What is NC/AMB on Sony Headphones?

Modern headphones often include settings that seem useful, but aren’t always clear. You might see options labeled NC and AMB. They sound technical. Maybe you’ve tried pressing them. Maybe nothing obvious happened.

Some people say Noise Cancelling improves sound. Others say Ambient Sound is more natural. But what do they really do? And how do you know when to use each one? While there isn’t a lot of simple information about these modes, we’re here to give you a quick and easy breakdown of what they mean, how they work, and why they matter.

Editor’s note: this article was updated on August 24, 2025 to clarify how NC and AMB behave across Sony headphones.

What is Noise Cancelling?

Noise Cancelling, often shortened to NC, is Sony’s name for a system that reduces the sound of your surroundings. It doesn’t block sound the way thick padding might. Instead, the headphones listen to outside sounds and then produce sound that helps cancel it out.

This process is handled by small microphones. These are placed on the inside or outside of the ear cups, depending on the model. When the headphones detect noise, they respond with a signal that works to cancel it.

NC works best when there is steady noise in your environment. The effect is less noticeable in quiet rooms, but more useful during travel or in busy places.

Many Sony headphones let you activate NC with a single button. Some models include settings that adjust the strength. Others switch automatically depending on where you are.

How does Noise Cancelling affect your music?

NC doesn’t make your music louder or clearer on its own. But when the noise around you is reduced, you’ll probably hear more of your music.

If you’re listening at home or in a quiet office, you might not notice a big difference. But on a plane or train, it’s easier to hear softer sounds and quiet passages.

Some people turn on NC even when they’re not listening to music. It can help reduce distractions, which is useful while working or reading.

Sony’s NC system changes depending on the model. Some headphones cancel more sound than others. Some let more of the outside world through. But in general, you’ll hear more of your audio and less of what’s happening around you.

What is Ambient Sound?

Ambient Sound, labeled AMB on many Sony headphones, is different. Instead of blocking outside sound, it lets more of it in.

Just like with NC, the headphones use microphones to listen to the outside world. But instead of cancelling that sound, they play it back into your ears.

This can be helpful when you still want to hear your music, but also need to stay aware of what’s around you. It’s useful when walking in public, sitting in a café, or waiting for announcements in a station or airport.

Some models allow you to control how much ambient sound is passed through. The adjustment is usually done in the app, though some headphones include a dial or button to do this manually.

How does Ambient Sound affect your music?

Listening with AMB turned on feels more open. You’ll hear your audio, but also sounds from your surroundings.

The music may seem a little softer or less isolated, but it can also feel more natural. Voices nearby will still reach your ears. You won’t miss traffic, alarms, or someone calling your name.

This mode doesn’t enhance sound quality or make music clearer. It just mixes your music with the outside world. Some listeners prefer this balance when they don’t want to feel cut off from their environment.

Can you use both?

You can switch between NC and AMB on most models, but you can’t use both at the same time. Pressing the NC/AMB button usually cycles between NC, AMB, and off.

Some headphones remember your last setting. Others go back to a default mode when you turn them off and on again.

If you use the Sony app, you might be able to set preferences for each location. That means NC could turn on automatically when you're on a train, and AMB when you're walking.

Which one should you use?

NC is best when you want to block distractions. It’s useful during flights, commutes, or work. It reduces background noise and helps you focus on your music.

AMB is better when you want to stay connected to your surroundings. It’s useful for safety when walking or cycling, and for awareness in shared spaces.

Some people use NC all the time. Others leave AMB on by default. There’s no correct choice. It depends on where you are and what you’re doing.

Switching modes is quick, so you can try both and see what sounds best to you.

Final thoughts

Sony includes both NC and AMB because they do different things. One helps you ignore the world. The other helps you hear it.

Learning when to use each one is part of getting the most out of your headphones. If you understand how they work, you’ll be able to enjoy your music more — whether you want isolation or awareness.

Some of Sony’s newer models change how these modes behave, especially with app controls and smart switching. That’s something we’ve covered in more detail in our full guide to NC and AMB on Sony Headphones, with examples from both over-ear and in-ear designs.