VMK15's noise cancelling is as simple as it gets: one button, two states. No transparency mode, no adjustment levels and no app settings for ANC. On or off. Firmware updates are handled with the Valco Updater app. This article covers how it works, what to expect from it, and what to do if the dampening seems to have vanished.
How ANC works on VMK15
- Press the ANC button (left earcup): a green light inside the earcup lights up. ANC is on.
- Press it again: the light goes off. ANC is off.
That's it. ANC also works without a Bluetooth connection or music playing, so you can use it purely as a hush button on the train.
What to actually expect from ANC
ANC works best against low, steady sounds: engine hum, air conditioning, bus rumble. Speech and sudden noises only get partially dampened, that's where music comes in as ANC's sidekick.
And since the VMK15 is an on-ear model (pads sit on your ears, not around them), its passive isolation is lighter than its bigger siblings. Good fit matters even more here: adjust the headband so the pads press against your ears snugly but comfortably.
"ANC isn't working": check these first
- Is the green light on? If not, ANC isn't active. The button needs a firm press.
- Is there actually anything to dampen? In a quiet room you won't notice the difference. Test it near a fan, traffic, or air conditioning.
- Are the headphones sitting right? If there's a gap between the pad and your ear, sound leaks in and ANC can't keep up. Try adjusting the headband.
- Is there any battery left? ANC drains power, and a near-empty battery can knock it out of the game. Charge up and try again.
- Wind isn't a fault: ANC microphones don't love gusts. Strong wind comes through as noise, so it's worth switching ANC off for a bit in that case.
One thing worth remembering
Check the light before you put the headphones away: ANC doesn't turn off by itself, it stays on until you press the button. Leaving ANC on by accident is the most common reason your battery is lower in the morning than you remember.
If the dampening is genuinely gone
If the green light is on, the fit is good, and background hum is still hitting your ears at full volume, it might be a microphone or electronics issue. Send a message to info@valco.fi and include your order number and what you've already tried. Warranty is 24 months, and even after that repair is a fixed 69 euros. The repair comes with an extra year of warranty.
