What is the primary way that Passive Noise Reduction (PNR) achieves sound quieting?
Answer
Through the physical blocking provided by materials and earpads.
Passive Noise Reduction (PNR) operates on principles entirely distinct from Active Noise Cancellation (ANC). PNR functions analogously to traditional earplugs; it relies on the physical properties of the materials used in the headphone construction, such as the bulk and seal provided by the earpads, to block sound waves mechanically from ever reaching the ear canal. This method is effective for many types of sound but has inherent limits on how much low-frequency, penetrating noise it can effectively attenuate, which is why ANC was required.
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