch the cans. I might be mistaken, but it seems to me that the thumping starts whenever the actual speaker elements get close to my ears--leaving little air space under the cans. Maybe there is a problem with a microphone pick-up inside the cans?
Nonetheless, on the most recent flight, the thumping became so persistent and annoying that I simply took them off and put them away. I was disgusted! There is a design problem with these headphones and Sony needs to figure out how to fix their DSP algorithm. And I need to figure out how to unload these phones. Because, while they are, by far, the best noise cancelling headphones I've ever heard, the obnoxious thumping makes them useless!
For now, I am going back to my Bose QCs until Sony get's their DSP act together.
I am an electrical engineer who travels extensively. I have used the Bose QC1 and QC3 for years and deeply appreciate noise cancelling headphones for flights (for the life of me, I cannot figure out why everyone isn't wearing them!).
On a recent trip, I lost one of the ear pads on my QC3, so I figured it was a good time to replace them with the new Sony digital Noise Cancelling headphones. I understand the technology well and expected a great product.
First, some complain about discomfort of these headphones. They are not heavy and I didn't find uncomfortable in the least. If my choice is wearing headphones versus listening to the drone of a A340, give me the headphones ANY DAY!
Now the good part: the noise cancelling is superior to anything that I have ever heard (though I suspect good earbuds, like Shure, are probably better. I am not a fan of ear buds). These Sonys are certainly better than the Bose. The sound quality is Sony-perfect and I could barely hear aircraft engines. Besides superior noise cancelling, the Sony blocked out ALL noise, including talking or those damn crying babies, whereas the Bose only cancelled out the engines, with little attenuation of baby noise. DSP to the rescue-Sony has done a superb job of noise cancellation!
And, now for the bad part: These headphones have a VERY annoying thumping problem that comes and goes. It sounds as if someone is constantly thumping on the headphones on a windown and it can be loud. The problem seems worse on aircraft but I am sitting in the basement right now and I can still get the thumping. There is a definite problem with the noise cancelling algorithm that causes the phones to start thumping at a low frequency. On a recent LAX-ORD flight, I found that the thumping noise could be influenced by pressing on the phones or even leaning back in the chair. Sometimes even the slightest pressure on the outside of the cans causes them to start thumping. To stop the thumping, you lift one of the ear cups momentarily.
I found that sometimes I could move my jaw around and start or stop the thumping. I think the thumping is also somewhat dependent on ambient noise. Right now I am in the basement and the only noise (absolutely, totally cancelled) is the furnace. The thumping is pretty much gone until I touch the cans. I might be mistaken, but it seems to me that the thumping starts whenever the actual speaker elements get close to my ears--leaving little air space under the cans. Maybe there is a problem with a microphone pick-up inside the cans?
Nonetheless, on the most recent flight, the thumping became so persistent and annoying that I simply took them off and put them away. I was disgusted! There is a design problem with these headphones and Sony needs to figure out how to fix their DSP algorithm. And I need to figure out how to unload these phones. Because, while they are, by far, the best noise cancelling headphones I've ever heard, the obnoxious thumping makes them useless!
For now, I am going back to my Bose QCs until Sony get's their DSP act together.
Most Recent Customer Reviews
Great headphones...a little pricey but well worth it (also Thumping...
I bought these last week and I really like them. I tried the Bose QC15 headphones in the store and I think these headphones measure up to them in terms of noise cancelling. Read more
Published 28 days ago by Adesh A. Ghadge
Essentially Disposable Headphones
For $400, you'd think they would sell replacement ear pads - the first part of any headphone to deteriorate and need replacement. Read more
Published 1 month ago by C. Bordelon
Do Not Buy - Breaks Easily - Poorly Designed
These work great.
But, they are very poorly designed. The entire strength depends on a paper thin piece of brittle plastic that is only one half (one side) of a two... Read more
But, they are very poorly designed. The entire strength depends on a paper thin piece of brittle plastic that is only one half (one side) of a two... Read more
Published 4 months ago by Amazon Zealot
Finally A New Champ!
I have been using noise cancellation headsets for well over a decade. My previous purchases were always Bose - they pretty much had cornered the market on high-end NC headsets, but... Read more
Published 5 months ago by Kenneth L Bobu
On Par with Bose QC15 - Tested By CR
I prefer Consumer Reports test results over any Amazon user reviews. CR rated the Sony on par with the Bose QC15. Read more
Published 5 months ago by Brookworld
Comfortable, but noise-cancelling definitely not up to par
I got these after using up my sony card rewards points. After about a month of ownership, I must say that I am very disappointed with the product. Yes, they're comfortable.. Read more
Published 6 months ago by Daniel Yang
Works
I buyed as seconf option to my wife.
They do very well the job
The difference betwen using thems and not using in a flight is a better slepping.
They do very well the job
The difference betwen using thems and not using in a flight is a better slepping.
Published 7 months ago by FABRIZIO
A rough diamond in the rough
I was able to purchase these headphones direct from Sony for a mere fraction of their price, so I think that might bias me a bit from the negative experiences some owners have had... Read more
Published 7 months ago by Northam von Posten
comfortable & effective noise cancellation
just bought these and sitting by my living room window where normally a busy tramline and screaming kids are audible. Right now i cant hear anything. Read more
Published 10 months ago by Daniel Clarke
awesome headphones low price
awesome set of headphones. noise cancellation works great. the ear cups totally surround my ears. i work surrounded by airplanes and helicopters and the headphones cancel out all... Read more
Published 15 months ago by suckit
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