You press that left button, the mode changes, but nothing happens in your ears. Silence, transparency, normal — everything sounds like you're listening to the same world in the same way. You start to suspect you bought expensive Bluetooth buds with nothing extra.
Relax. The problem is almost always fixable, and there's probably nothing wrong with your earbuds.
First and foremost: update the firmware
The first production batches of NL25 had a firmware version where the ANC modes simply didn't work properly. The mode would change in name, but in practice nothing happened. The classic 'it's a feature, not a bug' situation — except this really was a bug.
Valco has since fixed the issue with a firmware update. Update it like this:
- Download Valco app to your phone (iOS or Android)
- Connect NL25 to your phone via Bluetooth
- Open the app and let it find the earbuds
- If an update is available, the app will tell you — install it
- Do not disconnect the earbuds during the update, even if it takes a moment
- After the update, the earbuds will restart
After this, try switching modes again. The difference should now be clearly audible.
Check the tips — they make all the difference
ANC only works if the earbud seals the ear canal properly. If there's even a small gap between the tip and your ear, noise cancellation loses almost all of its effectiveness. In that case the modes don't matter, because environmental sound leaks in mechanically.
Here's how to find the right tip:
- Try every included tip size — both silicone and memory foam tips
- The right tip feels like it creates a slight vacuum in your ear. When you press the bud into your ear, the outside world gets quieter even before you start the music
- With memory foam tips, first squeeze them small between your fingers, insert them into your ear, and let them expand. They usually seal better
- If no size seems to fit, try different sizes for different ears — ear canals are rarely symmetrical
A good test: put the buds in your ears without music and switch ANC on. If the seal is right, you'll hear a clear difference in background noise. In particular, steady hum (air conditioning, a computer fan, an airplane) will quiet down considerably.
What to expect from ANC
ANC doesn't create a sound vacuum. It effectively removes low and steady noises: airplane drone, bus rumble, office hiss. High and sudden sounds — speech, kids screaming, clinking dishes — it only reduces partially. For that you need music to help.
If you compare to Sony or Apple's flagship models, their ANC is more aggressive. We win on sound quality, not on ANC strength. In the spirit of honesty.
If nothing helps
Firmware updated, tips all tried, and the modes still sound identical? Then something is really wrong. Send us a message at info@valco.fi — include your order number and what you've already tried. We'll sort it out.
The headphones are made to be repairable, so even if it's a hardware fault, it'll be taken care of. No one throws anything away.
