Audio-Technica ATH-AL5NC: Open-Back Headphones With ANC

The ATH-AL5NC was announced globally by Audio-Technica last Wednesday (September 9), although it was already Thursday (September 10) in Japan. Its main features are active noise cancellation (ANC) and an open-back design, a rare combination for Bluetooth over-ear headphones. Announced alongside the new AirPods 5 true wireless earbuds, the ATH-AL5NC may offer a more compelling solution in several respects, as discussed below.

The ATH-AL5NC offers an experience no other headphones have provided to date

The combination of features offered by the ATH-AL5NC is currently unique. Bluetooth headphones with an open-back design were already available, such as the Grado GW100x, but that model does not feature active noise cancellation.

Audio-Technica’s new Bluetooth headphones combine the best of both worlds by incorporating open-back ear cups and ANC. The open-back design delivers a more natural sound than most wireless over-ear headphones, which have sealed ear cups. Active noise cancellation, in turn, provides quietness while preserving a sense of openness.

In addition to these qualities, the Japanese manufacturer of headphones, microphones, and turntables has implemented several ANC operating modes. Together with the 75-hour battery life, these features make the ATH-AL5NC an even more compelling option.

Why is the ATH-AL5NC’s open-back design so appealing?

Using open-back headphones can be beneficial in several ways. Their sound is generally more natural than that of closed-back over-ear headphones, and they also provide better thermal comfort. The sensation of pressure experienced when ANC is enabled on closed-back Bluetooth headphones is also considerably reduced.

To further reduce heat buildup, the ATH-AL5NC features fabric ear pads. In addition to being washable, they can be easily replaced. The replacement ear pads are identified by the model number “HP-AL5NC.”

Audio-Technica sought to further improve the ATH-AL5NC listening experience by developing different operating modes for the headphones. The goal was to provide the best possible experience across a range of environments and situations.

The ATH-AL5NC’s ANC and its operating modes

Two modes are available when active noise cancellation (ANC) is enabled on the ATH-AL5NC: Home and Airplane.

The “Home” and “Airplane” modes adjust the intensity of active noise cancellation.

Home mode was designed for quieter environments to minimize interference with the sound reproduced by the headphones. In addition, a system selectively filters for voices, allowing you to converse with another person and understand what is being said.

Airplane mode, in contrast, was developed to maximize the suppression of loud noise, such as that produced by an airplane, subway train, or bus. At the same time, this mode still allows you to hear announcements on an airplane by selectively filtering for speech from the pilot or flight attendant.

Active noise cancellation over both Bluetooth and a wired connection

The ATH-AL5NC’s ANC can be used both in Bluetooth mode and with the cable equipped with a 3.5 mm connector (“P2”). This feature is useful for conserving battery power and reducing latency, preventing audio and video from becoming desynchronized when watching movies and TV series.

Independent mode

The purpose of “Independent mode” is to use ANC alone to isolate unwanted noise from the surrounding environment. When this mode is enabled, there is no need to play music or connect the headphones to a smartphone. The ATH-AL5NC’s battery life in this mode can reach 100 hours when the Home ANC mode is selected. When Airplane mode is used together with Independent mode, battery life decreases to 80 hours.

The Soundscape feature

Audio-Technica’s “Connect” app allows the ATH-AL5NC to play sounds that support concentration, studying, or relaxation. The available selection includes nature sounds recorded with Audio-Technica microphones, relaxing sounds, and masking noise. If desired, you can also enable ANC and select either Home or Airplane mode to further enhance immersion in the sounds being played.

Equalization presets and a parametric equalizer (PEQ)

The Connect app allows you to choose from five equalization presets, including the default Flat setting. In addition, two equalizers are available for those who wish to customize the headphones’ sound: a graphic equalizer and a parametric equalizer (PEQ). Whereas the former offers more intuitive adjustments, the latter was implemented for audio enthusiasts.

Low latency mode

For those who enjoy gaming and watching videos, the ATH-AL5NC includes a low latency mode. Enabling this feature in the Connect app reduces the delay between the sound and the displayed image, providing a better experience.

Multipoint support

The ATH-AL5NC can connect to multiple devices to make switching between them easier. For example, you can pair the Bluetooth headphones with a smartphone and a laptop. If a call comes in on the smartphone while you are listening to music, the connection switches to allow you to answer the call.

Private timer feature

To prevent alarms from sounding through the smartphone’s speakers, the headphones include a feature called “private timer.” It allows all sounds to be played exclusively through the ATH-AL5NC headphones.

Button assignment feature for customized controls

The ATH-AL5NC’s ANC button can perform additional functions. For example, you can configure it in the Connect app to activate low latency mode when the “NC” button is pressed.

Selectable voice guidance language: Japanese or English

Users can set the ATH-AL5NC’s voice guidance language to either English or Japanese.

Selectable number of volume steps

The total number of volume steps on the ATH-AL5NC can be changed. The default setting in the Connect app is 16 levels, but it can be adjusted to 32 or 64 steps. This allows finer volume adjustments for music, calls, or movies.

“Find product” feature

To help locate the ATH-AL5NC when you do not know where it is, the Connect app displays a map showing the last recorded location when the Bluetooth connection was lost.

“Left-behind alert” to help prevent the loss of the headphones

To help prevent you from losing the ATH-AL5NC, the Connect app issues an alert when the Bluetooth signal becomes weak. This allows users to recognize that they are moving away from the headphones before the connection is lost.

Cable with overheating protection

While the ATH-AL5NC’s battery is charging, the cable may overheat because of a problem with the connection or the electrical supply. To prevent accidents, the headphones’ cable includes protection against abnormal heating that automatically interrupts the flow of power.

Audio-Technica ATH-AL5NC: Specifications

General specifications

• Headphone type: Open-back over-ear
• Impedance: 52 Ω
• Operating temperature range: 5–40 °C
• Playback frequency range: 20–40,000 Hz
• Sensitivity: 103 dB/mW
• Transducer type: Dynamic driver with a 53 mm diaphragm
• Weight: 240 g

Bluetooth specifications

• Frequency band: 2.4 GHz band (2.402–2.480 GHz)
• Maximum range: Up to 10 m without obstacles
• Modulation methods: GFSK, π/4-DQPSK, and 8DPSK
• Spread spectrum method: FHSS
• Supported Bluetooth codecs: LDAC, AAC, and SBC
• Supported Bluetooth profiles: A2DP, AVRCP, HFP, and HSP
• Supported content protection: SCMS-T
• Transmission frequency range: 20–40,000 Hz with LDAC at a 96 kHz sampling rate and 990 kbps bit rate; 20–20,000 Hz at a 44.1 kHz sampling rate
• Version: Bluetooth 5.3

Battery specifications

• Battery life during calls: Up to 50 hours with Bluetooth and ANC enabled
• Battery life during music playback: 75 hours with Bluetooth and ANC enabled
• Charging time: Approximately 3.5 hours
• Power supply: Built-in 3.85 V DC lithium-polymer battery

Headphone microphone specifications

• Frequency range: 50–10,000 Hz
• Polar pattern: Omnidirectional
• Sensitivity: −38 dB (1 V/Pa at 1 kHz)
• Type: MEMS

Cable microphone specifications

• Frequency range: 100–10,000 Hz
• Polar pattern: Omnidirectional
• Sensitivity: −42 dB (1 V/Pa at 1 kHz)
• Type: Electret condenser

What is included in the ATH-AL5NC box?

The ATH-AL5NC box includes the following items:

• Audio-Technica ATH-AL5NC headphones.
• A 50 cm USB charging cable with USB Type-A and USB Type-C connectors.
• A 1.2 m cable with an inline remote control and integrated microphone, featuring a gold-plated, four-pole, L-shaped 3.5 mm stereo plug.
• A carrying pouch.

Release, pricing, and availability

The Audio-Technica ATH-AL5NC is now available in black for US$279, £219, and AU$499 in the United States, the United Kingdom, and Australia, respectively. In Japan, the ATH-AL5NC will be released on September 18 for ¥39,600 (approximately US$256.75).