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Use the WH-1000XM6’s NC/AMB button to cycle noise-canceling and Ambient Sound modes. For finer adjustments, the switching sequence, or to turn the right-earcup touch panel off, use Sony | Sound Connect while the headphones are connected to your phone over Bluetooth.
Switch noise canceling and Ambient Sound with the NC/AMB button
- Turn on the WH-1000XM6. Noise canceling is on the first time you use the headphones and after initialization; later settings are retained.
- Press the NC/AMB button. The headphones play a notification sound and move to the next mode in the configured sequence.
The available sequence can include noise canceling on, Ambient Sound on, and both off. To change which modes the button cycles through, connect the headphones to Sony | Sound Connect over Bluetooth and select the desired NC/AMB switching pattern. App labels can vary with version, so follow the current labels displayed in the installed app.
Adjust Ambient Sound settings
Sony calls its hear-through feature Ambient Sound Mode. It uses the headphones’ microphones to let outside sound reach you while audio is playing. In Sony | Sound Connect, adjust the Ambient Sound settings to suit your preference. Settings changed in the app are stored on the headphones, so they remain available when the headphones are connected to a device without the app.
Auto Ambient Sound is a separate setting
Auto Ambient Sound adjusts how much ambient sound is captured in relation to the surrounding noise level. Sony | Sound Connect can turn it on or off and change its sensitivity. This automatic adjustment is separate from using the NC/AMB button to switch listening modes.
#1 Best Overall
- THE BEST NOISE CANCELLATION: Powered by advanced processors and an adaptive microphone system, the WH-1000XM6 headphones deliver real-time noise cancellation for an immersive, distraction-free listening experience.
- CO-CREATED WITH MASTERING AUDIO ENGINEERS: Developed in collaboration with world-renowned mastering audio engineers, these headphones deliver unparalleled sound clarity and precision. A specially designed driver with a lightweight carbon fiber dome delivers high fidelity sound, where rich vocals and every instrument remains pure and balanced. Optimized for advanced noise cancellation, the WH-1000XM6 headphones keep every frequency crisp and true to the artist’s intent.
- HD NOISE CANCELING PROCESSOR QN3: The HD Noise Canceling Processor QN3 is 7x faster than the QN1 (found in our WH-1000XM5 headphones), optimizing 12 microphones in real time for superior noise cancellation, sound quality, and call clarity. With more microphones than ever, we can precisely detect external noise and counteracts it with opposite soundwaves, delivering a new level of noise cancellation.
- ULTRA-CLEAR CALLS, FROM ANYWHERE: A six-microphone AI-based beamforming system, intelligent noise reduction technology, and wind-resistant design, work together to isolate your voice, filter out background noise, and ensure every word comes through crisp and clear—even in the busiest environments.
- COMPACT CARRYING CASE & FOLDABLE DESIGN: Crafted for durability and style, the foldable design features precision metalwork and a compact case with a magnetic closure—ready to go wherever you do.
Use the right-earcup touch panel
The touch sensor control panel is on the right earcup. It handles playback, calls, volume, voice input, and Quick Attention Mode; it is distinct from the physical NC/AMB button.
| Gesture | Function |
|---|---|
| Double-tap quickly | Play or pause music; answer or end a call when supported. |
| Swipe forward and release | Skip to the next track. Hold the swipe to fast-forward. |
| Swipe backward and release | Go to the previous track, or to the start of the current track during playback. Hold the swipe to fast-reverse. |
| Swipe up or down | Raise or lower volume. Hold the swipe to continue adjusting. |
| Hold a finger on the panel | Start voice input when using the voice-assist function. |
| Cover the whole panel with your hand | Activate Quick Attention Mode while the panel is covered; release to deactivate it. |
Gesture availability can depend on the connected device or app. When the headphones are removed, normal music, call, and other operations cannot be performed by tapping the panel.
Rank #2
- THE BEST NOISE CANCELLATION: Powered by advanced processors and an adaptive microphone system, the WH-1000XM6 headphones deliver real-time noise cancellation for an immersive, distraction-free listening experience.
- CO-CREATED WITH MASTERING AUDIO ENGINEERS: Developed in collaboration with world-renowned mastering audio engineers, these headphones deliver unparalleled sound clarity and precision. A specially designed driver with a lightweight carbon fiber dome delivers high fidelity sound, where rich vocals and every instrument remains pure and balanced. Optimized for advanced noise cancellation, the WH-1000XM6 headphones keep every frequency crisp and true to the artist’s intent.
- HD NOISE CANCELING PROCESSOR QN3: The HD Noise Canceling Processor QN3 is 7x faster than the QN1 (found in our WH-1000XM5 headphones), optimizing 12 microphones in real time for superior noise cancellation, sound quality, and call clarity. With more microphones than ever, we can precisely detect external noise and counteracts it with opposite soundwaves, delivering a new level of noise cancellation.
- ULTRA-CLEAR CALLS, FROM ANYWHERE: A six-microphone AI-based beamforming system, intelligent noise reduction technology, and wind-resistant design, work together to isolate your voice, filter out background noise, and ensure every word comes through crisp and clear—even in the busiest environments.
- COMPACT CARRYING CASE & FOLDABLE DESIGN: Crafted for durability and style, the foldable design features precision metalwork and a compact case with a magnetic closure—ready to go wherever you do.
Turn the touch panel off or back on
In Sony | Sound Connect, switch the touch sensor control panel off to disable touch gestures; use the same app setting to turn it back on. Connect the headphones to the app over Bluetooth to access its documented controls.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- NEW SANDSTONE COLOR: Neutral never sounded so good. Meet the new Sony WH-1000XM6 Headphones, now in Sandstone. Our new Sandstone colorway is a sophisticated neutral that feels modern, versatile, and effortlessly stylish for any moment.
- THE BEST NOISE CANCELLATION: Powered by advanced processors and an adaptive microphone system, the WH-1000XM6 headphones deliver real-time noise cancellation for an immersive, distraction-free listening experience.
- CO-CREATED WITH MASTERING AUDIO ENGINEERS: Developed in collaboration with world-renowned mastering audio engineers, these headphones deliver unparalleled sound clarity and precision. A specially designed driver with a lightweight carbon fiber dome delivers high fidelity sound, where rich vocals and every instrument remains pure and balanced. Optimized for advanced noise cancellation, the WH-1000XM6 headphones keep every frequency crisp and true to the artist’s intent.
- HD NOISE CANCELING PROCESSOR QN3: The HD Noise Canceling Processor QN3 is 7x faster than the QN1 (found in our WH-1000XM5 headphones), optimizing 12 microphones in real time for superior noise cancellation, sound quality, and call clarity. With more microphones than ever, we can precisely detect external noise and counteracts it with opposite soundwaves, delivering a new level of noise cancellation.
- ULTRA-CLEAR CALLS, FROM ANYWHERE: A six-microphone AI-based beamforming system, intelligent noise reduction technology, and wind-resistant design, work together to isolate your voice, filter out background noise, and ensure every word comes through crisp and clear—even in the busiest environments.
Rank #4
- PREMIUM NOISE CANCELLATION: Two processors control 8 microphones for unprecedented noise cancellation. With Auto NC Optimizer, noise canceling is automatically optimized based on your wearing conditions and environment.
- MAGNIFICENT SOUND: Engineered to perfection with the new Integrated Processor V1.
- CRYSTAL CLEAR HANDS-FREE CALLING: 4 beamforming microphones, precise voice pickup, and advanced audio signal processing.
- LONG BATTERY LIFE: Up to 30-hour battery life with quick charging (3 min charge for 3 hours of playback).
- ULTRA-COMFORTABLE: Lightweight design with soft fit leather.
Rank #3
- PREMIUM NOISE CANCELLATION: Two processors control 8 microphones for unprecedented noise cancellation. With Auto NC Optimizer, noise canceling is automatically optimized based on your wearing conditions and environment.
- MAGNIFICENT SOUND: Engineered to perfection with the new Integrated Processor V1.
- CRYSTAL CLEAR HANDS-FREE CALLING: 4 beamforming microphones, precise voice pickup, and advanced audio signal processing.
- LONG BATTERY LIFE: Up to 30-hour battery life with quick charging (3 min charge for 3 hours of playback).
- ULTRA-COMFORTABLE: Lightweight design with soft fit leather.
Safety and sound-quality cautions
- Ambient Sound Mode does not guarantee that you will hear outside sounds. Do not rely on it where missing traffic or other hazards could be dangerous, including roads with cars or bicycles.
- Wind can become more noticeable in Ambient Sound Mode. Lower the ambient volume in Sony | Sound Connect; if wind noise remains significant, turn Ambient Sound Mode off.
- Wear the headphones correctly. Touching the external noise-canceling microphones with fingers or hair while Ambient Sound Mode is on may cause a loud sound.
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