Ath-anc33is quiet point active noise-cancelling in-ear headphones reduce distracting background noise by up to 90% while offering the superior sound that makes audio-technica a world-leading pro audio company. Engineered to create a comfortable listening environment in areas with high ambient noise, these in-ear headphones feature a miniature microphone in each earpiece that picks up ambient noise (such as traffic, air-handling systems, etc.). Electronics in the quiet point control module create a noise-cancelling wave that is 180 degree out of phase with the ambient noise. This wave acts like a noise eraser: it cancels out the annoying sounds that surround you without diminishing the audio you want to hear. The result. A peaceful enclave to enjoy the music or movies of your choice. The ath-anc33is in-ear headphones also feature an inline microphone and controller for answering calls and controlling music. The mic and controller support smartphones, iphones, ipads, many ipods other compatible devices. The microphone has an omnidirectional pickup pattern and it is designed for crisp intelligibility, so your voice will be clearly transmitted without having to speak directly into the mic.