[Discuss] [kind of off topic] noise canceling headphones

[Rich Pieri]

You don't want noise canceling headphones for this. Noise canceling 
works well for continuous low-frequency sounds like airplane engines and 
rumbling trains. They're not good for general human space ambient sounds.

What you want is noise isolation. That is, headphones that attenuate all 
ambient sound. Top of my list for these in terms of sound and comfort 
are: Beyerdynamic DT770 Pro, KRK KNS-8400, and Brainwavz HM5 with Shure 
SRH1540 earpads (the Shure pads are amazingly comfortable). These all 
offer around 30dB attenuation. If you want more than this then you need 
to go with in-ear monitors which can attenuate upwards of 45dB with 
custom moldings. I don't have any recommendations for in-ears because I 
don't like them and don't use them.

-- 
Rich P.