The wired in-ears use dual microphones per earpiece to cancel ambient noise without any latency or charging required.
Audio-Technica has released the ATH-CKD7NC, a pair of in-ear headphones that connect via USB-C and skip Bluetooth altogether in favour of a wired, hybrid noise-cancelling design. They’re available now for AUD $119.
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Each earpiece houses dual microphones that detect ambient noise and generate anti-phase signals to cancel it out, aiming to create a quieter listening environment without the battery drain or latency that comes with wireless ANC. Because the connection is wired, there’s no charging required and no delay between the audio source and your ears.
Inside, 11 mm high-efficiency drivers handle high-resolution playback, controlling diaphragm movement to keep bass tight and separation clear across the frequency range. Audio-Technica says the compact housing doesn’t come at the cost of detail, with the drivers built to capture the finer points of a mix.
The ATH-CKD7NC also includes ENC (Environmental Noise Cancellation) microphones for calls, filtering out background noise so your voice stays clear on the other end. An in-line controller with built-in mic handles ANC and hear-through toggling, playback, track skipping and volume, all without reaching for your device.
USB-C connectivity means the ATH-CKD7NC plugs straight into PCs and Macs, Android phones, and iPhone 15 and later models with no adapter needed. They’re also confirmed to work with the Nintendo Switch 2 and other consoles, though Audio-Technica notes some functions may not be supported depending on the device.
For anyone after wired reliability with the noise-cancelling chops usually reserved for pricier Bluetooth models, the ATH-CKD7NC lands as a straightforward option that leans on a direct connection rather than a battery.
The ATH-CKD7NC is available now at JB Hi-Fi, WHSmith, and through Audio-Technica Australia.
