On Sony headphones, the NC/AMB button lets you switch between noise cancelling and ambient sound modes. NC stands for Noise Cancelling, and AMB means Ambient Sound. Pressing the button cycles through three modes: Noise Cancelling, Ambient, and Off.
When I tested this on the WH-1000XM4, each press of the NC/AMB button gave a small voice prompt: “Noise cancelling,” “Ambient sound,” or “Ambient sound control off.” It took me a few tries to get used to the sequence, but once I did, switching became second nature. I usually left it on noise cancelling in public, then switched to ambient when walking near traffic.
Some older Sony models label it differently, but the function stays the same. It gives you control over how much of the outside world gets in — or stays out.
How to Use the NC/AMB Button
Using the NC/AMB button is simple. One press changes the mode, and the change is confirmed with a voice prompt. Press once for ANC. Press again for Ambient. Press again to turn both off.
I tried this with both in-ear and over-ear Sony models. On earbuds, the change was almost instant. On over-ears, it took about a second for the voice to confirm the switch. I noticed that the ambient mode had a bit more presence on the larger drivers — probably because of the way the mics are positioned.
In louder spaces, I had to lower playback volume to hear ambient sounds clearly, especially on the WF series. But in most cases, the switch between modes worked reliably without delay.
What Is Active Noise Cancelling (ANC)?
Sony’s ANC uses microphones to pick up surrounding noise, then plays an opposite signal to cancel it out. I tested this in a shared office space and during a short flight. On both occasions, low-frequency sounds like fan noise and engine rumble dropped noticeably.
The effect was strongest in constant noise environments. I tried using ANC while typing on a mechanical keyboard, and while the clacks didn’t disappear, they felt more distant. It’s not perfect silence, but it’s enough to make a difference in focus.
I also noticed that when ANC was active with no music playing, some models added a low hiss. It wasn’t loud, but it was there. On newer models, this was much less noticeable.
What Is Ambient Sound Mode (AMB)?
Ambient Sound Mode does the opposite. Instead of blocking noise, it lets some of it through. The headphones use external microphones to capture what’s going on around you, and blend it into the audio.
This was useful while walking through a busy area. I could hear announcements at the station and traffic approaching behind me without taking the headphones off. On the WF-1000XM4, I used this mode during a grocery run, and had no trouble hearing the cashier even while music was playing.
There’s also a setting called “Focus on Voice.” I tried this while using the ambient mode indoors. Background hum dropped, and nearby voices became easier to pick out. It worked well for casual conversations and short calls without pausing the audio.
Differences Between Ambient and Noise Cancelling
Noise Cancelling and Ambient modes are often grouped together, but they work in opposite ways.
Noise Cancelling takes sound away. It tries to remove as much of your surroundings as possible. I used it during a bus ride, and the engine hum dropped almost immediately. Voices nearby were still audible, but softer and less distracting.
Ambient mode brings sound in. It doesn’t just let you hear your surroundings — it actively pulls them in through microphones. I tested this on a walk near a busy intersection. I could still hear the music clearly, but I also heard a bike bell behind me and a car slowing down beside me. Without ambient mode, I wouldn’t have heard either of those in time.
Switching between the two feels like flipping a filter on your environment. One isolates you, the other connects you to what’s around.
Customizing NC/AMB Function in App
The Sony Headphones Connect app lets you adjust how the NC/AMB button behaves. I used it on the WH-1000XM5 and changed the default cycle. By default, it goes through all three modes: Noise Cancelling, Ambient, and Off. In the app, I set it to toggle just between Noise Cancelling and Ambient.
This saved me time during commutes. I didn’t need the “Off” mode at all, so skipping it made the button feel more responsive. The app also lets you fine-tune how much ambient sound comes through. I tried raising it during walks and lowering it indoors where I didn’t need as much awareness.
It also saves your preferences. I tested this by pairing the same headset with my phone and tablet. The settings stayed the same across both devices, which made switching easier.
When to Use Each Mode
I found Noise Cancelling best for focused listening. I used it during writing sessions and on flights. It cut out fan noise, keyboard clicks, and engine rumble. Music felt tighter, and I didn’t need to raise the volume as much.
Ambient mode worked better when I needed to stay aware. I used it while walking through the city and while waiting for a delivery. I could still enjoy the audio, but I didn’t feel cut off. I also used it during a few gaming sessions at home — I kept one ear on the game, and one on the doorbell.
Turning both off made sense when I didn’t need either. I used the Off mode at night or when battery was low. It felt like using regular headphones again — no processing, just pure playback.
User Insights and Reddit Feedback
I checked a few Reddit threads while testing. A lot of users mentioned the “Focus on Voice” setting. I gave it a try during a short voice call while walking outside. Music played in the background, but the system pulled nearby speech forward. It didn’t make conversations louder — just clearer.
Some users also said the Ambient mode felt more natural on over-ear models. I noticed the same thing. The in-ear versions had more microphone hiss when Ambient was active, especially in quiet rooms.
A few people mentioned that the NC/AMB button sometimes lagged on older firmware. I updated the headphones through the app, and the delay went away.
Final Take: Is NC/AMB Useful for Gamers?
It depends on the type of game and the space you’re in.
I used Noise Cancelling during a late-night play session with a fan running nearby. It helped me focus without raising the volume. But when I played something that needed awareness — like co-op games with voice chat — I switched to Ambient. I could still hear the game, but I didn’t miss what was going on around me.
If you’re playing at home and need to hear the door or talk to someone quickly, Ambient mode is useful. If you’re in a noisy room and just want to focus, ANC works better.
The NC/AMB button makes it easy to switch, and once I got used to the timing, it became part of my setup.
FAQs on NC/AMB on Sony Headphones
Does NC turn on automatically?
Yes. On most Sony models, Noise Cancelling activates as soon as the headphones power on. I didn’t have to press anything — unless I wanted to switch modes.
Why can’t I hear ambient sound clearly?
Sometimes, playback volume is too high. I noticed this on the WF-1000XM4 — when music was loud, ambient sound was barely noticeable. Lowering the volume helped.
What does “Focus on Voice” actually do?
It reduces background noise and brings nearby speech forward. I tested it in a cafe while waiting for a drink. I could hear my name being called clearly even though music was still playing.