Adjusting ANC Leak Detection on Audio-Technica ATH-ANC100 Wireless Headphones

Introduction

The Audio‑Technica ATH‑ANC100 wireless headphones are celebrated for their comfortable fit, solid sound quality and effective active noise‑cancelling (ANC). A lesser known feature is the Leak Detection function which monitors how much external sound is leaking into the ear cups and adjusts the ANC algorithm accordingly. Fine‑tuning this parameter can make the difference between a pleasant listening experience in a quiet office and a frustrating battle with background chatter on a crowded train.

This guide walks you through every step required to adjust the ANC Leak Detection on the ATH‑ANC100. Whether you are a first‑time owner or a seasoned user looking to squeeze out the last bit of performance, the instructions below will help you understand the feature, access the settings, make precise adjustments and verify the results.

Understanding ANC Leak Detection

ANC works by generating an anti‑phase sound wave that cancels out ambient noise that reaches the microphone inside the ear cup. The Leak Detection system constantly measures the pressure difference between the interior of the ear cup and the outside environment. If it detects a significant leak – for example when the ear cushion has shifted or there is a gap around the ear – it tells the ANC processor to increase its gain, ensuring that cancellation stays effective.

Key points to remember

• Leak detection is automatic – the headphones continuously monitor leakage without user intervention.
• The parameter you can adjust is the sensitivity threshold – a lower threshold makes the system react to smaller leaks, while a higher threshold reduces the frequency of adjustments.
• Changing the sensitivity affects battery life – higher sensitivity causes the ANC processor to work harder and can shorten playtime by a few minutes per hour.

Understanding these trade‑offs will help you decide the best setting for your typical usage scenario.

Preparing Your Headphones

Before diving into the software, make sure the hardware is ready. A clean and properly seated headphone will give the most accurate leak detection reading.

Clean the ear cushions

1. Remove the ear cushions by gently pulling them away from the headband.
2. Use a soft, lint‑free cloth slightly dampened with a mild soap solution to wipe the surface of the cushions.
3. Allow them to air dry completely before reattaching.

Verify the fit

1. Place the headphones on your head as you normally would.
2. Adjust the headband so the ear cups sit evenly over your ears, creating a snug but comfortable seal.
3. Rotate the ear cups slightly forward or backward to find the position that feels most secure.

Charge the battery

A fully charged battery ensures that the ANC processor runs at full capacity during testing. Plug the headphones into the supplied charger and wait until the indicator shows 100 percent.

Accessing ANC Settings via the Audio‑Technica App

The ATH‑ANC100 can be controlled through the Audio‑Technica “PlayStation Connect” app (available for iOS and Android). The app provides a graphical interface for adjusting ANC parameters, including Leak Detection.

Install and launch the app

• Open the App Store or Google Play Store on your smartphone.
• Search for “Audio‑Technica PlayStation Connect”.
• Download and install the app.
• Launch the app and grant any requested permissions for Bluetooth and location services.

Pair the headphones

1. Turn on the headphones by pressing the power button until you hear the power‑on chime.
2. In the app, tap the “Add Device” button.
3. Select “ATH‑ANC100” from the list of discovered devices.
4. Follow any on‑screen prompts to complete the pairing process.

Navigate to ANC settings

• Once paired, the main dashboard shows battery level, connection status and a quick‑access button for “Sound Settings”.
• Tap “Sound Settings”, then choose the “ANC” tab.
• Within the ANC tab you will see a toggle for “Leak Detection Sensitivity”.

Adjusting Leak Detection Sensitivity

The sensitivity setting is represented by three options: Low, Medium, and High. Each option corresponds to a predefined threshold level in the headphone firmware.

Choose the appropriate level

• Low – best for very quiet environments where you want the headphones to conserve battery. The ANC processor will only react to noticeable leaks.
• Medium – a balanced setting that works well in most daily situations such as office work, commuting on a bus, or listening at home.
• High – ideal for very noisy settings like airplanes or crowded cafés. The headphones will aggressively compensate for any small gap.

Apply the change

1. Tap the desired sensitivity level.
2. A confirmation dialog appears; select “Apply”.
3. The headphones will receive a firmware command and briefly emit a short tone to indicate the change.

Verify the setting

Return to the “ANC” tab and ensure the selected level is highlighted. The app may also display a short status message such as “Leak Detection set to High”.

Testing and Fine‑Tuning

After adjusting the sensitivity, it is essential to test the headphones in a controlled environment to confirm that the changes meet your expectations.

Quiet‑room test

1. Find a room with minimal background noise (under 30 dB SPL).
2. Play a familiar track at a moderate volume (around 70 % of the maximum).
3. Close your eyes and focus on any hiss, wind, or faint external sounds.
4. If you notice a noticeable leak sound, consider switching to a higher sensitivity.

Simulated leak test

To simulate a leak without moving the headphones:

• Place a small piece of foam or a thin cloth between the ear cup and the ear.
• Play the same track and listen for a change in the ANC’s effort.
• If the ANC appears to boost the bass or alter the tonal balance, the leak detection is responding appropriately.

Real‑world test

Take the headphones on a short commute or walk through a busy hallway. Pay attention to how well the ANC maintains silence around you, especially when you naturally shift the headset while moving.

Fine‑tune if necessary

If the test reveals that the ANC is either too aggressive (causing a pumping effect) or too lax (allowing external noise in), repeat the adjustment steps and choose the next level up or down accordingly.

Common Issues and Troubleshooting

Even with careful setup, you may encounter problems. Below are the most frequent issues and how to address them.

ANC does not respond to leak detection

• Check firmware version – open the app, go to “Device Info”, and ensure you are running the latest firmware. Update if needed.
• Reset the headphones – hold the power button for 10 seconds until you hear a reset tone. Pair again and reapply the leak detection setting.

Battery drains unusually fast after increasing sensitivity

• High sensitivity does cause the ANC processor to work harder. If the drop is significant (more than 15 % per hour), consider returning to Medium or Low for everyday use and switching to High only when you know you will be in a noisy environment.

Persistent hissing or static

• This can be caused by debris on the internal microphone. Gently blow air into the ear cup’s vent using a soft brush to dislodge dust.
• If the issue persists, contact Audio‑Technica support for a possible hardware inspection.

Tips for Optimal Performance

• Maintain a consistent fit – even a small shift in the headband can change the seal and affect leak detection.
• Store the headphones in a case when not in use to protect the cushions from deformation.
• Use the “Auto‑Pause” feature (if available) – it pauses playback when you remove the headphones, saving battery and preventing unnecessary ANC activity.
• Experiment with EQ settings – sometimes a slight boost in the low‑mid range can mask minor leaks that are not fully cancelled by ANC.

When to Seek Professional Help

If you have tried cleaning, resetting, updating firmware and the headphones still fail to react to leak detection, it may indicate a hardware fault such as a damaged microphone or a broken internal seal. In that case:

1. Locate the nearest authorized Audio‑Technica service center.
2. Bring the purchase receipt and any warranty documentation.
3. Explain the troubleshooting steps you have already taken.

Professional technicians can replace the faulty components or, if the device is under warranty, provide a replacement unit.

Summary

Adjusting the ANC Leak Detection on the Audio‑Technica ATH‑ANC100 involves three main phases: preparing the hardware, configuring the sensitivity through the Audio‑Technica app, and testing the results in both quiet and noisy environments. By selecting the appropriate sensitivity level—Low for quiet settings, Medium for everyday use, and High for demanding noise‑cancelling situations—you can tailor the headphones to your specific needs while balancing battery consumption.

Regular maintenance of the ear cushions and keeping the firmware up to date ensure that the leak detection system remains reliable. Should issues arise, the troubleshooting steps outlined above will help you isolate the problem, and professional support is available for hardware‑related concerns.

With these guidelines, you can enjoy a consistently immersive listening experience, confident that the ATH‑ANC100 is actively guarding against unwanted sound leakage wherever you go.